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2 Weeks in Europe – 10 Excellent Trip Itineraries

Last Modified: January 31, 2024 //  by  Anda //   106 Comments

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

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

Table of Contents

How to Plan a Perfect Europe Trip Itinerary

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

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

How to Plan a 2 Weeks Trip to Europe

• Tips for Spending 2 Weeks in Europe 

A Final Note

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

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

Best Western Europe Trip 2-Week Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Europe 2 Weeks Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

 • Berlin, Dresden and Wroclaw      

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

• Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano and Milan        

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

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

READ NEXT : 10 Days in Switzerland Itinerary by Scenic Trains

Northern Europe 2 Weeks Itinerary

• oslo, stockholm, copenhagen        .

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

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

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

  • Riga , Tallin, and Vilnius       

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

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

South-Eastern Europe – 2 Weeks Trip Itineraries

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

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

• Athens, Istanbul, Bucharest          

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

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

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

 • Ljubljana , Split , Dubrivnik, Kotor      

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

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

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

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

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

 • Keep your travel plans simple      

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

 • Start with the most popular cities   

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

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

• Choose to visit places that are close to each other   

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

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

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

• Book an open-jaw ticket     

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

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

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

Tips for Spending 2 Weeks in Europe  

• book accommodations in the city center      .

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

• Use Hotel Alternatives

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

• Don’t exchange money in the airport   

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

   • Consider using public transportation

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

 • Travel by train, or use budget airlines  

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

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

   • Dress comfortably

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

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

   • Travel off season  

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

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

• Get acquainted with the European lifestyle

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

READ NEXT : 15 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe

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

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

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

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

Reader Interactions

Vipin Singh

January 13, 2024 at 6:56 am

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

January 16, 2024 at 2:24 pm

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

Chetan Sahu

October 7, 2023 at 5:59 am

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

Chandra Bdr Gurung

July 6, 2023 at 11:43 pm

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

Ana Delos Santos

April 28, 2023 at 10:55 am

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

April 28, 2023 at 11:58 am

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

basil swamy

March 22, 2023 at 11:36 am

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

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

March 22, 2023 at 7:16 pm

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

July 13, 2022 at 2:52 pm

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

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

July 13, 2022 at 6:16 pm

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

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

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

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

July 6, 2021 at 11:40 am

Hi there Anda!

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

July 6, 2021 at 1:24 pm

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

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

March 1, 2021 at 10:40 am

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

March 1, 2021 at 7:38 pm

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

January 27, 2021 at 3:03 am

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

January 28, 2021 at 2:05 pm

Thanks, Marielle.

I love Croatia

January 9, 2021 at 6:09 am

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

January 9, 2021 at 10:51 am

Thanks, Karlo.

October 22, 2020 at 8:00 am

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

October 22, 2020 at 4:59 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 18, 2020 at 11:25 am

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

October 19, 2020 at 4:47 pm

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

RAJEEV JAIN

October 6, 2020 at 10:14 pm

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

October 7, 2020 at 4:23 pm

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

Mitos Soria

February 13, 2020 at 6:19 am

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

February 13, 2020 at 11:09 am

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

SHYAMSUNDER GAIKWAD

February 2, 2020 at 3:29 pm

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

February 2, 2020 at 3:30 pm

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

January 27, 2020 at 1:23 pm

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

Anda Galffy

January 27, 2020 at 1:28 pm

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

January 27, 2020 at 1:22 pm

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

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

January 18, 2020 at 10:37 pm

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

January 19, 2020 at 12:01 am

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

cybele ryan

January 23, 2020 at 3:35 pm

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

January 23, 2020 at 5:52 pm

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

December 31, 2019 at 4:44 am

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

December 31, 2019 at 3:39 pm

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

December 28, 2019 at 6:04 am

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

December 28, 2019 at 9:15 am

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

December 28, 2019 at 7:44 pm

Thank you Anda

December 26, 2019 at 10:30 am

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

December 18, 2019 at 12:59 pm

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

December 18, 2019 at 7:27 pm

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

November 14, 2019 at 4:16 pm

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

November 14, 2019 at 5:09 pm

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

November 5, 2019 at 6:20 pm

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

November 5, 2019 at 9:30 pm

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

September 14, 2019 at 4:10 am

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

September 14, 2019 at 2:10 pm

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

April 21, 2019 at 6:25 am

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

April 21, 2019 at 9:31 am

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

April 9, 2019 at 8:56 am

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

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

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

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

April 9, 2019 at 10:15 am

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

April 7, 2019 at 11:25 am

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

April 7, 2019 at 8:54 pm

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

April 6, 2019 at 3:28 pm

Hello Anda,

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

April 7, 2019 at 9:01 pm

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

March 31, 2019 at 7:45 am

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

April 1, 2019 at 1:00 pm

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

February 26, 2019 at 9:36 am

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

February 26, 2019 at 4:56 pm

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

January 31, 2019 at 9:46 pm

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

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

Many Thanks ! Parul

January 31, 2019 at 10:20 pm

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

Vaibhav Jain

February 2, 2019 at 10:21 am

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

February 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm

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

October 1, 2018 at 10:41 am

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Michael

October 3, 2018 at 10:24 am

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

Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)

July 27, 2018 at 4:36 pm

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

Jennifer Melroy

July 27, 2018 at 2:38 pm

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

Suruchi Mittal

July 24, 2018 at 10:36 am

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

Cynthia | Adventuring Woman

July 23, 2018 at 5:12 am

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

July 22, 2018 at 12:27 am

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

July 22, 2018 at 10:58 am

One visit to Europe is never enough, Dabik.

July 21, 2018 at 11:55 pm

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

July 22, 2018 at 11:00 am

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

Christina Pfeiffer

July 21, 2018 at 11:09 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 11:35 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 9:35 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:19 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 9:13 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:18 pm

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

Jill Chapman

July 21, 2018 at 7:40 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 8:05 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 5:31 am

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

July 21, 2018 at 8:06 pm

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

Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

July 21, 2018 at 4:09 am

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:00 pm

So true, Lyn.

July 21, 2018 at 12:45 am

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:01 pm

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

July 20, 2018 at 6:27 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:05 pm

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

July 20, 2018 at 5:02 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:06 pm

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

July 20, 2018 at 4:17 pm

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

Tomas Novak

July 20, 2018 at 1:31 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:12 pm

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

California Globetrotter

July 20, 2018 at 1:11 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:13 pm

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

Rhonda Albom

July 20, 2018 at 12:51 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:17 pm

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

Priscilla Willis

July 20, 2018 at 6:23 am

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

July 20, 2018 at 9:52 am

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

July 20, 2018 at 9:53 am

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

March 28, 2020 at 11:11 pm

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

March 28, 2020 at 11:41 pm

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

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

2 Weeks in Europe – The Perfect Europe Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Week Europe Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Days 1 – 3: London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in London

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to Paris from London

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

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

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

Days 4 – 6: Paris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Paris

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

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

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

How to get from Paris to Barcelona

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

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

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

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

Days 7- 9: Barcelona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Barcelona

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

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

How to Get from Barcelona to Venice

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

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

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

Check times and book your flights here .

Days 10 – 11: Venice

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

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

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

Anyway, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Venice

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

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

How to Get from Venice to Rome

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

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

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

Days 12 – 14: Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Rome

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

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

2 Week Europe Itinerary Map

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

2 Week Europe Itinerary Summary:

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

How to Get Around Europe

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

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

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

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

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

When to Visit Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practical Advice for Travelling in Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drinking Water

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

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

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

Walking Tours in Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saving Money in Europe

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

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

Use City Passes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book accommodation and transportation in advance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Invest in a Guidebook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use Public Transport Effectively

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find restaurant deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further Reading for your Trip to Europe

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

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

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

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

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There are 30 comments on this post

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Kirsten says

1st April 2023 at 1:43 am

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

Laurence Norah says

2nd April 2023 at 10:33 pm

Hi Kirsten!

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

Safe travels!

Laurence & Jessica

12th February 2023 at 3:08 pm

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

12th February 2023 at 4:18 pm

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

6th February 2023 at 12:20 am

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

9th February 2023 at 8:15 am

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

Have a great trip to Europe!

19th January 2023 at 4:05 pm

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

23rd January 2023 at 2:17 pm

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

2nd July 2022 at 3:39 am

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

2nd July 2022 at 10:58 am

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

alex47_in_downtown says

8th February 2022 at 2:16 pm

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

10th February 2022 at 12:11 pm

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

Ashley Salgado says

8th October 2022 at 7:19 pm

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

8th October 2022 at 11:23 pm

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

Have a great time in Europe!

Michelle says

2nd November 2021 at 1:49 am

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

2nd November 2021 at 11:06 am

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

Penny Hampton says

2nd January 2021 at 2:42 pm

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

2nd January 2021 at 2:46 pm

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

20th February 2020 at 4:03 am

Hi Lawrence and Jessica,

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

20th February 2020 at 12:43 pm

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

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

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

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

12th February 2020 at 4:36 pm

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

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

12th February 2020 at 5:38 pm

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

10th December 2019 at 4:46 pm

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

10th December 2019 at 4:58 pm

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

19th November 2019 at 4:03 pm

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

20th November 2019 at 3:06 pm

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

I hope this helps a bit!

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

Natasha says

4th October 2019 at 1:19 pm

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

4th October 2019 at 7:40 pm

Hi Natasha,

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

Thanks again for taking the time to comment!

14th September 2019 at 4:57 pm

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

14th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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11 EPIC 2-Week Europe Itinerary Options [2024 UPDATE]

Trying to plan a 2-week Europe itinerary but don’t know where to start? This complete Europe travel guide will help you figure out which region in Europe is best for you and which itinerary would best suit your travel preferences!

Europe tops the list of leading destinations for travelers across the globe with its pristine, Mediterranean beaches, medieval history, sumptuous cuisine, and picturesque landscapes. But, with so many countries and options to choose from, finding a 2-week itinerary to suit your needs can be daunting!

With over a dozen European countries under my belt and years of personal traveling experience, I have created the best itineraries to suit every traveler. From the beachbums to the hikers, and the history buffs to the nature enthusiasts, there is a European itinerary for everyone!

Here is my list of the best itineraries across the continent, each containing the top activities of the region. I’ve also included tons of useful information on how to plan your trip, how to select the countries you should visit, and more!

Happy Travels!

11 Incredible 2-Week Europe Itinerary Options

Whether you want to visit Central, Western, or Northern Europe, we have a special itinerary for every travel style and budget!

✈️ Now, before you set out your door en route to the airport, be sure to check out these Essential Tips for Traveling to Europe for the First Time ! Even if it’s not your first trip to the continent, you’re likely to find some helpful tips for your next go-around.

✈️1. London & Paris: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

This combination makes for a fantastic Eastern Europe itinerary! With so much to see and do in both, you’ll want at least a few days in each to explore the nooks and crannies of these gorgeous cities.

This trip can be shortened to fit within one week, but keep in mind these are two of the largest cities in Europe.

They have a lot of incredible sites and activities to offer that you won’t want to miss out on, not to mention you’ll need some time to sit back and enjoy a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) and a freshly baked croissant!

Day 1 : Arrive in London Day 2 : Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye Day 3 : Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard Day 4 : Walking Tour of the City Day 5 : Harry Potter tour Day 6 : Train to Paris: Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe Day 7 : Les Champs-Élysées and the Notre Dame Day 8 : Museums: Orsay and Louvre Day 9 : Explore some neighborhoods: Montmartre and Le Marais Day 10 : Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles Day 11 : Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens Day 12 : Get lost in the Latin Quarter Day 13 : Paris Catacombs and catch a show at Le Moulin Rouge Day 14 : Return home

With 20 arrondissements in Paris and over 600 square miles in London, it’s safe to say the possibilities are endless when designing a trip to these cities. But, you really can’t go wrong!

Each day can be customized to fit your goals. Looking to relax by the Seine and have a picnic? Do it. Not really into shopping? Skip the Champs-Élysées and spend time listening to the singing bells of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

In London, opt to check out the local art scene and make your way through its numerous museums.

Looking for a day trip from London? Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge are most popular for visitors looking to escape the chaos of the city for a day, and with their incredible cultural heritage and stunning architecture, there’s no wondering why.

London and Paris offer fantastic opportunities to immerse yourself in Europe while avoiding complex itineraries and long-haul journies between destinations. Pair them together for a classic 2 week Europe trip full of beauty, romance, and charm.

Related Articles on Paris

✔️ Why Visit Paris? 25 Reasons to Visit Paris, France ✔️ Is Paris Safe? A Full Guide on Safety in Paris ✔️ Souvenirs from France: 45 Unique French Souvenirs ✔️ Best Time to Visit Paris: 7 Things to Consider ✔️ 27 Incredible Day Trips from Paris ✔️ 17 Beautiful Beaches Near Paris ✔️ 27+ Magical Things To Do in Paris at Night ✔️ Wine Tours in France: 15 Top-Rated French Wine Tours

✈️2. Amsterdam, Bruges & Luxembourg City: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Medieval architecture, sweeping canals, and charming squares await in these three cities seemingly based on a storybook. Evidently frozen in time, the magic of these cities can be felt by even the most jaded of travelers, and surely won’t disappoint your inner child!

Stroll the windy, cobblestoned alleyways and take a boat ride through the web of canals in Amsterdam and Bruges, but find yourself watching the changing of the guard and getting lost in the Casemates du Bock of Luxembourg City.

These cities offer everything from traditional design to modern cafés and boutiques and represent the epitome of European travel.

Day 1 : Arrive in Amsterdam Day 2 : Bloemenmarkt & Canal Boat Ride Day 3 : Red Light District (if it’s your style) & Jordaan neighborhoods Day 4 : Van Gogh Museum & Anne Frank House Day 5 : Day Trip to Zaanse Schans Day 6 : Optional Day in Brussels & train to Bruges Day 7 : Train to Bruges Day 8 : Canal Boat Ride & Belfry of Bruges Day 9 : Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) & Market Square Day 10 : Train to Luxembourg City Day 11 : Casemates du Bock & the Grund Day 12 : Walking tour of the Old Town Day 13 : Day Trip to the Mullerthal Trail Day 14 : Return home

Now, you’re probably wondering why I’ve chosen Bruges over Brussels… and the answer is simple. I’m all about getting out of the basic tourist spots (Bruges is still very touristy, but has far more medieval character and beauty to it), and going beyond the first train stop in a new country.

Yes, while traveling from Amsterdam to Bruges, you will most likely be stopping in Brussels. I’m not going to tell you not to get off the train, but I will say that when debating between Bruges vs Brussels , I can honestly say that most people choose Bruges over Brussels.

My best suggestion is to add a day to your trip so you have time to explore both.

Luxembourg City may be small, but it certainly packs a punch. Often overlooked by travelers, it is a true gem that has so much to explore.

Have some extra time? Head up north to the Mullerthal Region of Luxembourg where you’ll find dreamy, moss-covered forests scattered with graceful waterfalls and filled with tall trees (it reminds me of the forests depicted in The Hobbit films!)

These cities have so much to offer and this is one of my personal favorite European itineraries on this list… just remember to bring a camera and good walking shoes.

Related Articles

✔️ One Day in Bruges: The Ultimate Bruges Itinerary ✔️ One Day in Ghent: The Ultimate Ghent Day Trip ✔️ One Day in Brussels: A Brussels Itinerary for First Time Visitors ✔️ The Perfect 3 Days in Belgium Itinerary ✔️ 17 Authentic Souvenirs from Belgium to Bring Home ✔️ Paris or Amsterdam: A Complete Comparison ✔️ Barcelona vs Lisbon: The Ultimate City Comparison ✔️ The Perfect Day Trip to Luxembourg from Brussels ✔️ Amsterdam in Spring: Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam ✔️ 2 Days in Amsterdam: The Ultimate Amsterdam Itinerary ✔️ 25 Authentic Souvenirs from Amsterdam To Bring Home ✔️ One Day in Amsterdam: Full Guide & Best Things To Do and See

✈️3. Chamonix, Courmayeur & The Matterhorn (Zermatt): 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Fellow hikers and adventure seekers, this is the trip for you! Surrounded by the breathtaking Mont Blanc Range and the various snow-capped peaks of the Alps, there is no end in sight to hiking trails of all difficulty levels and spectacular landscapes worthy of a thousand photos.

Even if you aren’t someone who enjoys a good hike, there are plenty of options to take cable cars up these majestic mountain ranges to enjoy the stunning scenery. Trust me, your pictures won’t do your experience justice.

Coming from someone who jumped off the Mont Blanc Range (with a paraglide strapped to me!), the sights are truly unparalleled, and you won’t believe you ever even debated the option of skipping it.

So, here is my best 2-week Europe itinerary for exploring this region to the fullest, just be sure to bring a jacket (yes, even in summer) if you plan on making your way up to the top of these mountains!

Day 1 : Arrive in Chamonix, France Day 2 : The Montenvers Train to Restaurant le Panoramique Day 3 : Aiguille du Midi Cable Car Day 4 : Adventure Activities (Hiking, Paragliding, or Snow Sports) Day 5 : Explore th e c harming Alps town Day 6 : Train to Courmayeur Day 7 : Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car Day 8 : Explore the quaint villages of the Aosta Valley (Dolonne, La Saxe, Entrèves and Villair) Day 9 : White Water Rafting Day 10 : Train to Zermatt Day 11 : The Gornergrat Railway (Europe’s highest mountain railroad) Day 12 : The Matterhorn (learn about it here ) Day 13 : Ski Day Day 14 : Return home

Chamonix , Courmayeur, and Zermatt not only provide stunning scenery at altitude but also at the ground level in the center of lovely villages and neighborhoods. Nestled between sections of the magnificent Alps, these towns provide a cozy, small-town feel you don’t get in other places in Europe.

Being encircled by the striking mountains is both awe-inspiring and rejuvenating and should be experienced by travelers of all types! Do yourself a favor, and head to the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps on your next European getaway.

✈️ When it comes to bucket list experiences, Chamonix often tops the list for Europe. If it’s already caught your eye, be sure to check out this Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 101 Experiences to Have in Europe as well!

✈️4. Barcelona & The French Riviera: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

As one of my personal favorite destinations in all of Europe, Barcelona is a true gem. Boasting sweeping coastlines and a vibrant art scene, it can easily be combined with the nearby French Riviera for the ultimate beach vacation.

If this magical city is high on your European bucket list, be sure to check out my list of the Best Things To Do in Barcelona at Night !

Combined with the magic of the French Riviera, beachbums will have their fill of endless crystal clear waters, and soft, white-sand beaches to get between their toes!

This is the ultimate vacation for those looking to relax and unwind in the Mediterranean with a little European flair.

Day 1 : Arrive in Barcelona Day 2 : Antoni Gaudi’s Park Güell and Walking Tour Day 3 : Beach day Day 4 : Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, El Born, Gràcia, and El Raval Day 5 : Train to Dramont Day 6 : Beach day in Dramont & stroll the Old Town Day 7 : Day trip to one of the Cote d’Azur islands Day 8 : Beach day in Nice & explore the Promenade des Anglais Day 9 : Day Trip to Cannes and walk the Boulevard de la Croisette Day 10 : Optional beach day or hiking day Day 11 : Day Trip to Antibes Day 12 : Day Trip to Monaco Municipality Day 13 : Optional beach day or hiking day Day 14 : Return home

With some of the best beaches in not only Europe but the world, the French Riviera should not be overlooked by anyone, regardless if you are someone who could spend 10 hours or barely last 10 minutes on a beach.

The panoramic scenery is simply breathtaking and the region boasts exciting activities, too.

Windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling are just a few activities visitors can enjoy during their stay. Not to mention the coveted secret gems tucked between rock formations all around the region that are filled with clear waters, tropical fish, and few tourists.

While Barcelona and the French Riviera are situated an approximately 9-hour train ride from each other with line switches, your efforts will be well rewarded.

Aim to set aside a minimum of 10 days for this trip, but preferably 2 weeks to ensure you have ample time to rejuvenate on the warm, Mediterranean beaches without feeling rushed.

✈️5. The Best of Italy: 2 Week Europe Itinerary by Train

Italy is one of the most popular destinations on any 2 week Europe trip and for good reason! With everything from its fresh cuisine, Mediterranean beaches, cliffside villages, snowy mountains, and historical cities there’s something for everyone.

While it’s easy to spend a month in Italy and not go down the same street twice, not everyone has that kind of time (but if you do… go for it!)

This itinerary is designed for slightly longer than 2 weeks because less time won’t allow you to see all the major sites as well as relax and enjoy your time on the beaches and really explore the towns.

Of course, you can always cut some sites and activities out, but be sure to choose wisely. This is my best Italian itinerary for those looking to get lost in the birthplace of their family’s heritage, or simply live like a local and eat delicious food. Mangia!

Day 1 : Arrive in Milan Day 2 : Duomo di Milano Cathedral & strolling the streets Day 3 : Train to Venice & boat ride along the Grand Canal Day 4 : St. Mark’s Square & The Bridge of Sighs & Rialto Bridge Day 5 : Train to Cinque Terre Day 6 : Roam the fishing village & Cinque Terre hike Day 7 : Beach day Day 8 : Train to Florence & Climb the Steps to Duomo overlooking the city Day 9 : Giotto’s Campanile & Palazzo Vecchio & Museums Day 10 : Train to Rome & the Colosseum (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) Day 11 : Train to Naples for the best pizza in Italy Day 12 : Rent a boat or take a day tour to Capri Day 13 : Train to Positano (Amalfi Coast) & explore the city Day 14 : Positano Beach Day 15 : Train to Bari & explore the old town Day 16 : Train back to Rome & return home

Italy often receives high recognition for one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and it definitely deserves it. There truly is something for everyone and with their convenient train system, there’s no end to the itinerary possibilities.

✔️ Pro Tip: Keep in mind that the trains can change sporadically so be sure to arrive early to ensure you’re at the right departure gate!

✈️6. Iceland’s Ring Road : 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Iceland’s infamous Ring Road is well known for its awe-inspiring sites and magical landscapes. To really discover the best this loop has to offer, opt to rent a car and drive at your own pace. This way, you’ll be able to allow yourself ample time at each stop and not be on a tour bus’ schedule.

Renting a car and planning a road trip can have its fair share of frustrations, so if you would enjoy some assistance with your bookings, transfers, and ensuring you’re going to see the best the area has to offer, check out Nordic Visitor’s Self Drive Tours !

They have local travel experts handpick your accommodations, offer free transportation from the airport, set up your Enterprise car rental, and create a comprehensive itinerary designed specifically for you.

While you can technically complete Iceland’s Ring Road in about 7-10 days, we suggest spending 2 full weeks. This will not only allow you to take your time in each place, but it will also increase your chances of spotting wildlife and the northern lights!

Day 1 : Arrive in Iceland & Blue Lagoon Day 2 : Snaefellsnes Peninsula and National Park Day 3 : Snaefellsnes Peninsula and National Park Day 4 : Goðafoss Waterfall in Northern Iceland Day 5 : Whale Watching in Húsavík Day 6 : Ásbyrgi Canyon Hike Day 7 : Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls & Lake Myvatn Day 8 : Eastern Iceland Fjords and Fishing Villages Day 9 : Explore the local Fishing Villages Day 10 : Skógafoss, Fjaðrárgljúfur, and the Black Waterfall Day 11 : First Half of the G olden Circle Day 12 : Second Half of the G olden Circle Day 13 : Day Trip to Vik Day 14 : Reykjavík & Return Home

For optimal time in each major site on this itinerary, I highly recommend setting aside at least 12 days to complete this trip. It can be done in 7 days, but you’ll have less time at each location, and may end up feeling rushed or missing out on some exciting opportunities Iceland has to offer!

This trip can also be done in either direction: clockwise or counterclockwise. But, if you’re someone who likes to leave the best parts of a trip until the end, I suggest starting in Reykjavík and heading clockwise around the loop (how it is laid out above).

This saves some of the most beautiful parts of the country for last which can be a great way to end your Icelandic vacation.

Both a popular tourist destination and secluded island, Iceland makes for a magical 2 week Europe itinerary with its countless, giant waterfalls, black sand beaches, striking mountains, and windswept coastlines.

Be sure to pack warm layers no matter what season you plan on traveling and always, always, always pack a bathing suit… there are dozens of gorgeous hot springs all over the island!

✔️ Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting in winter, be sure to rent a vehicle with high-quality snow tires and chains. Service can be limited and food and gas stops can be few and far between. Ensure your vehicle comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and always carry extra blankets, food, and water in the vehicle. To figure out how to budget for a trip to Iceland, check out this guide: Is Iceland Expensive? The Ultimate 2024 Breakdown

✈️7. Oslo, Stockholm & Copenhagen: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

These cities are some of the most vibrant (both culturally and literally) in all of Europe! Walk the colorful streets along Nyhavn harbor in Copenhagen , swim in the Baltic Sea surrounding Stockholm, or take in the picturesque scenery from the Bygdøy Peninsula in Oslo.

Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are a part of the Schengen Area of Europe which signifies a zone of countries involved in the protection of freedom of movement of people and have similar laws regarding external borders and fair judicial systems.

These countries boast a high quality of life and low criminal ratings, making them fantastic destinations for everyone! You can expect to meet friendly, hospitable people, and experience a relaxed, positive vibe while exploring the region.

For families traveling with kids to older couples and everyone in between, Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen make for the perfect 2 weeks Europe itinerary!

Day 1 : Arrive in Oslo Day 2 : Explore the City Day 3 : Bygdøy Peninsula & Museums Day 4 : Akershus Fortress & the Royal Palace & Mathallen Food Hall Day 5 : Oslo Fjords Tours Day 6 : Fly (or take a train) to Stockholm & Gamla Stan Old Town Day 7 : Explore the City Day 8 : Swim in the Baltic Sea & Canal Boat Tour on the Royal Canals Day 9 : Day trip to Ørland Day 10 : Fly (or take a train) to Copenhagen Day 11 : Strøget & The Old City Day 12 : Nyhavn Harbor Day 13 : Rosenborg Castle & Christiansborg Palace Day 14 : Return Home

Oslo sits in a network of fjords, all offering incredible views of the surrounding landscapes and dramatic vistas, so it would be silly not to take advantage of a boat ride through these fjords for a spectacular vantage point.

Bookings can be made through the highly rated company, Fjord Tours , several months in advance here !

As for Stockholm, be prepared to witness extremely fine, white sand beaches and picturesque harbors throughout your stay. Some of my family’s heritage goes back to the municipality of Ørland , an island connected by a striking bridge with beautiful gardens, stunning beaches, and unique history.

Easily reached in under 2 hours by car, this island makes for a great day trip away from the more touristy city of Stockholm.

If you love to travel or often seek out those quintessential European towns, there’s a good chance you have seen at least a picture of the famous Nyhavn Harbor in Copenhagen.

Lined with colorful, cookie-cutter buildings and elegant schooners, this town is one of the most sought after in all of Europe. Be sure to stroll the harbor at night for the ultimate romantic experience!

✈️ Planning this trip for your honeymoon? Be sure to check out these 9 Incredible European Honeymoon Itinerary Options for 1 Week, 2 Weeks, + 1 Month !

✈️8. Munich, Prague, & Vienna: 15 Days Europe Tour Itinerary

These popular tourist destinations are well known across Central Europe for their lovely squares, medieval architecture, and pedestrian-only cobblestoned streets. But, that’s not all!

Full of traditional European charm and romantic ambiance, there’s no wonder why this is one of the most popular European itineraries among tourists.

For the ultimate experience, I highly recommend traveling during the off-season in September, during Germany’s world-renowned Oktoberfest festival. Traditional German activities combine with endless food and brews, authentic lederhosens, and dancing!

You will also get to experience lower accommodation and flight costs ( bonus! ) during this time of year.

Head to Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria to immerse yourself in the classic charm of old-world Europe while diving deep into the contemporary lifestyles of modern Europeans.

Day 1 : Arrive in Munich Day 2 : Marienplatz Square Day 3 : Oktoberfest (if visiting in September, highly recommended!) Day 4 : Day Trip to Nymphenburg Palace Day 5 : Train to Prague Day 6 : Wenceslas Square & Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock Day 7 : Charles Bridge & The Lesser Town & Prague Castle Day 8 : Lennon Wall and St. Vitus Cathedral Day 9 : Train to Vienna Day 10 : The Hofburg & Belvedere Palace Day 11 : Catch a Showing at the Vienna State Opera House Day 12 : Day Trip to Schönbrunn Palace Day 13 : Hundertwasser House, Austrian Gallery Belvedere, and Austrian National Library Day 14 : Travel west to Salzburg Day 15 : Return home

For the most convenient method of travel among these countries, I highly suggest using the Eurail . With frequent trains between dozens of European cities daily, there’s no stressing about how to get from one destination to the next, but just be sure to book your train tickets as soon as they become available. This typically occurs between 60-120 days prior to your travel dates.

Munich , Prague , and Vienna are also extremely walkable, leaving no reason to rent a car.

Have more time for travel? Consider tacking on other popular destinations including České Budějovice in the Czech Republic and Salzburg in Austria (home to famous composer Wolfgang Mozart).

If you’re a fan of sophisticated music and shows, be sure to get tickets to a play at the Vienna State Opera House… one of the most paramount opera houses in the entire world!

✈️9. Athens & The Greek Islands: Europe Itinerary 3 Weeks

There is so much more to Greece than just delicious feta cheese (yes, it is incredible) and beautiful sunsets. Think whitewashed villages painted with deep blue rooftops, rugged coastlines, white and black sand beaches, and marvelous ancient ruins.

Also, the entirety of the islands are covered in vibrant, blooming wildflowers adding supreme brightness to the country. So, if you have time for a 21 days in Europe itinerary, you won’t regret spending it in Greece!

Even if you aren’t a beachbum, this itinerary has something for everyone. Are half-day hiking treks more your style? Check out Mount Ida on the island of Crete or Mount Zeus on Naxos (supposedly Zeus’ birthplace) for sensational views of the rugged coastlines and crystal clear, blue waters of the Meditteranean.

In Greece, you can also expect to find incredible cuisine boasting fresh, local ingredients grown on the islands. Fish, grilled meats, olives, taramasalata, and other dips are highly popular among both locals and visitors.

If you aren’t really interested in most of these foods, don’t fret, they also have some options more geared for tourists.

Ferries frequent between islands all over Greece, so be sure to check out some of the other islands available on your route, and if you have time, spend a day there!

Each island is unique in both design, scenery, and activities, so be sure to do a little bit of research if the islands I have mentioned below don’t seem to excite you. But, to be honest, I truly believe anyone could enjoy themselves on this Greece itinerary!

This Europe itinerary has been created for 3 weeks since we believe that is how long you’ll need to get a really good feel for each island’s unique characteristics. If you only have 2 weeks, simply remove a couple of the islands that are on the itinerary below.

Day 1 : Arrive in Athens Day 2 : The Parthenon & The Acropolis Day 3 : Ferry to Mykonos Day 4 : Delos Ancient Greek Ruins & Little Venice Day 5 : Beach Day (highly recommend Ftelia Beach & Elia Beach) Day 6 : Ferry to Naxos Day 7 : Apollo Temple & The Old Town Day 8 : Beach Day (highly recommend Plaka Beach & Mikri Vigla Beach & Kato Koufonis i) Day 9 : Ferry to Santorini (also known as Thera) Day 10 : Akrotiri Archaeological Site & Watch the Sunset on Oia Day 11 : Akrotiri Lighthouse & Explore Fira (the capital) Day 12 : Visit the Village of Pyrgos Day 13 : Beach Day Day 14 : Day Trip to Anafi Island Day 15 : Beach Day (highly recommend Kamari and the black sand beach of Perissa) Day 16 : Ferry to Crete Day 17 : Elafonisi Isle Day 18 : Rocca a Mare Fortress & Heraklion Day 19 : Beach Day (highly recommend Vai Beach) Day 20 : Beach Day (highly recommend Preveli Beach) Day 21 : Ferry back to Athens & Return Home

Whether you want to spend your Greek Island vacation basking in the sun on one of the hundreds of beaches and secret coves or you want to discover the truth behind the lost city of Atlantis at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site , this culturally extravagant country should have its very own 21 days in Europe itinerary.

Although it is often combined with a trip to Italy, I believe there is so much to do and see on the 6,000 islands of Greece (yes, you read that right) to give it the spotlight it deserves.

This trip can be shortened if you’re willing to pack more into your days, but be sure to factor in some time to relax and unwind, because Greece is one of the best places in the world to just sit back and enjoy the view.

✈️10. An Irish Road Trip: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Rolling hills, scenic vistas squared off by stone wall boundaries, and sheep… so many sheep! Don’t let me forget to mention the gorgeous, rugged coastlines, vibrant shades of green, and endless pubs bustling with traditional Irish music that will make you dance the night away, I know I did!

Ireland is one of my favorite places in Europe and I highly suggest adding it to your 2 week Europe itinerary or creating an entire trip centered around this one country (like I did!)

Road trips are a great way to go at your own pace and really take the time to appreciate your surroundings and truly relax. Ireland is just the place for that.

Ireland is a destination filled with wonderful, hospitable people, beautiful scenery, and inspiring heritage that will entice you to keep coming back. On my next trip to Ireland, I’ll be road-tripping once again since I truly believe it is the best way to see the beauty of this country.

Day 1 : Arrive in Dublin Day 2 : Guinness Factory & The Temple Bar Day 3 : Drive to Kilkenny & Kilkenny Castle Day 4 : Drive to Cork & stroll Wild Atlantic Way Day 5 : Sightseeing in Cork & Blarney Stone Day 6 : Drive to Killarney – Sightseeing & Ross Castle Day 7 : Killarney National Park Day 8 : Drive to Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula Day 9 : Slea Head Drive up to Adare – short pitstop on route to Limerick Day 10 : King John’s Castle & The Hunt Museum Day 11 : Drive to Cliffs of Moher & stay in Doolin Day 12 : Pub crawling through Doolin Day 13 : Drive to Galway & Trad On The Prom (Traditional Irish music and dance show) Day 14 : Drive to Shannon airport and return home

Ireland always leaves a lasting impression on my heart. There truly is nowhere like it in the world that makes you feel so “at home” while overseas!

From the people to the music and the breathtaking scenery, not to mention the endless charming pubs overflowing with refreshing brews, Ireland is one of my favorite places in the world and should have its very own 2 week Europe itinerary.

Have I convinced you to travel to Ireland? Be sure to check out these other helpful resources!

✔️ Ultimate Ireland Packing List: 22 Important Items You’ll Need ✔️ The Perfect Two Days in Dublin Itinerary ✔️ 7 Best Rated Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin ✔️ 19 Perfect Day Trips from Dublin ✔️ The Greatest Ireland Itinerary and Guide: Routes + Tips for 1-3 Weeks in Ireland ✔️ Where to Stay in Cork Ireland – A County Cork Guide ✔️ Dingle Accommodation: Where to Stay in Dingle Ireland ✔️ Is Dublin Safe? An In-Depth Look at Safety in Dublin, Ireland ✔️ 27 Authentic Souvenirs from Ireland to Bring Home

✈️11. The Best of Portugal : 2 Week Europe Itinerary for Families

Ever had a pastel de nata (traditional Portuguese egg custard tart) while strolling the windy streets of Lisbon? If not, it will change your life! In Lisbon , you’ll find a sea of red clay roofs perched on a hilltop above the ocean.

In Porto , vibrant buildings rest side by side on a harbor, surrounded by iconic bridges and large street markets.

Then, there’s the Algarves … an entirely different world set on the far south of the country.

The southern coast of Portugal boasts stunning beaches enclosed by intricate cliffs and vibrant wildflowers. If you’re up for a little swimming (or kayaking!), you can find secluded beaches hidden away by the sea that reveal themselves with the outgoing tide.

The Algarves offer some of the most spectacular coastlines across the Mediterranean and Europe, so if you’re a true beachbum, you had better add them to your 2 weeks Europe itinerary!

The best part about Portugal is that it’s extremely family-friendly. From the beaches to the cities, it’s easy to get around, everything is relatively affordable, and there are tons of family-friendly hotel options everywhere you go.

Day 1 : Arrive in Porto Day 2 : Douro River Sightseeing Cruise & Miradouro da Vitória Day 3 : Extra Day in the Douro Valley Day 4 : Explore the Baixa, Bolhao, & Ribeira Districts Day 5 : Train to Lisbo n and sightseeing Day 6 : Torre de Belém & Ride Tram 28 & Alfama District Day 7 : Train to Sintra & Pena Palace Day 8 : Quinta da Regaleira , Castelo dos Mouros, and Cabo da Roca Day 9 : Train to Lagos Day 10 : Kayak or Boat Rental around the caves Day 11 : Beach Day Day 12 : Walk the streets of Faro and souvenir shopping Day 13 : Beach Day Day 14 : Train to Lisbon and return home

Portugal offers everything from bustling city life to remote beaches, all with vibrant scenery and quirky design! There’s something special about Portuguese culture; it combines traditional European style with fresh, modern urbanity.

Looking for fresh seafood? Just wait until you get the chance to pick your very own fish or crustacean out of a tank and have it cooked right there for you… now, that’s fresh!

Portugal not only offers a wide range of delectable foods but also boasts stunning artistry in the form of hand-painted and hand-crafted pottery. There is no end to the exciting opportunities waiting to be had in this beautiful region.

Portugal is one country that should be included on any 2-week Western Europe itinerary!

Related Articles on Portugal

✔️ 9 Top-Rated Wine Tours from Porto ✔️ 25 Authentic Souvenirs from Portugal: What to Buy in Portugal ✔️ 21 Best Portugal Packing List Items for 2023: What to Wear in Portugal ✔️ The Ultimate Day Trip to Sintra Guide & Itinerary ✔️ The 10 Best Beaches in Cascais – Your Ultimate Beach Guide

✈️ If all of these trips sound amazing but you aren’t sure where to start, read up on How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 9 Easy Steps to ease your travel worries!

2-Week Europe Itinerary Country & City Suggestions

✔️ For First-Time Europe Travelers :

If this is your first time visiting Europe, I suggest selecting an itinerary that allows you ample time to explore each destination (or choose just a single destination!)

My London & Paris and Munich, Prague & Vienna itineraries are perfect for beginners with their simple method of travel and common weather and style similarities, allowing you to pack with ease.

✔️ For the Beach Bums :

Looking to relax on some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the Mediterranean and across Europe? My Barcelona & The French Riviera , The Best of Italy , Porto, Lisbon & The Algarves , and The Greek Islands itineraries are your best options for that. Gorgeous coastlines and turquoise blue waters await!

✔️ For the Hikers :

If you’re seeking some sweet hikes offering panoramic vistas and rugged landscapes, check out The Alps: Chamonix & Courmayeur & The Matterhorn , The Greek Islands , and Iceland’s Ring Road itineraries.

✔️ For the Foodies :

Want to eat your way through a country (or several?) I’m the same way! Be sure to take a look at my itineraries for Italy , France , Munich , Prague , and Vienna . In my experience, these have been some of the best places to find incredible food.

Although, when traveling throughout Europe, I have rarely had a bad meal so be open to trying new things.

Squid ink pasta, flambéed octopus, and Ireland’s black pudding all left a lasting impression on me, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and experience the cuisine that makes a country unique!

How to Plan a 15 Days Europe Tour Itinerary

So, you know you want to embark on a trip to Europe. Fantastic! That’s the first step. Next, I am going to show you exactly how to decide which countries to include on your 2 week Europe itinerary, how to get around, and how to choose your accommodations.

➡️ Step 1: Which Countries Should Be On My 2-Week Europe Itinerary?

This one can be daunting, to say the least! There are dozens of countries you can choose from, and finding one that’s right for you can be tricky. After all, you don’t want your first experience to be a dud, so let’s put a little research into finding out what you are looking for out of your trip.

You can also check out my travel suggestions above to get a good idea of some itineraries you might enjoy based on your travel style!

Ask yourself: what am I looking for? Beautiful beaches, windy, cobble-stoned streets, medieval history and architecture, luxurious cuisine, famous museums, mountains, traditional folk music?

What is it that makes you say “Yes! That’s what I want to do on my vacation” . Once you find your “wow” factor, you can start to narrow down which country or countries you want to visit.

I suggest making a list to help you keep track of the ones you especially want to visit, then crossing items off your list based on the following factors:

➡️ Step 2: How Much Time Do I Have to Travel in Europe?

Do you plan on traveling to Europe for a few days, a week, 2 weeks, a month, or more?

Knowing your timeline will really help you decide on how much of a region you can cover. Depending on your travel style (i.e. backpacker vs luxury), a few days to a week can usually only give you enough time to really discover a single country or a small region between countries.

If you have more than a week available, consider combining a couple of countries to get the most out of your trip! My itineraries above range from 10-18 days, but can be easily shortened by removing an activity or region.

The bottom line is you can squeeze as much or as little into your time as you want, but think about how you want to feel when you get home. Do you want to have seen a ton of amazing sites , but be tired ?

Or would you rather take your time and possibly see less, but feel rejuvenated on your return from vacation? Your answer to this should guide how much you try to fit into your time.

➡️ Step 3: Getting Around on Your 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Is it possible to do a 2 week Europe itinerary by train? Yes! Train travel is extremely popular across Europe and offers thousands of different route possibilities. So, don’t be so certain that flying will automatically be faster and easier (or cheaper!)

Dealing with airports can cause a lot of unwanted stress during a trip, so do a little research and see how far you are from your destination. If you’re already in Europe, train travel might be the better option. Not to mention it is far more scenic.

➡️ Step 4: Choosing Accommodations for Your 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Are you traveling to a big city like Paris or London, or to a remote island off the coast of Greece?

Depending on your destination, you’ll want to choose an accommodation that fits both your style and your needs. For me, I like to stay in unique places that offer something more special than a chain hotel can. I enjoy local bed & breakfasts, Airbnb’s , and cabins that bring me closer to the local beauty of a particular place.

When in Paris, I enjoyed staying in tall lofts that overlooked the city, but in Ireland, I opted for charming b&bs and cottages with fields of cows.

It’s all about getting immersed in the culture of a specific place and enjoying where you stay because if you don’t like where you’re staying, it can really put a damper on your trip (trust me!)

➡️ Step 5: Departure

So you have decided where you are going, how you are getting there, and your accommodations. Now, all you have to do is get ready for departure! Plan your ride to the airport or train station ahead of time and pack up all your travel documents and necessities.

I always suggest leaving a printed copy of your passport in your home country and one in your luggage in case it were to be lost or stolen. This way, you or a family member can help prove your citizenship and return home.

Also, print copies of your flight tickets, accommodations, and any train or bus tickets in case your phone gets wet or lost.

Departure is the most exciting part of a trip for me… just before you leave when the anticipation of experiencing a whole new world really sets in. Enjoy this time, because when you return, you’ll be itching to get back on another plane.

This is what we in the travel world call “the travel bug” , and once you’re hooked, you’ll never want to stop traveling.

Map for Planning Your 2-Week Europe Itinerary

You can use this map to start planning your route and to get an idea of where the countries that you may want to visit are located.

For example, while combining a trip to France with Spain would be both simple to plan and efficient, adding a trip to Romania with France may be a bit difficult.

Europe Itinerary 2 Weeks Budget

Depending on your travel style (budget vs luxury) , the season of travel, how many people you are traveling with and if any of them are dependents (i.e. children, in-laws, etc.), and your destinations, this will vary greatly.

Below I have provided a list of guidelines for average costs on budget, mid-range, and luxury travel during the peak season and shoulder season. Budgets will vary from country to country, so be sure to do individual research on each country that you plan on visiting.

➡️ Accommodations per night:

Budget : €10-€70 (single occupancy) Mid-Range : €80-€160 (double occupancy) Luxury : €180-€400+ (double occupancy)

➡️ Flights per person:

Shoulder Season (from the U.S.) : between €200-€500 Peak Season (from the U.S.) : between €500-€1,100

➡️ Food per person per day:

Breakfast: €2-8 Lunch: €5-15 Dinner: €10-35

FAQ: 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Is Europe Safe?

Yes and no. Just like every country in the world, each country within Europe is going to have its safe and not-so-safe areas. It’s impossible to generalize Europe as a whole as “safe” when anything can happen there just like anywhere else in the world.

If you are worried about feeling safe on your trip to Europe, do some research (but not too much!)

If you are heading to Berlin, Germany , then research some best practices for traveling around the area. Is it safe to walk around at night? Are there any streets or neighborhoods you should avoid?

All of that information can be easily found with a quick Google search. Do your best to not overdo it though since you’ll likely just end up making yourself more nervous.

Once you have a good idea about the more seedy areas of a destination, you’re all set. Do your best to avoid them on your trip then follow other basic precautions such as walking in groups, not trusting strangers, and only ordering rides through reputable companies (like Uber).

✔️ Pro Tip : If you research where you live, you’ll probably find equally unsettling results… but that doesn’t stop you from living there, does it? No. So, don’t let safety precautions about a new destination scare you!

When is the Best Time to Visit Europe?

Most people you ask this question to are going to say that the summer months between late May and August are the best time to visit Europe.

And while they would be correct in terms of weather and longer summer hours, they are forgetting to mention that this is also when you’re going to be surrounded by swarms of tourists.

What does this mean for you? Well, for starters, you can practically guarantee long wait times at restaurants, landmarks, and attractions each day of your vacation. I’m sure that the idea of standing in line for every part of your day doesn’t really appeal to your idea of “vacation”, right?

Additionally, this is also when prices skyrocket in terms of flights, accommodations, tours, and food. If you’re looking to visit Europe on a budget, then avoiding the summer months is key.

If you prefer fewer tourists in your pictures, shorter wait times, and want to spend less money, then I highly suggest visiting during the off-season months of April through May and September through October .

During these months, you’ll find incredible deals on flights, accommodations, and even tour groups, so you can live the luxury life in Europe without emptying your wallet!

✈️ If you feel like taking the budget route or simply like to take the less traveled path, check out these amazing Backpacking Europe Routes for 2 Weeks !

How Many Days is Enough to Visit Europe?

1-2 weeks is usually enough time to visit Europe depending on what you want to do and see. But, if you’re honestly attempting to see all of the different regions of Europe, well… you’re going to need a lot more time than that!

For us, we found a 10-day European itinerary to be optimal. This amount of time typically allows travelers to explore at least a few different cities in several countries or travel to numerous locations in one specific country.

It allows provides enough time for both sightseeing and rest days, so you can return from your vacation feeling excited and refreshed.

Among the itineraries listed below, you’ll find schedules ranging from 10 days to 3 weeks. But, if you only have 7 days for your European itinerary you can easily transform one of my shorter itineraries into something that has been customized to fit your time needs.

Also, if you can finagle a 1 month Europe trip itinerary, then you can easily add on destinations or time to one of my other itineraries!

Is 2 Weeks Long Enough for Europe?

No, 2 weeks is not long enough to see all of Europe. But, it is long enough to see and do a lot in just a few countries in Europe!

Even though it doesn’t look like it on a map, Europe is huge. It would take somebody years to really see all of the best sites and do all of the best activities in each country in Europe.

In just 2 weeks, you’re going to be seriously limited on time. But, that’s okay! Instead of trying to squeeze too much into your itinerary, opt to choose just a few countries (or even just one country!) and do everything you want in those countries.

If you try to see and do too much, you may end up feeling rushed, overwhelmed, and disheartened when you realize how much stuff you’re going to miss out on.

For example, if you’re thinking of including France on your 2 week Europe itinerary, you wouldn’t go to just Paris and call it a trip. I mean, you could … but you’d be missing out on Normandy, the wine regions, the French Alps, the French Riviera… you get it.

Trust me when I say: “It’s far more valuable to see everything in one country than to see the bare minimum in five countries.”

So, while a 2-week Europe itinerary is not long enough to see and do everything on the continent, it is long enough to get a really good taste of what Europe has to offer!

How Many Countries Should I Visit in Europe in 2 Weeks?

Owing to the continent’s great public transportation system and small size in comparison to other continents, you can get around quite easily and efficiently in Europe.

But, every country has SO much to do and see, so it’s going to depend on where your interests lie.

If you are only interested in seeing the capital city in every country (definitely not recommended), then you could probably see between 8-10 countries during your 2 week Europe itinerary.

But, if you want time to relax, explore, and wander around a few different places, then between one and four countries is the sweet spot in our opinion .

This way, you have plenty of time to see all of the major sites in each place, and you don’t have to spend your entire vacation rushing from place to place.

Coming up with multi-week Europe itinerary ideas can be stressful, but if you stick to this general rule of thumb you can practically guarantee you’ll have a pleasant trip!

What is the Best Way to See Europe in 2 Weeks?

Unfortunately, even though Europe is far more compact than the U.S., Africa, Asia, or South America, it’s still very big and can’t be seen in just two weeks.

But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a really good taste for what Europe has to offer in that time! You simply need to be diligent in picking efficient routes and travel methods so you can get the most out of your 2 week Europe trip.

Over the years, we have found that the best way to get around Europe is to take advantage of their amazing public transportation system… the Eurail!

With thousands of routes to thousands of destinations, there really is no limit to where you can go with a Eurail pass. You can choose your pass based on your needs, so if you want one pass for just France for 10 days, you can book it!

If you want a monthly pass that allows you to go from country to country whenever you decide, you can do that too!

Europe’s train system is affordable, dependable, convenient, and very easy to use which is why most travelers take advantage of it.

I don’t recommend renting a car in Europe unless you plan on taking road trips to very specific towns and villages that aren’t accessible by train.

The roads in Europe, generally speaking, tend to be uneven, bumpy, covered in potholes, full of pedestrians, and made of broken cobblestones. Many European roads are also one-way and street signs aren’t always in English.

It’s far easier to take the train from place to place, then take day trips to smaller towns and villages and use a bike or the metro to get around the big cities.

How Should I Get Around Europe?

In our opinion, the best way to get around Europe is via train travel on the Eurail. Car rentals are also a great way to get around in Europe since they allow you to be completely on your own schedule and see the smaller, off-the-beaten-path villages and towns.

However, it really depends on the country (Ireland is a great country to do a road trip with a rental car!), but most of the time I would recommend just taking the train or flying between countries if you aren’t comfortable with a rental in a foreign country.

The European trains can be exceptionally scenic, but they aren’t always the most efficient. If you are traveling between countries with a big distance between them, it’s usually a more efficient option to fly.

If driving a car across Europe doesn’t scare you, then you also have the option of renting an RV or camper van and living in it while you travel! This can saves you tons of money on accommodations and eating out, so it’s a win-win if you have the time to drive everywhere.

✔️ Pro Tip : If you do plan on driving everywhere, keep in mind that you may need an international driver’s license depending on the countries you go to. Also, not all car rental companies allow you to bring rental cars over international borders, so you may need to rent multiple cars from multiple different agencies. If you plan on putting your car on a ferry to Europe so you can avoid this hassle, it’s going to cost you a very pretty penny…

Do I need a Visa to Go to Europe?

Depending on your citizenship, you may or may not need a Schengen Visa to enter the EU (European Union).

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to go to Europe. As a tourist, you are allowed to spend up to 90 days in 26 European countries visa-free. However, if you are a foreign national living in the U.S., you may or may not need a visa depending on your nationality.

Here is the list of countries that Americans can visit without a visa for up to 90 days.

There is a list of over 100 countries that will be required to obtain a Schengen Visa to enter the EU. You can take a look at the list here .

Is Europe Expensive?

In general, Europe is expensive. But, depending on where you decide to visit, it can actually be quite affordable!

Portugal, for example, offers some of the lowest rates on tourist accommodations, tours, attractions, and food across the continent. Switzerland, on the other hand, is continually listed in the top 3 list for most expensive countries in the world. Norway and Iceland aren’t far behind, either.

If you want to stay on a budget during your 2 week Europe itinerary, choose your destinations wisely.

Of course, not eating out at every meal and not doing every attraction you see will help immensely, but in the end, the destination is going to play a big role in how much money you spend overall.

Is $10,000 Enough for 2 Weeks in Europe?

$10,000 is absolutely enough for 2 weeks in Europe (depending on your travel style) . While Europe is known for some pricy destinations, $10,000 can indeed get you a comfortable and memorable two-week trip. It’s all about how you budget and plan.

That budget can cover your flights, accommodation, meals, transportation within Europe, and even some fun activities and souvenirs. You can save by staying in lesser-known hotels or bed & breakfasts instead of luxury resorts.

Eating at local markets and cafes rather than high-end restaurants can also give you a taste of authentic cuisine without breaking the bank. Don’t forget that some of the best experiences in Europe are free: exploring the cities, admiring architecture, and basking in the rich history.

I would even go as far as to say that $10,000 can be disproportionate to what you’ll need for a 2-week trip if you’re traveling solo or with one other person, since I’ve returned to Europe many times, each never exceeding $2,000 for 7+ days with my husband.

Of course, we’re light packers and usually stay in mid-range hotels with a focus on our budget, but we definitely do a lot of exciting activities when we’re in town too! If you aren’t flying first or business class, aren’t staying in luxury 5-star suites, and you book your accommodations in advance with some attention to seasonal rates, you’ll be able to visit Europe for far less than $10,000.

What is the Average Cost of a Two Week Trip to Europe?

The average cost of a two-week trip to Europe can vary greatly based on several factors, such as the time of year, the countries you’re visiting, your accommodation choices, and how much you plan to sightsee or dine out. But as a general range, you might expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500 per person, including flights.

This estimate includes modest accommodations (think 3-star hotels, bed & breakfasts, or vacation rentals), meals at a mix of inexpensive local spots and nicer restaurants, public transportation, and admission fees for major attractions.

Remember, this is just a ballpark figure. If you travel off-season, eat more meals from food trucks and the supermarket, or stay in budget accommodations, you could spend much less.

Conversely, if you opt for luxury hotels, dine at high-end restaurants, and take part in exclusive tours, your costs could be significantly higher. The key is to budget accordingly and plan your trip based on your personal preferences and financial comfort zone.

By setting your budget ahead of time, you’ll be able to create a 2-week European itinerary that fits your budget needs without sacrificing too much on the things you want to enjoy!

What Currency is Used in Europe?

Since 1999, the European Union has used the Euro . If you’re coming from the U.S., it will look similar to Monopoly money… but don’t be fooled.

It actually has a higher value than the U.S. dollar and many other currencies, so when you exchange your money you’ll get fewer euros in return.

For example:

✔️ $1 USD = 0.91 euros ✔️ $1 CAD = 0.73 euros ✔️ $1 AUD = 0.68 euros

So, while it doesn’t almost look like play money, don’t forget that it’s actually a very expensive currency to hold so you don’t want to be careless with it.

Do Most People Speak English in Europe?

During your 2-week Europe itinerary, you’ll find that many people do speak English, especially in the capitals and main cities. English is taught in most European schools from a young age, so much of the working class can understand and speak English.

However, you will find smaller towns and villages where the locals don’t know much English at all, if any. This is especially true in the smaller towns of France, Belgium, Spain, and even Italy. This is why it’s important to brush up on your language skills before your trip!

If you’re heading to France , Spain , Luxembourg , Germany , or similar, you can use my French and Spanish articles to help you start learning! They are all linked at the bottom of this post for your convenience .

The Top-Rated Tours in Europe

Even if you prefer to roam on your own, there are some amazing tours offering unique experiences that you won’t get unless you book a tour in Europe.

I, personally, am not a fan of group tours, so I wouldn’t recommend these unless I didn’t truly believe they would improve your travel experience. Take a peek at some of the tours below and decide if one may be right for your trip.

If you’re traveling with a group, check out the private tours … psst! They’re really great for introverts 😉

✔️ Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip with Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting ✔️ Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour ✔️ Champagne Day Trip with Moet&Chandon, Reims Cathedral & Family Winery from Paris

✔️ Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour ✔️ Montserrat with Cogwheel train, Tasting in a Boutique Winery with Tapas or Lunch ✔️ Full-Day Tour Ávila and Segovia from Madrid with Tickets to Monuments Included

✔️ Sintra Full-Day Private Tour – A Journey through Wonderland ✔️ Lisbon Traditional Boats – Sunset Cruise

Netherlands

✔️ Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam ✔️ Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese

✔️ Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour ✔️ Private Tour: Treasures of Flanders Ghent and Bruges from Brussels Full day

✔️ Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg ✔️ Hallstatt Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna

Czech Republic

✔️ The Best of 2 Countries in 1 Day: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland ✔️ Cesky Krumlov: Full-day tour from Prague and back ✔️ Prague Foodie Tour

✔️ Semi-Private Standard | Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Meal and Drinks ✔️ Full-Day Private Tour: Essential Athens Highlights plus Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon ✔️ Private Biblical Tour of Ancient Corinth & Isthmus Canal from Athens & Corinth ✔️ Athens Highlights: A Mythological Tour

✔️ Small-Group Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena, and Forum ✔️ Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside ✔️ Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

Switzerland

✔️ Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken ✔️ Lucerne Walking and Boat Tour: The Best Swiss Experience ✔️ Chocolate Flavours Tours Geneva: 3-hour Chocolate Tasting and Old Town Visit

✔️ Grand Day Trip around Copenhagen ✔️ The Art of Baking Danish Pastry

How to Visit Europe on a Budget

Europe is expensive, there is no denying that. But, there are tons of ways to travel Europe on a budget! Don’t believe me? I visited a dozen European countries on a college student’s budget and got to see everything I would still want to see today had I not gone then.

Take my advice and follow these steps:

✔️ Visit Multiple Countries

What? Yes. The more countries you visit on one trip, the cheaper it tends to be. Of course, this depends on which countries you visit, but you can save a ton of money by traveling to multiple countries via train travel and cheap flights.

If you want to visit France and Spain from the U.S., you wouldn’t fly to France then fly back to Spain the following summer, would you? Well, some people would and I can guarantee they wish they didn’t spend the money on 2 roundtrip flights instead of just one multi-city flight.

✔️ Eat with the Locals

If there is a street food cart or cafe overflowing with locals, eat there. I can practically guarantee the food quality is going to be insanely good and the prices will be a lot more reasonable than if you were to sit down at a restaurant.

Anywhere you go or walk by where a waiter immediately runs up to you with a menu, just keep walking (also politely say “ no, thank you ” of course). These are usually tourist restaurants and the prices will be sky-high compared to most other eating establishments.

You can also save money by getting food at grocery stores (the food quality is almost always very good) and eating small meals on the go.

Want my other best tips for visiting Europe on a budget? Get them at the bottom of this post!

✈️ Now that you have everything you need to know for planning a trip to Europe, be sure to take a peak at these 5 Things You Must Include on Your Travel Essentials List !

Scams to Look Out For in Europe

✔️ The Pickpocket

The picture pretty much explains what pickpocketing is. When you’re distracted and someone comes along and snatches something off of you, whether it be your phone, wallet, jewelry, or something valuable, it’s sneaky stealing and you need to watch out for it.

Typically, most places around Europe are very safe and all you need to do is follow basic safety precautions (i.e. stay with people you trust, don’t walk alone at night, etc. etc…).

But, pickpockets are extremely common across Europe and unsuspecting tourists are at the heart of the problem.

Don’t be silly and leave your phone on a cafe table when you go to the bathroom. Don’t leave your purse hanging on the back of your chair and don’t leave anything valuable where people can easily see and take it.

✔️ The Active Petitioner

See people yelling at or coming up to tourists looking for them to sign a petition? Keep walking.

Most of the time, whatever they are petitioning is fake. Why? Because they are either trying to get your personal information (i.e. name, phone number, or email) so they can send you spam, or they are just trying to distract you while you get pickpocketed.

If you see a petitioner, just keep on going.

✔️ Street Games

Whether it be dice, playing cards, cups, or the like, don’t play and don’t stand around to watch. The players get scammed owing to the fixed dice or playing cards and the onlookers get pickpocketed.

Again, only watch street artists from afar to prevent falling victim to scams and petty theft.

✔️ Streetside ATMs

Very popular in Prague, scam artists will actually put an invisible scanner over the card reader so they can steal your information when you go to withdraw money.

Additionally, streetside ATMs are designed to make you withdraw insanely high amounts of money with no option for small bills.

If you need currency, only use ATMs found inside a secured building with cameras. Never use an ATM you see on the street.

Other Helpful Resources for Europe

Packing List for Europe in Winter: A Full Country by Country Guide Minimalist Packing List for Females Traveling to Europe 30+ Best Places to Visit in Europe in December 25 Best Places in Europe for New Years Celebrations 73 Best Places to Visit in Europe in January 2024 30+ BEST Places to Visit in Europe in March 2024 30+ BEST Places to Visit in Europe in April 2024 28 Best Places to Visit in Europe in July (from a Backpacker!) 20 Best Places to Visit in Europe in May 2024 (Weather & Tips!) Is Azerbaijan in Europe? The Facts for 2024 Is Norway in Europe? Norway & the EEA EFTA States

If you’re heading to Europe and want to brush up on your French or Spanish, check out our language resources below!

✔️ Good Morning in French: 17 Helpful French Greetings ✔️ Good Night in French 17+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation) ✔️ What Time Is It in French 11+ Ways: How to Ask and Tell Time in French ✔️ Saying No in French 31+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation) ✔️ 33+ Ways to Say Thank You in French (with Audio) ✔️ How to Say Nice to Meet You in French 15+ Ways ✔️ 1-10 in French: Learn to Count from 1-10+ in French (with Pronunciations)

~ Spanish ~

✔️ How to Say Goodnight in Spanish 33+ Ways ✔️ Learn Numbers 1-100 in Spanish (with PDF Guide)

How To Travel Around Europe On A Budget

With just pennies to my name, I figured out how to travel to some of the most expensive countries in Europe…

Hint: you won’t be staying in hostels!

Overall, no matter when you decide to visit, where you decide to go, and who you decide to travel with, a trip to Europe is always a good idea! You can find everything from enchanted castles, ancient ruins, stunning beaches, snow-capped mountain ranges, bustling cities, and everything in between on this enticing continent.

I hope you found some useful ideas in this article and are inspired to start planning your very own 2-week Europe itinerary .

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

• Middle East
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• Travel Resources
• Work with me

2 Week Itinerary Europe - 4 Fab Itineraries For Europe in Two Weeks (2024)

There’s so much to do in europe you could drive through 3/4 countries in a day or could spend 10 days driving through a single one while you can’t do it all these four 2 week itinerary europe should help you see the best of europe 2 weeks .

Europe sits on every person’s wish list! It is full of fascinating cultures and centuries of history!

Lucerne in Switzerland , Mykonos in Greece , Paphos in Cyprus and Venice in Italy are some of the most fascinating places in Europe, however it can get quite tricky to tackle these places in Europe in two weeks.

2 weeks in Europe is not enough to experience this vast continent.

There’s so much happening in each town, experiences that need to spend more than a day sometimes and travel does take up quite a chunk of the itinerary too!

There are 44 countries in Europe, full of fascinating cultures and experiences.

Ideally, through a Europe two weeks itinerary, you should be able to cover three or four countries at least. If you have even lesser days, this 10 day Europe itinerary should also help (there’s 8 options!)

So read on to see how to best experience this continent and get the most out of your 2 week Europe trip!

Recommended tours in Europe 

• Old Town and Gothic Quarter Walking Tour in Barcelona
• Pompeii, Herculaneum, & Vesuvius Full-Day Tour from Naples 
• River Seine Cruise in Paris

Here’s four – 2 week itinerary Europe for an amazing getaway!

General info – europe in two weeks.

This post has four itineraries for a 2 weeks Europe trip

Here’s some information about these itineraries which can help you plan your 2 weeks Europe trip :

A Europe trip itinerary 2 weeks should ideally be only for four to five cities maximum. This is because despite many countries being pretty close to each other, you have to take into account the time you’d need for travelling and getting to the airport/train station and from the airport/train station to the city.

These itineraries for a Europe trip in 2 weeks suggest at least two days in a city and one day for travelling between two cities.

Plan your 2 weeks Europe trip itinerary in advance especially if you are visiting in summer. June-August is the peak season for tourism in Europe.

For those who want to do a Europe trip in 2 weeks, I’d suggest you stick to the main, well connected cities. If you have only two weeks in Europe, avoid travelling to faraway places.

2 Week Itinerary Europe

Day 1, 2 –   Lisbon

See the Carmo Convent ruins and Santa Justa Lift. Head to Alfama – the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon. Visit the São Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral.

Enjoy the view of the city from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, a scenic viewpoint in Alfama. Watch a Fado show and enjoy some Portuguese food.

Start Day 2 with a trip to the colorful Pena Palace in Sintra. Sintra is a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon. In the second half, spend time at the Lisbon Oceanarium, the largest indoor aquarium in Europe.

Day 3 – Lisbon to Barcelona

Fly to Barcelona (nearly 2 hours by flight)

Day 4,5 – Barcelona

Start your day by seeing the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Arc de Triomf. Next, see the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

In the afternoon, you can either see the Palau Nacional de Montjuïc, visit Camp Nou (home stadium of FC Barcelona) or spend time at Tibidabo, home to Spain’s oldest amusement park. Spend your evening at Park Guell. Return to Plaza Catalunya (near La Ramblas) for the Fountain show at 9.30 pm.

For day 2, I suggest these: a Gothic Quarter walking tour ; seeing the Cathedral of Barcelona, La Ramblas, La Boqueria market, Monument of Christopher Columbus, Maritime Museum and sailing in a sunset cruise at Port Vell.

Day 6 – Barcelona to Monaco

Fly to Monaco. Train and bus journeys would be tiring: 9 hours and 12 hours at least.

Day 7, 8 – Monaco

On your first day in Monaco, see the Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and the St. Nicholas Cathedral. Walk along the Monte Carlo Harbour or take a boat trip.

End your day by visiting one of the casinos that the city is known for. If you are planning a trip in late May or June, you can watch the Monaco Grand Prix in the city.

For the second day, I would suggest taking a day trip to Nice. It’s just a 25-minute train journey to Nice from Monaco.

Day 9 – Monaco to Naples

Fly to Naples

Day 10, 11 – Naples

Spend Day 1 in Naples seeing the Naples Royal Palace, Naples Cathedral, Underground Naples, Cappella Sansevero and Castel dell Ovo. In the evening, walk along the city’s coast. Try some Neopolitan pizza in one of the city’s eateries.

Spend the next day taking a day trip to Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and Herculaneum .

If you’re planning to spend time in Italy in summer this post should help!

Itinerary 1

Europe two weeks itinerary for portugal, spain, france, italy, cities: lisbon – barcelona – monaco – naples – amalfi coast.

Day 12 – Naples to Amalfi Coast

You can drive from Naples to Amalfi Coast, take a bus (3-hour ride) or take a ferry.

Day 13,14 – Amalfi Coast

For your first day, take a day trip to the island of Capri, pass through Sorrento and definitely see the Blue Grotto. This sea cave is illuminated in blue due to the sunlight passing through an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater.

Spend your second day in Amalfi town. See the Duomo di Amalfi and the Museo della Carta. Spend time by the beach or drive along the coastal road. You can also visit the Positano, just a few minutes away from the town of Amalfi.

Itinerary 2

Europe two weeks itinerary for turkey and greece, cities: istanbul – santorini – naxos – mykonos – athens, day 1, 2 – istanbul.

For Day 1, I suggest visiting the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hippodrome of Constantinople, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. End your day by taking a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.

On day 2, see the Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniya Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, Taksim Square and Dolmabahce Palace.

If you have some time left, you can either do a short food tour or visit one of the many museums in the city.

Day 3 – Istanbul to Santorini

Fly to Santorini (about 4 hours)

Day 4,5 – Santorini

Here is a 2 days in Santorini itinerary

Day 6 – Santorini to Naxos

Ferries take between one to two hours to get from Santorini to Naxos.

Day 7, 8 – Naxos

The main village on the island is called Naxos town or the Chora.

The best things to do on the island are dining and shopping in the Naxos town, spending time at the gorgeous golden beaches, seeing the ruins of Apollo Temple and Temple of Demeter, hiking on one of the mountain trails and seeing the traditional Chalki village.

Plaka Beach , Agios Georgios Beach, Agios Prokopios Beach, Agia Anna Beach and Aliko Beach are some of the best beaches on the island.

Day 9 – Naxos to Mykonos

Take the ferry from Naxos to Mykonos (45 mins – 1.5 hours: depends on the ferry you take)

Day 10, 11 – Mykonos

The main town here is Mykonos town. Mykonos town is where you’ll find the best nightlife and dining options and the Old Port.

The best things to do in Mykonos are –

Enjoying nightlife in the Mykonos town, shopping and dining in the area

Visiting the Ano Mera village

Seeing the ruins of Delos island

Seeing the Kato Mili windmills

Watching the sunset from Little Venice or Armenistis Lighthouse

And of course, spending time at some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches!

Ornos and Platis Gialos beaches are great for families. Paradise, Super Paradise, and Paraga are the best beaches if you want to party.

Here’s a Greece 7 days itinerary if you’re trying to figure how many days to spend in Greece!

If you’re planning to spend April in Greece refer to this post !

Day 12 – Mykonos to Athens

Fly to Athens (the fastest way) or take a ferry (time depends on the ferry you’ll take).

Day 13,14 – Athens

Visit the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and Parthenon during your time in Athens. There are other sites of Greek history to see, such as the Philopappos Hill, Temple of Hephaestus and Temple of Olympian Zeus.

See the changing of the guard in front of the changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament and spend time at the National Archaeological Museum. Try Greek food from street outlets in Monastiraki and Plaka

This is a great 2 week itinerary Europe for the summer season. Naxos and Mykonos have some of the best beaches in Greece .

If you don’t have enough time for a Europe trip 2 weeks, this itinerary can be done in 10 days too – skip one of the islands and spend only a day in Athens and Santorini.

This post has information on how you can see Athens in a day and this on spending a day in Santorini (and how many days in Santorini you actually need!).

Itinerary 3

Europe two weeks itinerary for united kingdom, netherlands, france, cities: dublin – edinburgh – london – amsterdam – paris.

These well connected capital cities in Western Europe would make for an easy 2 weeks Europe trip.

Day 1,2 – Dublin

Begin day 1 by seeing the Trinity College, Book of Kells and The Long Room. Next, see the street with the Temple Bar. Next, see the Ha’penny bridge and the GPO Museum. See The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse.

End your sightseeing early for a pub crawl and enjoy the nightlife in the city.

For Day 2, see the Molly Malone statue, the Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Museum and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit the Teeling Whisky Distillery for a tour or tasting session and the Irish Whiskey Museum to learn about the history of Irish whiskey.

Day 3 – Dublin to Edinburgh

Fly to Edinburgh. The journey needs a little above an hour.

Day 4,5 – Edinburgh

Start day 1 by seeing the Edinburgh Castle. After that, you can either visit the Camera Obscura or visit the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Post lunch, walk down the Royal Miles to see St Giles’ Cathedral, The Real Mary King’s Close, Cadenhead’s Whisky and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Go to Arthur’s seat for a great view of the city.

On Day 2, see the National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery and Royal Yacht Britannia.

In the afternoon, explore the Dean village, a quaint city area. Or for Potterheads, there is the Potter trail, a free tour of Old Town Edinburgh (Pre-book: the afternoon tour starts at 2 pm).

Day 6 – Edinburgh to London

Take the train or fly to London

Day 7,8 – London

On Day 1, see the London Tower, Tower Bridge and eat at the nearby Borough Market, the city’s well-known food market. See the beautiful Kensington Garden and Palace. Pick between the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.

On day 2, see Hyde Park, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. You can see the state apartments inside Buckingham palace during the summer months.

Walk by Trafalgar Square and see the National Gallery. Take a ride on the London eye in the evening to watch the setting sun paint the city with beautiful red hues. Pop into a pub to enjoy London’s pub scene.

Day 9 – London to Amsterdam

Fly to Amsterdam or take the train (involves change at 1 station).

Day 10, 11 – Amsterdam

Visit the Jordaan neighbourhood when in Amsterdam – this neighbourhood is popular for its food and architecture. Explore Des 9 Straatjes or ‘the nine streets’, which is excellent for food, shopping and seeing the canal houses.

You should also see the Anne Frank museum, the house where the Frank family hid for two years during the war, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Take a canal cruise during the evening time.

If you’re here in spring (end of March to May), don’t miss out on going to  Keukenhof to see the incredible tulip gardens.

Day 12 – Amsterdam to Paris

Take the high-speed train to Paris or a direct flight.

Day 13,14 – Paris

A trip to Paris would be incomplete without spending time at the iconic Eiffel Tower . This is   one of the most crowded attractions in Paris: buy skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower, especially if this is a part of your Europe summer itinerary

Other traveler favorites include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and river cruising on the Seine river . You can also visit the  Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel with exquisite glass stained windows and Musée d’Orsay, a museum with stunning impressionist art.

If you are looking for something other than museums, consider visiting the Moulin Rouge to experience cabaret and theatre or taking a wine tour or tasting session through a local operator.

Itinerary 4

Europe two weeks itinerary for art lovers – germany, czechia, austria, italy, cities: berlin – prague – vienna – florence – rome, day 1, day 2 – berlin.

Spend at least half of your day at the Museumsinsel or Museum Island, a group of five museums in the heart of Berlin. Antiques, paintings, sculptures and artefacts galore: you’d easily need a few hours to admire and wander around this UNESCO World Heritage site.

For contemporary art, there are so many spaces that you possibly cannot cover all of these in two days. Contemporary Fine Arts, EIGEN + ART and Koneg Gallery are a few of the well-known ones.

See the East Side Gallery memorial, a large open-air museum with painted graffiti and the largest preserved section of the Berlin Wall.

Day 3 – Berlin to Prague

Currently, there are no direct flights from Berlin to Prague. You can take the bus, train, share a ride, or drive to Prague, which will need 4 to 4.5 hours.

Day 4, 5 – Prague

In Prague visit the National Museum, DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, Museum of Decorative Arts, Museum Kampa and Meet Factory. Like Berlin, there are so many galleries and spaces here, that in 2 days you will not be able to see all of them.

Day 6 – Prague to Vienna

Prague to Vienna by train needs 4 hours vs 4.5 hours through a car or rideshare. Or you can fly to Vienna in 2.5 hours.

Day 7, 8 – Vienna

There are so many museums in this city that you’ll be spoilt for choice. You’ll have to pick a few depending on your interests.

Start with the Museums Quartier, an area with 60 cultural institutions. The Natural History Museum, Kunsthalle Wien, Leopold Museum, ZOOM Kindermuseum and the MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art) are popular attractions here. You can also see the Hofberg, another speciality museum nearby.

See the Belvedere Palace and relax in its beautiful Baroque park. The Belvedere Palace also has a stunning art collection made up of paintings from famous Austrian and other European artists.

Day 9 – Vienna to Florence

The best way is to take a flight to Florence (3-4 hours). Taking a bus is cheaper, but it’ll need at least 12-13 hours or more.

Day 10, 11 – Florence

On Day 1 visit the Uffizi , Galleria dell’Accademia , Musée Marino Marini (for contemporary art) and Pitti Palace Galleries. The Pitti Palace Galleries include the Royal Apartments, Palatine Gallery, Museum of Costume, Modern Art Gallery and Grand Dukes Treasury.

Keep some time aside to visit the Duomo, a landmark of the city, Basilica of Santa Croce and see the city from the Piazzale Michelangelo.

Day 12 – Florence to Rome

Take the scenic train ride from Florence to Rome ( a little more than an hour) or drive to Rome. Most flights are indirect flights and will take longer than a train or road trip.

Day 13,14 – Rome

Vatican museums, striking architecture and contemporary art galleries; there’s art around every corner in Rome.

Here are some of the places you could visit to admire Roman art –

Vatican Museum

National Roman Museum

Galleria Borghese

Musei Capitolini.

Doria Pamphili Gallery

 San Luigi dei Francesi for Carravagio paintings

For day 2, do keep some time aside to see the  mighty Colosseum and the Pantheon.

Europe is full of endless possibilities and no matter which destination you pick you will leave with memories to last a lifetime!

Pick places you’ve had on the bucket list for ages for your first Europe trip, then keep returning to cover itineraries you can do in proximity of each other to get the most done and not spend time on transport!

Even if you pick the same route, there’s always more to discover in Europe!

European Itinerary 2 Weeks – frequently asked questions

How many european countries can you visit in 2 weeks.

You can visit three/four/five countries, if you want to see Europe in 2 weeks. Many European countries are very close to each other or well connected by road, rail and air. Three-four countries is ideal for a Europe in 2 weeks itinerary

What is the best way to see Europe in 2 weeks?

The best way to travel Europe in 2 weeks is to pick two/three/four countries and stick to the main cities in these countries. Stick to the main, well connected cities for a 2 week europe trip itinerary. In this way, you’d have a good number of options to travel between cities quickly and get enough time to see the highlights of the cities on the days you are not travelling.

Is two weeks enough for Europe?

Yes, if you don’t plan to visit too many places and travel frequently.

A Europe 2 weeks itinerary is definitely not long enough for Europe. Through a 2 weeks Europe trip itinerary, you can see one city in three to four countries, or five countries, if the countries are closer to each other. Seeing Europe in two weeks means you’d have to pick only a few cities and their highlights to see.

What is the average cost of a 2 week European vacation?

A low budget 2 week Europe trip would cost 1500-2000$. A mid budget two week Europe trip would cost 2500-3000$. This also depends on the season when you take the 2 week trip to Europe.

2 weeks in Europe would be the most expensive from June to August which is the peak season, so you would be paying higher for flights and accommodation.

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

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2-Week Europe Itinerary by Train + 3 Different Route Options

Europe is by far one of the best continents to travel around. It has the convenience of hopping on a train, bus or plane and arriving in a new country in a matter of hours. Yet, each place differs greatly in culture, landscape and food. It’s really like a giant playground for adults! But deciding on a 2-week Europe Itinerary by train can be a daunting task. Especially when there are multiple routes to choose from.

You have to take into consideration logistics, travel arrangements and budget. And believe me, it can be easy to find yourself pulling your hair out when it becomes clear that travelling from Paris to Budapest will take over 18 hours!

So, let me be your guide. I spent 4 months interrailing around Europe , testing some of the finest destinations on the continent. So, safe to say I see myself as somewhat of an expert when it comes to designing itineraries.

I have carefully put together 4 kickass two-week Europe Itineraries for you to explore. There is something for everyone, from city buffs, to nature lovers and hidden gem seekers!

2 Week Trip Europe: Table of Contents

Best way to travel europe in 2 weeks – getting around.

Now, before we dive into the itineraries we need to discuss the best mode of transport. Europe is quite easy to get around you have the luxury of trains, planes, boats and busses right at your fingertips. But…what is the best transport option to choose?

Let’s lay out the pros and cons of each…

Plane Travel: Being from Ireland plane travel is one of the only convenient options for me to reach most European countries but once I am on the mainland I stay clear of it. It can get expensive QUICK and no one wants to waste an entire day travelling to and from the airport.

Train Travel: This is by far my favourite way of getting around Europe. It’s quick, it’s cheerful and extremely convenient. I like the space I have on a train. The ability to get up and walk down the aisle on long journeys and the incredible views along the way. I am also a big fan of the interrail system which I will explain more about a little later in this post.

Bus Travel: This is definitely the most budget-friendly way of exploring Europe. Bus journeys can be extremely cheap but that is pretty much it. They also tend to be really long, uncomfortable and a very indirect way of getting to a destination. Don’t get me wrong I do use busses while in Europe but not as my main mode of transportation. And I don’t think it should be yours either!

Driving: I am a massive road trip fan. Nothing beats, blaring your favourite road trip tunes and the freedom of having your own set of wheels to take you from A to B. But, I don’t believe a car is the best way to travel Europe over a 2 week period. Trains are much more convenient and cover way more ground at a much faster rate.

2-week Europe itinerary: By train is the best way!

So, there you have it the best way to explore Europe is by train but that leaves us with one other question. Should you book each trip individually or buy a prepaid ticket like Interrail ?

There are pros and cons to both, you can of course put a lot of time and research into each train journey you intend to take. Watch the price and book when they are at their cheapest but personally, I find this method a little restricting.

With Interrail you are free to book your seat on the day (providing no reservation is needed – then it’s 24 hours before). The ticket is prepaid so you can get as many local/regional trains as you please and high-speed trains come at a considerable discount.

2-week Europe trip: 4 Different Itineraries

I have carefully designed 4 different itineraries for you to choose from for your two weeks in Europe. These routes feature some incredible hidden gems, beautiful landscapes and iconic cities. I go into more detail about each destination later on in the post and have provided little skip tags for those who want to read more about the itineraries that suit their needs best.

Salzburg (Austria) ➡  Hallstatt (Austria) ➡ Munich (Germany) ➡ Interlaken (Switzerland)

Paris (France) ➡ Amsterdam (Netherlands) ➡ Munich (Germany) ➡   Prague (Czechia) ➡ Budapest (Hungary)

Split (Croatia) ➡ Zagreb (Croatia) ➡ Lake Bled (Slovenia) ➡   Ljubljana (Slovenia) ➡ Budapest (Hungary) ➡ Krakow (Poland)

Two Week Europe Trip Budget

The Cost of a Two Week Europe Trip can vary greatly from person to person. Especially when it comes down to individual people’s style and spending habits. I have broken down an estimate of how much each category of traveller may spend on a two-week trip. From a budget-conscious person to a mid-range traveller to someone who is looking for luxury experiences.

I also have a detailed guide on how much I spend on my 4-month budget trip across Europe if you have an interest in real-life spending.

2-week trip to Europe Cost: Budget Travellers

Accommodation:  Budget travellers can find hostels or budget hotels for around €25 to €60 per night depending on the countries they decide to visit. For a two-week stay, this amounts to €350-840.

Food:  If you stick to cafes, takeaway food, and occasional home-cooked meals, you could spend around €15/20 per day, which sums up to €210/280 for two weeks.

Travel Expenses:  Transport shouldn’t cost all too much if you intend on walking most places. I’d allow for €50 to be on the safe side.

Activities:  Free city tours, hiking, or visiting free museums can keep the activity costs down to about €100.

Total for two weeks: €710-€1270

2 weeks in Europe Cost: Mid-Range Traveller

Accommodation: Mid-range hotels can cost around €100-150 per night. For a two-week stay, this would be €1400-2100

Food: If you intend on eating out for every meal then expect to pay around €10 for breakfast, €15 for lunch and €20+ for dinner. So, €45 a day will equal to €630 for a 2-week trip.

Travel Expenses: Consider spending around €300-500 for comfortable travel options. Or, you could keep costs down by walking most places.

Activities: Entrance fees for premium attractions and activities might add up to around €200-300.

Total for 2 weeks: €2530-3530

2 Weeks in Europe Budget: Luxury Travellers

Accommodation:  Luxury hotels or apartments can cost €200-850+ per night, so it is hard to give a total in this category but it would range from €2800-€11900.

Food:  Eating out for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in more expensive restaurants will set you back anywhere from €100-€150 per day. About €1400-2100 for the 2 weeks.

Travel Expenses:  Private transfers or first-class train compartments could cost around €700-1000.

Activities:  Private tours and high-end experiences might add up to another €500-1000 provided you are not doing them in every destination.

Total for 2 Weeks:  €5400-16000

2 Weeks in Europe Itinerary: Route Option 1

I wanted to kick start this 2 weeks in Europe itinerary with a really unique route. I typically see people planning European trips around the major cities and attractions. Never really leaving time for those amazing hidden gems located in some of the most beautiful places on the continent. So, if you are a nature lover who loves to explore more off-the-beaten-path locations this is the Europe Itinerary for you!

Stop 1: Salzburg

Nestled among rolling hills and overlooking the Salzach River, Salzburg, Austria, is an enchanting city filled with historic charm and modern allure.

It is the birthplace of the world-famous composer Mozart. And this is evident throughout the city.

The city has a vibrant art scene, bustling markets, and sumptuous cuisine.

Salzburg’s charm isn’t only limited to its historic architecture and vibrant streets. The city is also famously known as the filming location for the classic movie, “The Sound of Music.”

Fans of the film can dive into its magic by taking a themed tour that traces the steps of the Von Trapp family, offering a nostalgic journey through the film’s iconic sites.

Things to do in Salzburg

• Visit Mozart’s Birthplace: Discover the roots of the musical genius, one of the world’s most famous composers Mozart, by visiting his birthplace .
• Tour the Hohensalzburg Fortress: This is a must-do when in Salzburg as it has the most incredible 360 views of the city.
• Stroll through Mirabell Gardens: These beautiful gardens are a must-see for any visitor. The immaculately maintained flower beds and sculptures provide a serene place to relax. They get busy fast so make sure to visit early!
• Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Salzach River: Experience Salzburg from a unique perspective by taking a leisurely boat ride on the Salzach River.
• Indulge in Austrian Cuisine: Sample traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Sacher Torte, or Apfelstrudel to get a taste of the local culinary culture.
• Take the Sound of Music Tour: For fans of the classic film, this tour is a must. It takes you to various shooting locations of the movie, including the Mirabell Gardens and Leopoldskron Palace. You can relive your favourite scenes and enjoy the beautiful surroundings that make Salzburg so unforgettable.

Where to stay in Salzburg:

For travellers on a budget, the YoHo Youth Hostel is a fantastic option. It’s comfortable, clean and located in city center, offering easy access to Salzburg’s attractions.

For those looking for a balance between cost and comfort, numa I Mozart is a great mid-range choice. It’s conveniently located and offers well-furnished rooms, a hearty breakfast, and friendly service, offering stellar value for your money.

For a truly luxurious stay, consider the Hotel & Villa Auersperg . This family-run boutique hotel exudes charm and elegance, with beautifully designed rooms, a peaceful garden, and a rooftop spa. It’s ideally located within walking distance of the city center, making it a convenient base to explore Salzburg

Day Trip Option 1: The Sound of Music Trail

One of my favourite simple day trips from Salzburg is the beautiful Sound of Music Trail starting from the small town of Werfen. Reachable by a 40-minute train journey from Salzburg.

The trail brings walkers along a stunning hiking path with opens out with an incredible view of the surrounding meadows.

This particular location is famous for the “Do Re Mi” scene from the movie. There are even dedicated photo spots where you can take a picture with July Andrews and the kids.

The walk is not particularly hard and suitable for most fitness levels. It takes about 40/45 minutes to reach the viewpoint. I recommend bringing a picnic for a scenic lunch.

Day Trip Option 2: Berchtesgaden National Park

I fell in LOVE with Berchtesgaden National Park when I first visited. So much so that my day trip quickly turned into two.

Just over an hour’s train journey from Salzburg lies this incredible natural playground with plenty of things to do and see.

I recommend catching the boat from Königssee Lake and hiking out to the Obersee und Röthbachfall. This is a day you will not forget.

If you have another day to spare I recommend exploring the park some more. Stopping at places such as St. Sebastian Church, Hintersee Lake (walk from the church) and Wimbachklamm Gorge. All these are easily accessible by park busses.

Stop 2: Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is one of those locations that will truly take your breath away. It’s one of the most fairytale-like places I have ever seen.

Home to soaring mountains, a pristine lake and a charming village. This little town can get BUSY, especially in the summer months.

So, I recommend walking up early to catch a glimpse of the famous viewpoint without any crowds. Because come 10am you will be fighting for a spot at the barrier.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, a peek into history, or simply want to enjoy the serene beauty, Hallstatt has something for everyone.

Things to do in Hallstatt

• Take a peaceful boat ride on Lake Hallstatt and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Alpine houses.
• Ride the funicular railway to the Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform for a panoramic view of the beautiful village and lake.
• Explore the local market square , lined with charming, traditional shops where you can discover local crafts and delicacies.
• Explore the Dachstein Ice Caves, a fascinating natural spectacle just a short drive/bus ride away from Hallstatt.
• Take a thrilling walk on the Five Fingers viewing platform (joint ticket with the Dachstein Caves), a unique attraction sitting over 400 meters above ground level, extending like a hand over the cliff edge. Offering breathtaking views over the Alps and Hallstatt below.

Where to stay in Hallstatt

• If you prefer a peaceful setting, consider Seehotel Grüner Baum . It’s a charming hotel right on the lake.
• For those looking for a more modern option, Heritage Hotel Hallstatt offers stylish rooms with lake views.
• If you are looking for somewhere that is budget-friendly consider staying in the nearby town of Bad Goisern. Located just a 10-15 minute train ride from Hallstatt station is a beautiful rural town surrounded by mountains. I stayed in the Bad Goisern Hostel and could not recommend it more. It was a lovely stay.

Stop 3: Munich

The next stop on our trip is an amazing German city, Munich. There is more to this city than meets the eye. So, much, so that I have been 3 times and I never want to leave!

World Famous for it’s Autumn time celebrations, Oktoberfest, it’s mighty beer halls and delicious barbarian food!

When you are in Munich you NEED to visit the English gardens. Specifically, the Eisbach River to see the talented surfers glide along the waves.

Yes, that’s right! You can surf…in the city. How cool is that?!

The old town square is also a lovely place to walk around, with the Neo-Gothic-styled architecture you feel as if you are walking around a fairytale.

You also NEED to make your way up the town hall tower. The views are to die for!

Things to do in Munich

• Visit the Old Town Square, The Marienplatz . You can get 360 views of the square from the old town hall tower.
• Stroll around the  English Gardens  and watch the talented surfers.
• Explore the cities beautiful gardens
• Go on a local food tour to try traditional dishes like pretzels, sausages, and beer in local beer halls.
• Tour the world-famous beer hall, Hofbräuhaus. And treat yourself to a tasty beverage.

Where to stay in Munich:

For those on a budget, the Wombats Werksviertel Hostel is an affordable yet comfortable choice. It’s located near the city center, close to the main attractions, making it a convenient base for your explorations in Munich.

For those willing to spend a bit more, Eden Hotel Wolff is a mid-range option that blends comfort with a touch of luxury. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the central train station, making it an ideal location for those planning day trips to surrounding areas.

If you desire a luxury experience, consider booking a suite at Bayerischer Hof . This five-star hotel, located in the heart of Munich, offers top-notch amenities and services. From the beautiful rooftop pool to the exquisite in-house restaurant, every detail at this hotel is designed to provide guests with a memorable stay.

Day Trip Option: Neuschwanstein Castle

Munich is the perfect hub for those dreaming about visiting Germany’s famous fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein.

Pictures do not do this place justice. It is so beautiful.

Now, I must admit it can get incredibly busy so I’d advise arriving as early as possible.

It’s a 2h30mins train ride to Füssen, and then a short bus journey to the castle.

Once you arrive you can walk up to the famous viewpoint of Marienbrücke Bridge (30/40 minutes) or pay for a shuttle bus.

Not too far of a walk from the castle is Alpsee Lake, a beautiful spot to sit back and enjoy nature. The water is turquoise in colour and really takes your breath away.

Stop 4: Interlaken, Switzerland

Switzerland left me in complete awe. I decided to visit on a speeding last-minute trip and it did not disappoint.

That is why I am advising you to include it in your 2-week Europe Itinerary . It’s a destination that almost feels like a dream.

I based myself in Interlaken and used this elegant town as a base to explore the surrounding areas.

Starting with the fairytale-like village, Lauterbrunnen. Words can not describe how beautiful it is here!

I recommend hiking from the town to Mürren, taking the cable car back down the mountain and then visiting Trümmelbach. One of the most tremendous waterfalls I have ever seen.

On day two I suggest taking a trip up First Mountain for incredible views of the mountains and valleys from above. If you are looking for an easy yet scenic walk then I recommend walking out towards Bachsee Lake.

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Backpackers in Interlaken might find Balmers Hostel a perfect choice. This hostel combines affordability with comfort and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. I made some incredible friends here!

For those who prefer mid-range hotels, Hotel Interlaken is an excellent option and has a rich history dating back to 1491. It also offers close proximity to the town’s center.

Luxury seekers can consider Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa for their stay. This five-star hotel provides an unforgettable experience with its luxurious rooms, stunning views, and world-class spa facilities.

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Paris (France) ➡ Amsterdam (Netherlands) ➡ Munich (Germany) ➡   Prague(Czechia) ➡ Budapest (Hungary)

14 days in Europe Itinerary: Route 2

Get ready to set off on a fascinating journey through five famous European Cities. From the romantic streets of Paris to the enchanting canals of Amsterdam.

Your journey will take you to Munich, home to age-old Bavarian traditions and beer gardens. And one of the best locations for a day trip to the magical Neuschwanstein Castle. One of my favourite spots from my 4 month Europe trip!

Then, it’s time to explore the beauty of Prague with its mesmerizing architecture and picturesque streets.

Lastly, arrive in Budapest, a city known for its thermal baths and magnificent Danube River views.

Stop 1: Paris France

Paris is known as the city of love, and that is relevant for everyone, those who visit with a significant other, friends or solo.

Because you see…one thing is for certain, you will fall in love! This bustling city’s charming streets and famous buildings capture the attention of millions of tourists each year.

With its famous art scene, fashion, and culinary delights. It’s no wonder visitors fall in love with its rich history and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Adding Paris to your 14-day Europe Itinerary will leave you with a lifetime of memories. It is also the perfect starting point with its fantastic train connections to other European destinations.

Things to do in Paris

• Take a snap of the iconic Eiffel Tower .
• Explore the Louvre Museum , home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa.
• Stroll along the Seine River and enjoy a cruise for spectacular views of the city’s landmarks.
• Take a walk down the Champs-Elysées and visit the Arc de Triomphe .
• Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and admire its magnificent Gothic architecture.
• Looking for a free 360 view of Paris then make your way up to the rooftop of Lafayette’s Shopping Centre.

Where to stay in Paris

I stayed in the People in Paris Nation and it was perfect for what I needed. I only intended on visiting the city for one day. The rest of my time I spent in Disneyland. That is why The People at Paris Nation was the perfect location for me as it’s just a 40-minute tram ride away from the parks. The only downside to the hostel is there was no kitchen. Although, this is common among all hostels in Paris. The rooms are rather spacious, with a privacy curtain on each bed. The hostel is not located in the centre of Paris and public transport is needed to get in and out of the city. However, this is common for most hostels in Paris. Overall, I’d highly recommend booking a stay in  The People Hostel  at Paris Nation.

Stop 2: Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city not to be missed. The charming streets, picture-perfect canals and heartbreaking history. It’s the ideal addition to the 2-week Europe Itinerary.

Amsterdam offers an equal blend of historical charm and a modern atmosphere.

The city’s museums house some of the world’s most famous works of art, including those of Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

A visit to the Anne Frank House provides a sad yet important insight into the city’s history, while a bicycle tour offers a unique perspective and a taste of the local lifestyle.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a foodie, Amsterdam has something to offer everyone.

Things to do in Amsterdam

• Visit the Van Gogh Museum: It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world.
• Take a Canal Cruise: Amsterdam’s canals are a UNESCO World Heritage site. A boat tour offers a unique way to see the city.
• Explore the Anne Frank House: Visit the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II.
• Walk in the Vondelpark: Take a break in Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park.
• Discover the Bloemenmarkt: This is the world’s only floating flower market. You can buy all types of flowers, bulbs and souvenirs here.

Where to stay in Amsterdam:

• € – The Flying Pig Downtown : This is a lively, budget-friendly hostel located near Amsterdam Centraal railway station. It is well-known for its friendly atmosphere and social events.
• €€ – CitizenM Amsterdam : This contemporary hotel offers compact, functional rooms with all the modern amenities. It’s located in Amsterdam’s business district, a short tram ride away from the city centre.

Munich is another amazing city that has so much more to offer than meets the eye. So, much, so that I have been 3 times and I never want to leave!

It’s famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations, beer halls and barbarian food!

One of my favourite things to do in Munich is visit the English gardens and watch the talented surfers do their thing on the Eisbach River.

Yes, that’s right! You can surf…in the city. Now that’s definitely something unique to just Munich.

• The Marienplatz , Munich’s old town square is a must-visit. Especially the views from the old town hall tower.
• Stroll around the English Gardens and watch the talented surfers.
• Walk around the many amazing gardens the city has to offer!
• Savor Bavarian cuisine: Try traditional dishes like pretzels, sausages, and beer in local beer halls.
• Participate in Oktoberfest: If your visit coincides with this annual festival, don’t miss the lively beer tents, traditional music, and festive atmosphere.
• Tour the Hofbräuhaus: Visit this world-famous beer hall for a stein of beer and some hearty German food.

Where to stay in Munich :

I stayed in the Wombats   Werksviertel hostel while visiting Munich. This hostel is newly renovated and has a really modern interior. The dorms are extremely spacious with curtains on the beds for extra privacy. There are two ensuites in the room which was a massive convenience.

Munich is the perfect hub for those dreaming about visiting Germany’s famous fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein.

Now, I must admit it can get incredibly busy so I’d advise arriving as early as possible.

It’s a 2h30mins train ride to Füssen, and then a short bus journey to the castle.

Stop 4: Prague

Prague, the capital city of Czechia, it’s a breathtaking destination steeped in rich history and culture.

The old town is extremely charming with its eye-catching architecture, featuring a mix of Romanesque Chapels, Gothic Cathedrals, and Baroque Palaces.

The city is also home to the iconic Charles Bridge, adorned with statues of Catholic saints, and the magnificent Prague Castle, which provides panoramic views of the city.

Prague is a food lovers paradise! Threat yourself to traditional Czech dishes like goulash and Trdelník – one of the tastiest deserts in Europe!

While you are there don’t forget to leave a token on love on the iconic Lennon Wall!

Things to do in Prague

• Visit Prague Castle: Explore the world’s largest ancient castle, which provides stunning views over the city.
• Stroll across the Charles Bridge: This famous historic bridge crosses the Vltava River and is adorned with statues of Catholic saints.
• Explore Old Town Square: Here, you’ll find fascinating buildings like the Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, and St. Nicholas Church. Don’t forget to climb the tower for a 360 view of the Old Town.
• Visit the John Lennon Wall: Once a normal wall, it has been filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti and lyrics from Beatles’ songs since the 1980s. They often have markers outside it so you can leave a message of love.
• Explore Petřín Hill: Take the funicular up Petřín Hill and enjoy the landscaped gardens and great views over Prague. This is where the Eiffel Tower of Prague lies 😉

Where to stay in In Prague

Budget Option: The Czech Inn , this is a super social hostel, the rooms are clean, the bathrooms are big and they have a shared kitchen onsite. I found it quite easy to make friends here too.

Mid Range Option : Hotel Pod Věží Located right next to the Charles Bridge, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and exceptional service at a reasonable price.

Luxury Option: The Four Seasons Hotel Prague boasts elegant rooms, a high-end restaurant, and a prime location near the Old Town Square.

Stop 5: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is by far one of Europe’s most picturesque cities that is 100% worth the visit. Walking around makes you feel as if you stepped straight out of a fairytale book.

The city beautifully balances the old and new. Divided in two by the Danube River, we have Buda and Pest.

Buda, the old city, is filled with historical sites like the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering breathtaking views of the city.

Pest, the modern part, is a lively area with bustling markets, trendy cafes, and thriving nightlife.

Budapest is also well-known for its thermal baths where you can relax after a day of sightseeing.

Things to do in Budapest

• Explore Buda Castle:  This historic castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings offers panoramic views of Budapest.
• Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion:  An architectural masterpiece that provides one of the best views of the city.
• Relax in Széchenyi Thermal Bath:  Experience the city’s bath culture in this largest public thermal bath of Budapest.
• Stroll along the Danube Promenade:  This scenic walkway stretches between the Elizabeth Bridge and the Chain Bridge in Pest, offering stunning views of Buda across the river.
• Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building:  Marvel at the architectural beauty of this Gothic Revival-style building, which is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world.
• Take a boat tour down the Danube River to see Budapest from an alternative perspective.
• Go on a thrilling adventure by taking part in one of the city’s wonderful caving tours – one of my favourite things to do in Budapest.

Where to stay in Budapest

• Budget Accommodation: Wombats  is a fantastic hostel in Budapest. It is easy to make friends, it is centrally located and in the heart of all the nightlife.
• Mid-range Accommodation: Bo18 Hotel Superior offers excellent value for money, with comfortable rooms and a good breakfast.
• Luxury Accommodation: Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with beautiful decor and a rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of the city.

Budapest is a city that has something for everyone. I can confidently say. Budapest is a destination worth putting on your European Bucket list . There is many reasons to visit for the city’s easy way of getting around, whether you choose to walk, use public transport or threat yourself to a taxi . It is incredibly safe , affordable and english is widely spoken throughout.

2 Weeks Europe Trip Itinerary: Route 3

This is one of the most incredible ways to spend two weeks in Europe, from the sticking beauty of the Croatian Coastline to the picture-perfect landscapes of the Julian Alpes. This route has something for everyone, from party nights in Budapest’s famous ruin bars, and romantic strolls down Venice’s winding streets to heartbreaking lessons from Poland’s past.

All of these destinations are well connected by train making them the perfect combination for your 2 weeks in Europe itinerary.

Stop 1: Split Croatia

Split is a beautiful city located on the Croatian Coast. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and historic heart.

It’s safe to say that this destination is a coastal paradise with plenty of nearby islands that could keep you busy for days!

The city’s narrow, winding streets are lined with beautiful old buildings that host an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

It’s home to a lively nightlife scene, friendly locals, and a rich history that dates back to the Romans.

It is a must-stop on any 2-week Europe itinerary and the perfect destination to kick-start your trip!

Things to do in Split, Croatia

• Explore the Old Town visiting places like Diocletian’s Palace and the Bell Tower for 360 views of the city.
• Go on a day trip , explore the nearby islands, visit the iconic blue cave or admire the beauty of Krka National Park.
• Take a hike up Marjan Hill for an alternative view of the city.
• Try Local Cuisine at Konoba Nikola. Taste authentic Dalmatian dishes at this well-loved restaurant.

Where to stay in Split

I stayed in the Enroute Hostel while in Split, it’s one I highly recommend. I made a great group of friends while I was there and it is only a 15-minute walk from the main tourist areas. The rooms are quite large in size however this didn’t really bother me as everyone has their own privacy curtain which is great if you where looking to relax for a few hours.

Stop 2: Zagreb Croatia

Zagreb is Croatia’s capital, a vibrant city steeped in history and cultural richness.

There is so much to see and do, from unique museums to quaint streets and stunning parks.

However, it is important to note, that our time in Zagreb is short. So, I recommend looking up things you would like to do while you are there.

There is something for everyone from history buffs to foodies and art enthusiasts.

Zagreb also has a bursting nightlife scene with multiple places to dance the night away.

Things to do in Zagreb

• Visit the historic Zagreb Cathedral on Kaptol, the most monumental sacral building in Gothic style southeast of the Alps.
• Explore the Museum of Broken Relationships, a quirky and unique attraction that offers a cathartic journey through the mementoes of failed relationships.
• Stroll through the vibrant Dolac Market, known as the ‘Belly of Zagreb’, where you can buy local produce and traditional Croatian specialities.
• Take a walk in Zrinjevac Park, a green oasis in the heart of Zagreb, adorned with fountains, busts of notable people, and a music pavilion.
• Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Lotrščak Tower, and make sure you are there at noon to witness the daily cannon firing.

Where to stay in Zagreb

I stayed in the Swanky Mint Hostel and it is the perfect spot for those who want to experience Zagreb by both, day and by night. It is very much a party hostel. It is easy to meet people in the Kitchen or by the rooftop pool (yes, they have a pool). The dorms tend to be a little cramped so I would only stay for a day or two, however, all the other hostel facilities are great.   Book your stay here .

Stop 3: Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is one of my FAVOURITE places in all of Europe. The dreamlike town is nestled in the beauty of the Julian Alps.

It is known for its stunning Castle perched on a cliff and the charming island with a church that sits in the middle of the lake.

There is so much to see and do in Bled from a simple stroll around the lake, experiencing the thrill of water sports, or simply soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

It’s a slice of paradise that promises a memorable experience to every visitor, making Bled a must-visit destination in Slovenia.

Things to do in Lake Bled

• A trip to Bled is not complete without visiting the beautiful castle that overlooks the lake.
• Rent a Plenta Boat and head towards the island in the middle of the lake. These boats are so much harder to row than you may think.
• Try Bled Cream Cake . This delicious local dessert is a must-try. It’s the perfect sweet treat after a day of sightseeing.
• The Vintgar Gorge is a must when visiting Bled. It is possible to get a bus here but honestly, I recommend walking. The views along the way are equally as stunning as the gorge .
• There are plenty of day tours of Triglav National Park . And I suggest you do at least one of them. This is such an underrated part of Europe.

Where to stay in Bled

To be honest I had an awful experience while staying in Castle Hostel in Bled. While I was there I got talking to other backpackers and everyone seemed to have issues with their hostels. If you have the budget I’d recommend checking out some more expensive options in the area.

• Hotel Triglav : Located right by the lake, Hotel Triglav offers stunning views and comfortable rooms. It’s also home to a renowned restaurant where you can sample local cuisine.
• Glamping Ribno : For a unique experience, try Glamping Ribno. Here you can stay in a luxurious tent surrounded by nature, a short distance from Bled.
• Apartments Fine Stay Bled : If you prefer self-catering, these apartments offer comfort and convenience. They come with fully equipped kitchens and are close to local amenities.

Stop 4: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a city that very much surprised me. I didn’t know what to expect. It is home to charming streets, enthusiastic locals and plenty of food options.

Affectionately known as the “city of dragons,” Ljubljana is a place where rich history and tradition meet youthful energy and modern living.

The city’s iconic Dragon Bridge serves as a constant reminder of its medieval history, while the bustling open-air market and numerous art galleries give it a contemporary feel.

I know this is a destination that will steal your heart, from the cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the city’s numerous parks and green spaces. It’s a must-stop on any Europe trip.

Things to do in Ljubljana

• Explore Ljubljana Castle, an ancient fortress with a museum and observation tower offering panoramic views of the city.
• Stroll through Tivoli Park, the largest park in Ljubljana, known for its grand trees, flower beds, and beautiful sculptures.
• Visit the Dragon Bridge, an iconic symbol of Ljubljana, adorned with four dragon statues at its corners.
• Discover the Central Market, an open-air market where you can sample local Slovenian produce and traditional dishes.
• Hop on a boat tour along the Ljubljanica River for a different perspective of the city’s beautiful architecture.

Where to stay in Ljubljana

I really enjoyed my stay in Hostel Vrba , I met some of the most amazing people there, some of which I continued to travel with once I had reached bled. The hostel has a well-equipped kitchen, clean bathrooms and nicely sized dorms. The beds are comfortable and there are lockers inside the rooms with a provided lock which is always nice.

Alex the host is super friendly, she even waited for me as my train was majorly delayed and I arrived 1 hour after the last check in time. The hostel itself is located a little outside the main city, but Ljubanna is quite small and walkable so it didn’t make much of a difference.

There is shops and a bakery nearby for some cheap eats. Overall, I would highly recommend a stay in Hostel Vrba when visiting Ljubanna.

Budapest is by far one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. Walking around makes you feel as if you stepped straight out of a fairytale book.

Buda, the old city, is filled with historical sites like the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering breathtaking views of the city.

• Explore Buda Castle: This historic castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings offers panoramic views of Budapest.
• Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion: An architectural masterpiece that provides one of the best views of the city.
• Relax in Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Experience the city’s bath culture in this largest public thermal bath of Budapest.
• Stroll along the Danube Promenade: This scenic walkway stretches between the Elizabeth Bridge and the Chain Bridge in Pest, offering stunning views of Buda across the river.
• Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building: Marvel at the architectural beauty of this Gothic Revival-style building, which is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world.

Wombats is a fantastic hostel in Budapest. It is easy to make friends, it is centrally located and in the heart of all the nightlife. It has a shared kitchen, bar and large social area on site. And the hostel is clean, well looked after and the beds are comfortable too. If I plan a trip to Budapest again I wouldn’t hesitate a stay in Wombats.  Book your trip here.

DISCLAIMER: I also stayed in Flow Spaces while in Budapest on a separate occasion and honestly I had a really bad experience. I do not recommend staying here. You can read about my experience in my Best Hostels in Europe blog post.

Stop 6: Krakow Poland

Krakow, Poland, is an extremely underrated city in Europe, it blends historical significance with youthful energy.

As one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow is rich in history and cultural traditions. The city’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has an elegant look to it, almost just how you would imagine a fairytale to look.

But, Krakow is steeped in a tragic past, with Auschwitz-Birkenau located just a short distance away, it is a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

Despite its historical significance, Krakow is growing as a youthful city, with nearly a quarter of its population comprising students.

Things to do in Krakow

• Walk to the Wawel Castle for stunning views of the city and river.
• Krakow’s Main Market Square is the largest medieval town square in Europe, filled with historic landmarks and bustling cafes.
• Kazimierz District: Explore the vibrant Kazimierz District, once a Jewish quarter, now a hub of contemporary culture filled with galleries and music venues.
• Take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau to witness a moving testament to the Holocaust.
• Admire 360 views of the city from St. Mary’s Basilica .
• Take a day tour to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine one of the oldest mines still in operation.

Where to stay in Krakow

• Greg&Tom Party Hostel : This is a perfect spot for backpackers looking for an affordable place to stay. The hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and is located near the Main Market Square.
• Queen Boutique Hotel: Located near the Kazimierz District, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving Polish and international cuisine.

2 Weeks Europe Trip Itinerary: Tips & Advice

Plan your transport.

This may seem like an obvious one but know how you are going to get from A to B in advance. When I started my trip I was very lacked about pre-booking transport/accommodation. I wanted freedom but I quickly got caught out and was left with a booked out mode of transport.

Pre-Plan Your Route

Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of where you want to visit while in Europe. If there are places not mentioned here on your bucket list then I recommend double checking if it is a feasible route.

Take advantage of FREE walking Tours

Most cities and large towns have a free walking tour. These are great ways of getting a feel for a city when you first arrive. At the end of the tour you will typically tip the guide €5/10 euro as a way of saying thank you. This is a much more affordable way of seeing a destination.

Look for discounts

I was surprised to see how many attractions offered discounts, some being age-related, time-related or status-related. For example, it was common to see discounts for teachers, students or rail pass holders.

Travel in the off-season

Visiting Europe in the shoulder months is far better than in summer. The temperatures are much more enjoyable, the crowds are far less and things tend to be cheaper. May-June or September-October is a great time for a European adventure.

Be budget-conscious

Don’t presume you will naturally stay within your budget. Spending can get out of hand pretty quickly when you are not paying attention. I used my Revolut  card to stay on top of what I was spending while in Europe. And it was a lifesaver.

Travel Light

You are going to be moving from place to place. So, only pack what you need to avoid sore arms and legs.

Use Local SIM cards

All EU countries allow free roaming throughout Europe (most countries). So, don’t fall for the ‘tourist SIM prices’. You should be able to pick up a sim-only plan in a local network store for about €30 with decent services.

Avoid Tourist Traps

Do some research ahead of visiting some major attractions. Some are simply not worth the time and price.

Be prepared for unexpected expenses

No matter how carefully you plan your trip, there will always be unexpected expenses that can pop up. Be prepared for these by setting aside some extra money in your budget for contingencies, and be flexible enough to adjust your plans if necessary.

Watch out for ATM Fees

Not all ATM’s charge the same withdrawal fees. I have seen some charge as much as €7 to take money out. I recommend only using machines attached to banks. They are normally the cheapest.

Research local events and festivals

You never know what is going on locally while visiting a town or city. You may be pleasantly surprised to find a free concert or event in a local park.

Prepare for tiredness

Tiredness hits you like a wave when travelling Europe. You have no clue when it will happen but I promise it will arrive at least once while on your trip.

2 Week Trip to Europe Itinerary: FAQ

Is europe safe to visit.

Yes, Europe is generally safe to visit. Like any travel destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic security precautions. You should keep your belongings secure, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded places, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Be sure to check out travel advisories for specific countries before you go. Travel insurance is also a good idea. This helps you take care of any unexpected issues like illness, injury, or theft. Happy travelling!

How expensive is Europe?

This really depends on where you intend to visit. If you spend most of your time in Eastern Europe you will spend considerably less money than you would in Northern Europe. The same goes for spending time in small villages/towns versus major cities and hubs.

My advice is to set a realistic budget and stick too it. One day you may spend a large chunk of money and then spend the next relaxing by the beach.

How much does 2 weeks in Europe cost?

This all comes down to your personal spending habits. And determined how much it costs to travel Europe for each individual person can be difficult. Below is a ballpark for 3 different types of travellers.

For those looking to explore Europe on a budget expect to pay anywhere from €710-€1270 for two weeks.

For travellers on more of a mid range budget you should budget for €2530-3530 for the two weeks.

And luxury travellers the range is quite big, expect to pay anywhere from €5400 to €16000 for two weeks of travel.

Is two weeks enough time to spend in Europe?

Two weeks can be enough to enjoy a taste of Europe, but you won’t be able to explore everything. The best approach is to focus on a few key destinations that you’re most interested in.

Plan your itinerary in a way that allows you to spend a few days in each place so you can soak up the local culture, visit main attractions, and also have some downtime.

Remember, the goal of travel is not just to see as many places as possible, but to enjoy and experience each place you visit.

How many European Countries can I visit in 2 weeks?

I would suggest visiting 4 or less countries over a 2 week period. Remember that you actually want to experience each place. The idea is not to see somewhere and then leave again a few hours later.

Is €10,000 enough for 2 weeks in Europe?

Yes, €10,000 is more than enough money for two weeks in Europe. Is it possible to spend €10,000 in this time frame. Yes, of course. But that all comes down to how well you budget. I would predict that the average person would spend between €2000-4000 on a two-week trip in Europe.

When is the Best time to spend two weeks in Europe?

The best time to spend two weeks in Europe largely depends on your personal preferences and the countries you plan to visit.

However, many agree that spring (May to June) and fall (September to October) are generally the best times.

During these periods, you can enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds. In spring, you’ll witness Europe in bloom, while autumn offers a palette of fall colours.

Summer (July and August) tends to be quite crowded, especially in popular tourist destinations, but it’s also when most festivals and events take place.

Winter (November to March) is less crowded, except during the Christmas market season, and offers the opportunity for winter sports in countries like Switzerland, France, and Austria. Remember, each season has its unique charm in Europe!

What’s the best way of getting around Europe?

Trains are a fantastic way to travel around Europe. They are fast, efficient, and often scenic, offering a comfortable journey and easy access to city centres.

Europe’s extensive rail network connects all major cities, making it convenient for inter-country travel. Plus, with a variety of rail passes available, it can also be an economical choice for those planning to visit multiple destinations.

Remember that train schedules and ticket prices can vary, so it’s a good idea to plan your journey and book tickets in advance if you don’t with a pass.

What currency do they use in Europe?

The currency used in Europe varies. The Euro is the most common currency, used by 19 of the 27 European Union member countries. These include popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Greece.

However, some countries, including the UK and Switzerland, have retained their own currencies – the British Pound and the Swiss Franc, respectively.

Eastern European countries, such as Hungary and Czech Republic, also have their own currencies – the Hungarian Forint and the Czech Koruna.

It’s always a good idea to check the currency of the country you’re visiting before you go, and remember, credit cards are widely accepted across Europe.

Do most people speak English in Europe?

Yes, English is widely spoken across Europe, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, the level of English proficiency can vary.

In countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark, a large majority of people speak English very well.

In others, such as France, Italy, and Spain, you may encounter more people who do not speak English, especially in rural areas.

It’s always polite for you to learn a few basic phrases in the local language of the country you’re visiting.

Do I need a visa to travel Europe?

Whether you need a visa to travel in Europe depends on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. For example, citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can visit the Schengen Area (which includes most European countries) without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

But, if you’re from a country outside of this list, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa. Always check with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Planning a trip to Europe? Here’s some post to help with your planning!

• Fairytale Places in Europe
• 2 Week Europe Itinerary
• 3 Week Europe Itinerary
• How much my 4 Month Europe Trip Cost
• Best Hostels in Europe (My Personal Reviews)
• How big Texas is compared to Europe (I’m Shocked)

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The Ultimate 2-Week Europe Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

Categories Europe , Guides , Travel Guides

You’re about to go on your dream journey, and you’re looking for the perfect 2-week Europe itinerary? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all here. There are more than 40 countries in Europe, and while they do share some similarities, they are profoundly different. 

While there isn’t a 2-week Europe itinerary that would fit every traveler’s demands, enjoying two weeks in Europe is easy. To help you get the best adventure tailored to your needs, I’ll give you ten itinerary ideas, share some tips about planning the perfect trip, and answer your questions. In the end, you’d be perfectly capable of preparing the journey of your life.

Two-Week Europe Itinerary Suggestions

I’m born and raised in Europe. It’s the continent I’ve explored the most, and I’m familiar with the countries here. I’ve either traveled myself or carefully researched all of the suggested routes. That being said, the itineraries are still just suggestions. When we’re talking about your perfect 2-week Europe itinerary, nothing is set in stone. 

If you are going to design your own journey from scratch, my two vital tips are 1) don’t include more than three cities, and 2) Try to make sure the flight back home is from the last town you visit.

The Iconic 2-Week European Itinerary – London, Paris, Rome

If you want to get the best out of Europe, see the iconic landmarks and post the most envy-inducing photos on Instagram, there’s no better route than this.

All three Paris, London, and Rome feature distinctive cultures topped with a global icon landmark. My suggestion is to spend four days in London and Rome and five days in Paris. Add the extra remaining day to your first destination (jet lag recovery day).

London  – In four days, you should be able to check most of the city’s landmarks. The must-sees are Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, The Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. If you keep a quick tempo, you can also check the Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The South Kensington Museums, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus.

Before you visit London, make sure you check my London guide . I can guarantee it will come in handy.

Paris  – Paris is the city with the most iconic landmarks in the world. There’s hardly a person on Earth who hasn’t heard of the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe or the Notre Dame Cathedral. And those are just the heavyweights. Paris is home to so many cultural treasures that you can spend your entire 2 weeks in Europe there and still have something to see. I won’t even mention the time you’ll spend licking your plate in some cute french restaurant.

A lot of people feel disappointed by Paris after their visit. That’s because they go there unprepared. Everything you want to see in Paris needs to be booked beforehand; otherwise, you are guaranteed to spend most of your vacation waiting on a line.

If you decide to have Paris in your 2-week Europe itinerary, make sure to check my  detailed Paris travel guide . You can find all the information you need to pick the best landmarks and skip all the lines.

Rome  – And eventually all roads lead to Rome . The Eternal City is an integral part of the iconic European route. With its small winding alleys, lick-your-fingers restaurants, and romantical atmosphere, Rome is not just a city, Rome is a poem. With four days, you should be able to explore the Colosseum, The Roman Forum, St.Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican City Museums, The Pantheon, Piazza Navona and gain a few kgs along the way.

Rome is my favorite city in the whole world. I have a  detailed guide  that will save you plenty of time and money and show you how to explore some of the most iconic places in the world hassle-free. Make sure to check it out!

Imperial Heritage – Prague, Vienna, Budapest

Prague – Vienna – Budapest is one of the most iconic European itineraries. Conveniently located just a few hundred km of each other, all three cities were prime centers of the glorious Austro-Hungarian empire.

Exploring Central Europe gives a bit different feeling than exploring the western part of the continent. It feels way more fairytale-like. For this itinerary, I recommend spending four days in Budapest, five in Vienna (if you are into museums otherwise four) and the rest in Prague.

The easiest way to move around the cities is via train/bus. To see all the info you need to do the central Europe route (including prices, schedules, and hotel recommendations), you can check out my  in-depth Prague-Vienna-Budapest travel guide.

Prague  – The most significant landmarks include Charles Bridge, The Old Town, Prague’s Astronomical Clock, the Castle Complex, and of course, the Czech beer. To see the best way to organize your days in Prague and various tips and tricks, check out my  ultimate Prague guide .

Vienna  – When in Vienna, you should definitely check Belvedere Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, The Museum of Fine Art, and of course, the classical Vienna Coffee with Sacher cake. Exploring that many palaces and museums is a bit tricky, so you can use my very  detailed Vienna city guide   to help you.

Budapest  – The capital of Hungary is one of those cities that has a little bit of everything. The main attractions are the Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the ruin bars, and the food scene. Navigating Budapest is quite easy, but if you want to prepare your journey in detail, I recommend checking my  Budapest travel guide .

Munich (optional) – If you have enough time, Bavaria’s capital will be a perfect destination for this itinerary. With plenty of middle-age history, a fabulous palace (Nymphenburg Palace), and close to the most beautiful castle in Europe (the world?) – Neuschwanstein Castle, Munich is as cool as it gets. Make sure to check out my  detailed Munich itinerary guide .

Iberian Adventure – Porto, Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona

First, of the couple 2-week European itineraries that feature more than three destinations, this route won’t take you all around the continent but will guarantee a great time. Exploring the top cities in Portugal and Spain is a bucket list adventure that will introduce you to four very distinctive cultures.

Transportation between Porto – Lisbon, and Madrid – Barcelona is best done by train. It’s cheap, fast and comfortable. The distance between Lisbon and Madrid is a bit bigger so you can catch an inexpensive Ryanair flight or get the overnight bus that will save you time and money,

Porto  – The biggest city in Northern Portugal is one of the most underrated places in Europe. With three days to spend, you can explore all the Harry Potter landmarks, the picturesque churches, enjoy more than one sunset at Gaia and go for on a wine tasting tour…or two…or three!

To get all the details about Porto and plan the perfect itinerary, check out my  ultimate Porto travel guide .

Lisbon  – The capital of Portugal is one of the most colorful cities on the continent. With three (or four) days there you can get lost the picturesque Alfama district, greet the sunrise at Portas do Sol, explore the ruins of medieval Lisbon in Carmo Convent, take a walk inside the UNESCO recognized Jeronimos Monastery and finish the day by eating a dozen  Pastel de Natas  while enjoying the sunset at the Belem Tower. Depending on your tempo, you can also go to nearby  Sintra  and explore the most colorful castle in the world!

I have a  handy Lisbon guide  that can show you how to do all that in three days. Make sure to check it out!

Madrid  – The capital of Spain is home to three of the very best art museums in the world – Prado, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum alongside the glorious Spanish Royal Palace, the ancient Egyptian Debod Temple and the oldest restaurant in the world. Three days should be enough to explore the essential landmarks and visit a couple of Tapas Bars.

I have a  detailed guide about Madrid  that can give you all the info you need to have the time of life. If you choose this European itinerary, make sure to check it out!

Barcelona  – Last on the list, we have the colorful capital of Catalonia. Marked by the architectural genius of Gaudi, Barcelona features some of the biggest  landmarks in Spain . Make sure to check Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, take a walk around La Rambla, explore the creepy Gothic Quarter, and take a top Instagram photo from the roof of the Barcelona Cathedral.

My  Barcelona travel guide  will explain all the landmarks in Barcelona and give you detailed info and tips that will make your travel as effortless as possible. Don’t miss it out!

Seville (optional) – If you’ve already seen Madrid or Barcelona, Seville is the perfect replacement. The compact Andalucian capital is an amazing, underrated gem that guarantees a good time. Here’s a detailed Seville travel guide .

Ciao, Bella – Rome, Florence, Venice

What about spending your entire 2 weeks in Europe in a single country? Sounds underwhelming, right? If that country is Italy , it’s not. Having countless things to see and do and featuring some of the most legendary and unique cities on Earth, spending 14 days on the Italian boot is a bulletproof recipe for a good time. The easiest way to get around the country is via train, but make sure also to check the bus prices.

Rome  – The capital of Italy and one of the greatest cities on Earth offers a one-of-a-kind introduction to Italian culture. Five days would let you enjoy the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Aventine Keyhole, and all the marvels of the Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

If you have Rome in your 2-week European Itinerary, don’t miss my  detailed travel guide  that will save you plenty of hassle.

Florence  – The capital city of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance offers one of the most unique and vibrant city adventures in Europe. Four days in this  bucket-list destination  can offer a walk back in time around the city’s historic center, a top art museum – the Uffizi Gallery, and lazy sunset watching at the incredible viewpoint at Piazzale Michelangelo.

  To get all the details and plan the perfect Florence trip, I wrote the perfect Florence itinerary guide for you.

Venice  – The Floating City of Masks is another world-class destination in Italy. Having more water canals than streets, Venice is the most unique city in the world. With five days there, you can catch a ride on a gondola, watch the sun setting behind the San Marco Cathedral, enjoy the interior of the beautiful Doge Palace, and (if visited at the right time of the year) participate in the colorful Venice Carnival.

You can enjoy the Floating City without any guides, but my  detailed Venice itinerary guide  will surely make the planning easier.

Naples (optional) – If you have the time and want to see a slightly different Italy, you may consider adding Naples to the list. The chaotic coastal city is a shock to all tour senses but offers this authentic vibe that few places today can offer. It’s also the birthplace of pizza and next to the most awesome UNESCO World Heritage site in the country – Pompei and the infamous Vesuvius volcano .

If Naples is something that sounds interesting to you, check my detailed guide for more pictures and travel details.

Sleep is Overrated aka The Party Route – Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest

If your idea of a perfect 2 weeks in Europe is party, party, party, Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest is your route. Suppose you are ready for a more exotic adventure. In that case, you may go to Eastern Europe and enjoy countless amounts of alcohol and carefree attitude for a fraction of your western Europe budget. If this is your first time on the continent, however, I suggest playing it safe and sticking to the more popular places in the west. 

The distance between Amsterdam and Berlin is around 600km, making it suitable for a train/bus ride. Berlin to Budapest, however, is close to 900, so you may want to check the Wizzair flights (who usually give the best rates to Budapest). Distribute your days depending on your budget (Amsterdam – most expensive, Budapest – cheapest) and the parties you wish to attend

Amsterdam  – The most open-minded city in Europe, Amsterdam is where everything seems to be allowed. With its famous ‘coffee’ shops and of course the Red Light District, it’s not a surprise that every weekend the tiny alleys of the Duch capital are full of tourists. The best clubs you want to check in Amsterdam are  Radion ,  Claire ,  Shelter ,  De School , and  OT301 .

If you want to explore some of Amsterdam’s culture and history, you can check out the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House.

Berlin  – With the fall of the Berlin Wall, the cultural upheaval spread all around the once-divided city. Today the German capital has one of the most prominent nightlife scenes on the continent. Some of the top clubs in Berlin are  Berghain ,  SchwuZ ,  Anomalie Art Club , and  KitKat .

During the day, you can check the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Make sure you see everything there is to see with my Berlin Itinerary Guide

Budapest  – Budapest will give you a vibrant blend of Eastern and Western Europe. With one-of-a-kind ruin bars, countless craft beers, and one of the richest fast-food scenes I’ve ever seen, the Hungarian capital is the perfect party spot. Some of the most popular ruin bars are  Szimpla Kert ,  Instant & Fogas Ház ,  Mazel Tov , and  UdvarRom .

During the day you can check out the Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Check out my  Budapest travel guide .

Beach Galore – Amalfi coast, Croatia, Greece

If your 2 weeks in Europe are during the summer and you want to have the beach vacation of your life, this is the route for you. You won’t only enjoy some of the best seashores in the world, but you’ll also discover three very different and colorful cultures.

The best way to travel between the destinations on this route is via plane. Spend four days in Italy and Croatia, and all the rest in Greece. That way, you can explore more than one island there.

The Amalfi Coast  – Italy’s premium vacation spot, the Amalfi coast, is home to some of the best beaches on the continent. The most highly rated are Marina Grande of Positano, Marina Grande of Amalfi, Vietri Sul Mare, and the beach of Erchie. An incredible nature combined with the warm Italian culture and premium hospitality makes this destination a prime spot for all beach lovers around Europe.

Croatia  – You may not be aware, but Croatia’s western coast is home to some of the best beaches in the world. That’s right, the world! An extra perk is that they are so underrated that you won’t be surrounded by countless tourists crowds. If you make an effort to find some hidden ones, you may have the tiny idyllic sand shores just for yourself.

The most highly rated beaches in the country are Sakarun Beach (on Dugi Otok Island), Nugal Beach (Makarska), Zlatni Rat Beach (Brac Island) and St. Ivan – Watermelon Beach (Lubenice – Cres Island).

Greece  – The most beachy nation in Europe, Greece, is famous for its beautiful islands, white shores, and azure waters. Picking the right island for you may require a little bit of extra research, but whichever you decide in the end, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. There simply isn’t a lousy island in Greece! The most popular options are Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Halkidiki, Corfu, Milos, Rhodes, and Zakynthos.

The Magic of The North – Iceland, Norway

This 2-week European itinerary won’t be centered around landmarks. The Northern route is focused around the one-of-a-kind nature in Iceland and Norway. It’s the only route that features just two destinations, and that’s because of the abundance of natural treasures in those countries.

The easiest way to get in or out of Iceland is via plane, so this is my recommended way of transportation here.

Iceland  – The island that comes straight out of a fairytale. The nature of Iceland is so utterly different from anything else on Earth that it is hard to explain with words. Steaming volcanos, black beaches, and ice caves are the regular there. 

Rent a car and embark on a journey of a lifetime alongside the Golden, Diamond, or Arctic circles. The natural gems you’ll see along the way are guaranteed to exceed your wildest expectations.

Norway  – One of the world’s wealthiest countries can offer stunning natural sights blended with cute little towns. Take some of the most scenic train rides in the world, explore the UNESCO recognized Geirangerfjord region or the Tromso Fjords, look for the midnight sun in the Arctic circle, take a polar bear photo at the Svalbard Islands or have someone take your photo at Trolltunga. The amount of bucket list adventures to have in Norway is ridiculously high.

Caviar and Champagne – The Luxury 2-Week European Itinerary – French Riviera, Monaco, Milan

If you are looking for the most glamorous way to spend 2 weeks in Europe, this is the route for you. All destinations on the itinerary are favorite vacation spots for celebrities, athletes, and all kinds of millionaires.

I won’t suggest transportation methods here. If you can afford a vacation like that, you probably already have a private driver to get you to Monaco and a charter flight to Milan.

The French Riviera  – The Mediterranean coast of southeastern France is the premium vacation spot in the country and houses high-end resort towns such as Nice, Saint Tropez, and Cannes. If possible, try to align your trip with the Cannes Festival (usually in May). No place in the world hosts most celebrities than Cannes in May.

Monaco  – A synonym of wealth and luxury, Monaco is the ultimate playground for rich people. The small principality headed by the Prince of Monaco is known as the Las Vegas of Europe. The best places to check in Monaco are the Monte Carlo Casino, Jardin Exotique, and (if you visit in the right time of the year) the Monaco F1 Grant Prix.

Milan  – The wealthiest city in the country, Milan, is  home to half of Italy’s multi-millionaires , 20  Micheline Restaurants ,  countless high-end fashion boutiques, and   the first and only Mandarin Oriental hotel in Italy. Milan is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious cities you can visit in Europe.

Shop Till You Drop – London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan

I have to admit, I’m not that big of an expert when it comes to shopping. Especially high-end shopping. I understand, however, that plenty of you envision the perfect 2 weeks in Europe spend around the high-end fashion boutiques, so I did my best to research this specific route. 

London  – One of the very best shopping destinations in the world, London has everything you can ever want. The top locations include Oxford Street, Regent Street, St. James’s, Bond Street, and Mayfair. Also, every Autumn, London is the stage for London’s Fashion Week – a prime event in the fashion world. Check the  awesome London guide .

Paris  – Home to Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, Paris is the most fashionable city in the world. Even a guy like me, who knows nothing about fashion, is aware of that. The top shopping places in the capital of France are Champs-Elysées, Avenue Montaigne, The Marais, Boulevard Haussmann, and the Tuileries District. Paris Fashion Week is usually after the London one. See the  detailed Paris travel guide .

Barcelona  – Who needs Gaudi when you have Gucci, right? With millions of tourists visiting every year to hit the stores, Barcelona is one of the fashion heavyweights in Europe. The top shopping places in the city include the Passeig de Gracia and Portal del Angel streets ,  La Roca Village, Pinza’t store, and Las Arenas Shopping Centre. And here’s the  Barcelona travel guide .

Milan  – already mentioned that in the luxury itinerary, but here we go again – Milan is the wealthiest city in Italy and home to half of the country’s multi-millionaires. With its countless world-renounced brands, the Italian fashion scene hardly needs an introduction too. the best shopping spots in Milan are Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, Corso Buenos Aires, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Art is The Center of The Earth – Paris, Madrid, Venice/Vienna

There’s no better continent for art lovers than Europe. The  Old Continent  is home to the majority of the biggest art museums in the world, and exploring them is on every art-enthusiast bucket list. Truth be told, it was hard for me to pick just three destinations for this itinerary. I had to leave out some incredible places such as Russia’s St. Petersburgh and London, but I genuinely believe this is the best art itinerary to have in Europe.

Since the distances between cities are pretty big, I suggest you travel between cities via Europe’s budget airlines (Ryanair and Wizzair).

Paris  – There’s no city on Earth with as many world-class art museums as Paris. The Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Musee d’Orangerie, Le Centre Pompidou, the Rodin Museum are just the tip of the iceberg. Paris is the artsiest city in the world, and there’s not a single doubt about that.

If you’re about to hit the Paris museums, check out my  detailed travel guide  where you’ll find useful information such as ticket prices, working hours, and tips about skipping the lines.

Madrid  – The Spanish capital may not feature as many art museums as Paris, but the ones they have are definitely not of lesser quality. Priding itself as the home of the  Golden Triangle of Art , Madrid will take you on a scenic journey around the most-prominent Spanish masters. Between Prado, Reina Sofia, and   the   Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, you will witness the biggest masterpieces of art titans such as Velazquez, Goya, Miro, Picasso, and Dali. Check out my  detailed Madrid travel guide  to see how to explore all art museums for free!

Venice/Vienna

The last destination of this itinerary depends on the timing of your trip. Vienna offers incredible art museums such as the Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Albertina, the Secession Building, and the Leopold Museum. See the detailed Vienna travel guide .

Venice, on the other hand, has The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, La Bottega del Mascareri, and Gallerie dell’Accademia. What tips the scales towards Venice is  Biennale . The biennial modern art exhibition is an event like no other, and if your time in Europe corresponds with the festival, Venice should definitely be on your itinerary. Here’s the  awesome Venice itinerary guide .

How to Plan your 2 Weeks in Europe

This part mainly targets visitors from other continents since such a big trip requires more detailed preparation. Europe is incredible, but to get the best of your journey, you need to do your homework.

Pick the correct cities

If you don’t like any of the suggested itineraries and plan one of your own, make sure to pick the correct cities. What do correct cities mean? It’s the cities that are most likely to suit your way of travel and fulfill your needs.

Also, if this is your first trip to the  Old Continent,  I suggest sticking to the big and popular places. Most of the time, they offer the best landmarks in the country, and while they may feel a little bit too touristy, locals there are used to tourists, lowering chances of something going wrong.

Going off the beaten path is fun, but if you do it on your first European voyage, you risk missing the top landmarks (touristy or not, they are worth it), and encountering cultural differences that would be harder to handle.

Pick places close to each other

Europe is quite small. Getting from one side to the other would require no more than a 4-hour flight. Why choose cities that are close, then? Because 4 hours on the plane are combined with 2 hours at the airport, an hour or two getting from the airport to the new city, checking out of a hotel, checking in a hotel…you see where I’m going with this. With only 2 weeks in Europe, you want to maximize your time exploring the cities and minimize the traveling hours. 

Smaller distances can also be taken via train, bus or car. That way, you are saving not only money but also time.

Buy all the tickets online

This is probably my most important tip – prepare the tickets for all landmarks you wish to visit in advance. You know the stories about people going to Rome or Pairs and hating the city? The big reason for their bad experience is the time wasted on lines. The more popular the city – the bigger the lines. The record-holder of this is Paris where to climb the Eiffel Tower, you need to wait on not one but two 1hr+ lines. If you want to check out the Catacombs too, you better have four hours to spare! Let me tell you something; if I have just a few days in Paris and I spend half of the time looking at someone’s back, I would hate the city too.

Thankfully it’s the 21st century, and everything can be found online. Most of the time, online tickets are the same price, and they include a skip-the-line option. The place where I shop for all my tickets and most of my tours is  GetYourGuide . They have almost everything, and sometimes their prices are even lower than the official ones.

Europe’s roads are great to drive on. They are well-maintained and offer some world-class views.  Renting a car  would give you tons of flexibility to check not only the main cities but also the area around them. You can also use your car to drive from one country to another, but since this option limits your choices, making it more expensive, I suggest getting a new vehicle for every country you visit.

The best tool for finding good rent-a-car deals in Europe is  Discover Cars . I’ve used them in tons of places, and sometimes the prices they can find are out of this world (35 EUR total for 7 days in Portugal, for example).

Research the culture and the everyday-differences

You need to do this after you have picked your cities. Why? Because like I said, there are more than 40 countries in Europe and they are profoundly different. You want to be prepared for cultural things like the tapa bars in Spain, French refusing to speak in English, or Greeks smashing their dishes on the ground. 

You also have to be prepared for the everyday-differences. What are those? Well, things like the fact that more people in Europe drive on manual transmission so the rent-a-car company may not have any automatic vehicles. The different power outlets (US ≠ EU ≠ UK), the side of the road they are driving, etc

Get up early

This is something I’m sure most of you won’t do. Those of you who make the effort though, would enjoy some of the most magical moments of their life. At least once, try and get up around sunrise. All top European cities are swarming with tourist crowds during the day, something that really hides their magnificence. I know you’re on vacation, and you don’t want to get up early, but trust me, seeing Rome at sunrise is one of the most enchanting travel experiences ever.

Have comfortable shoes

Going to Europe and not packing comfortable shoes is suicide. All the cities here are best explored on foot. Even if they are pretty large and you’re forced to use public transport (great option) or a taxi, you’ll still end most of the days with plenty of walked kilometers. Ladies, I know you want to look good on your photos, but walking with high-heels, 10km+, on cobbled stones is really not worth it.

Mind the jet lag

If this is your first journey to another continent, you may underestimate this problem. To enjoy your 2 weeks in Europe to the max, though, you need to have the jetlag in mind, especially if you are coming from the west. Make sure to plan a relaxed itinerary for the first couple of days, so that your body can get used to the new ‘weird’ hours.

Two Week-Europe Itinerary FAQ

Planning 2 weeks in Europe is no joke, and you probably have plenty of questions. I’ll list the most popular here; if there anything else you wish to ask, I’d love to help you.

When to visit Europe?

Just like the perfect 2-week Europe itinerary, there is no one-size-fits-all answer here. The weather differs from country to country, and the best time to visit a nation depends on your budget and travel intentions.

Big cities are usually great in the shoulder seasons (March to June – September to November). You risk some rain showers, but temperatures are mild, and crowds are not in their peak. April is a bit of an exception due to the catholic countries gathering huge Easter crowds.

If you’re after a beach or a Ski vacation, obviously, Summer and Winter are your seasons.

Summer is the most popular travel season all around the  Old Continent.  Prices are high, tourists are everywhere, and some countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece get hot as hell. Winter, on the other hand, sees the lowest prices and fewer tourists (unless around Christmas). Many cities are horrible to explore during winter, though, so unless you’re on a tight budget, I don’t recommend it.

Here’s a great wheater site  I usually use to plan my travels.

How to get around in Europe?

As I mentioned above,  renting a car  would be the easiest way to travel around Europe. If you’re not a driver, there are plenty of ways that suit every budget. For bigger distances, you can use low-cost airlines such as  Ryanair  and  Wizzair . If the distances are smaller, you are better via train or a bus. Tickets can be found in  GetYourGuide  or  Omio .

Buses especially can sometimes offer incredible deals. Once I traveled from Brussels to Pairs for just 7 EUR.

When we’re talking about getting around inside the cities, my recommendation is to go on foot. All European cities are extremely walkable, and there is no better way to feel the spirit of a place than walking around its winding alleys. If the city is too big ( like Paris or London), you can use the well-developed public transport. The metro system is usually the most convenient one.

Is Europe safe?

This depends on the country, but generally, the cities in Europe are as safe as it gets. While violent crimes won’t be an issue, you do have to be vigilant for petty crime. Pickpocketing around the major touristic sites is very common.

No matter how safe Europe is, I strongly suggest getting travel insurance. If anything, the latest global events taught us that something horrible can always happen. Being insured is the smart decision that can help you ease your worries and let you enjoy your adventure to the max. I currently use  HeyMondo  for my travels because they have proven themselves to me more than once over the years. The link above will give you a 5% discount, but If you have another favorite provider, that’s ok. Just make sure you have one because you never know what may happen.

Do I need a visa to visit Europe?

To visit most of the countries in Europe, you need a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa allows travel around the EU passport-free zone that covers most of the European countries. Some countries outside the EU also recognize the Schengen visa, while others inside the EU are not part of the Schengen zone. Thankfully  the official Schengen website  gives detailed information that will help you determine if you need a visa, how to get it, and how much it costs.

Is Europe expensive?

Europe could be incredibly expensive or absurdly cheap; it depends on the way you travel and the countries you visit. While France and the UK are among the most expensive nations in the world, countries in eastern Europe are often cheaper than places in Asia or South America.  Check the average budget needed  for every country on your 2-week Europe itinerary and make an adequate budget.

What currency do they use in Europe?

It’s the Euro, right? Yes…and no. Countries in the EU use the Euro, however, not all of them. Also, some countries that aren’t in the EU are allowed to use the Euro. And there are countries like Hungary where you can use both Euros and the local currency. Once you have your 2-week Europe itinerary set,  check here  and see what currency do you need.

Is English wide-spread in Europe?

If you stick to the big cities and the famous landmarks, you won’t have much trouble communicating. The only big European city I’ve been to where they didn’t speak English was Paris. And it’s not like they don’t know the language, they understand everything you tell them in English but prefer to answer in French for some reason.

That’s all from me, I hope you plan the perfect 2-week Europe itinerary . ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I have 480 bucket list ideas for Europe. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Have you been to Europe?

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2-Week Europe Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for an Unforgettable Trip

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, but all content is based off our own opinions and experiences. We may receive a commission from purchases made through the links enclosed at no additional cost to you!

Are you dreaming of a European adventure that combines historic charm, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking sights? Look no further! In this comprehensive 2-week Europe itinerary, we’ll guide you through the amazing cities of Porto, Barcelona, Rome, and Paris, ensuring that your trip is not only unforgettable but also optimized for the best experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, this itinerary promises something special for everyone.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that Mind Over Matter Travel may be paid a small commission if you purchase something through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions in this post are genuine based on personal experiences.

2-Week Europe Itinerary: Days 1-3 in Porto

Porto is a gem that should unquestionably be on everyone’s 2-week Europe itinerary. This vibrant Portuguese city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that make it a must-visit destination. Nestled along the picturesque Douro River, Porto’s old-world charm is seen through its colorful facades and cobblestone streets. The city boasts an array of experiences, from sampling the world-famous Port wine in historic cellars to exploring captivating landmarks like Sao Bento Station and the Luis I Bridge. Porto’s warm hospitality, rich heritage, and affordable prices make it an optimal choice for travelers seeking an authentic European adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Porto

• Welcome to Porto! Start your journey with a relaxing dinner by the Douro River.
• Experience the city’s magic on a sunset Douro River cruise .

Day 2: Porto Exploration

• Join a free walking tour to discover the highlights of Porto.
• Explore Porto’s heritage with a delicious Port wine tour.
• Savor a traditional Francesinha at Sancho Panza no Cais de Gaia.
• Catch the sunset from Jardim do Morro and walk across the iconic Luis I Bridge.

Day 3: More of Porto’s Charm

• Begin your day with breakfast at My Coffee Porto to admire the stunning views.
• Visit attractions you might have missed, such as Livraria Lello and Igreja do Carmo.
• Taste the famous Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria.
• Experience the sounds and learn about the history of Fado at the Fado na Baixa show .
• Stroll through the charming streets of Ribeira.

2 Week Europe Itinerary: Days 4-6 in Barcelona

Barcelona is an absolute must on everyone’s 2-week Europe itinerary, and for a good reason. This Spanish jewel effortlessly combines history, art, and a vibrant atmosphere to create a one-of-a-kind destination. From the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí, including the mesmerizing Sagrada Familia and whimsical Park Guell, to the lively streets of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona is a treasure trove of experiences. Indulge in tapas, watch passionate flamenco performances, and embrace the city’s coastal charm with a stroll along La Rambla. With its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking sights, Barcelona promises an exciting European adventure.

Day 4: Arrival in Barcelona

• Arrive in vibrant Barcelona to kick off your Spanish adventure.
• Savor the flavors of Barcelona with a tasty tapas tour.

Day 5: Barcelona’s Architectural Marvels

• Explore the whimsical Park Guell.
• Embark on a Gaudi and Modernism walking tour that will take you to Casa Mila, Casa Amatller, and Casa Batllo.
• Be captivated by the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia with a Sagrada Familia tour.
• Enjoy a dinner and traditional flamenco show in the evening.

Day 6: Day Trip to Montserrat and Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

• Discover the mystical Montserrat on a day trip.
• Stroll through the historic Gothic Quarter.
• Enjoy dinner along the lively La Rambla.

2-Week Europe Itinerary: Days 7-10 in Rome

Rome, often referred to as the Eternal City, deserves a prominent place on everyone’s 2-week Europe itinerary. This historic destination effortlessly blends the ancient with the modern, offering travelers an immersive experience into the heart of Western civilization. From exploring the iconic Colosseum and the Vatican’s treasures to indulging in mouthwatering Italian cuisine, Rome is a city like no other (and my personal favorite). Stroll through cobblestone streets, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and marvel at the grandeur of the Pantheon. Rome’s unparalleled blend of history, art, and culinary delights ensures that your European adventure is nothing short of enchanting.

Day 7: Arrival in Rome and Food Tour

• Arrive in the eternal city, Rome.
• Dive into Rome’s culinary delights with a food tour.

Day 8: Exploring Rome’s Treasures

• Enjoy early access to Vatican treasures with a special early entry Vatican tour.
• Enjoy lunch at Trappazino, known for delicious and affordable options.
• Join a free walking tour to uncover more of Rome’s beauty and top sights.
• Dinner at Virginiae for a taste of authentic cacio e pepe.
• Explore Rome at night, visiting Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and more.

Day 9: Ancient Rome and Culinary Delights

• Step back in time at the Colosseum with a tour that includes exclusive access to the arena floor.
• Enjoy lunch at Tonnarello (be prepared for a line and make sure to order the foccacia and carbonara).
• Wander through Rome’s picturesque streets and hidden plazas (don’t miss Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori).

Day 10: Day Trip to Florence

• Take a day trip to Florence and delve into its Renaissance charm.
• Enjoy a free walking tour and indulge in mouthwatering sandwiches at I’Girone de Ghiotti.
• Choose between the Uffizi Gallery or Academia Gallery (depending on your preferences) or see both with this tour.
• Savor a sumptuous Fiorentina steak for dinner.

2-Week Europe Itinerary: Days 11-14 in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, is an indispensable stop on every 2-week Europe itinerary. Its timeless charm, world-class art, and romantic ambiance make it a top choice for travelers. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral to charming neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais, Paris offers a diverse array of experiences. Sip coffee in quaint cafes, savor croissants, and explore the city’s rich history and culture in its many museums and galleries. Paris promises a perfect blend of sophistication and charm, making it the perfect place to end your European journey.

Day 11: Arrival in Paris and Food Tour

• Welcome to the City of Light, Paris!
• Taste exquisite French cuisine with a delicious food tour.

Day 12: Parisian Icons and Eiffel Tower Magic

• Begin your day with a walking tour, exploring the charm of Paris.
• Visit the iconic Louvre Museum to admire timeless art.
• Marvel at the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe.
• Stroll along the scenic Champs-Elysees.
• Have a picnic by the Eiffel Tower.
• Experience the magic of the city during golden hour, sunset, and nightfall with a Seine River cruise.
• Soak in views of the sparkling Eiffel Tower on the hour from Trocadero.

Day 13: Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles and Evening Entertainment

• Take a day trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles.
• Enjoy a traditional French dinner at Bouillon Pigalle (the best, reasonably-priced French food in Paris).
• Opt for the glamorous Moulin Rouge show or choose the intimate Crazy Horse cabaret for a unique evening experience.

Day 14: Final Day in Paris

• Find the best croissant in Paris, a fitting farewell treat.
• Take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping.
• Bid farewell to Europe, cherishing the incredible memories made during your 2-week adventure.

This 2-week Europe itinerary takes you through the incredible cities of Porto, Barcelona, Rome, and Paris, each offering its own unique charm and experiences. With this itinerary, your European adventure will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Remember, the key to a successful trip is planning ahead, and this itinerary ensures you make the most of your time in each city. We hope your adventure in Europe leaves you with cherished memories and a desire to explore more of this diverse continent in the future.

Safe travels and bon voyage!

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

2 weeks in Europe Itinerary by Train – 4 detailed options (+ Tips)

Last updated on March 2, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Planning a trip to Europe? Want to get a great snapshot in a limited time? In this article I share my top tips to plan your 2 weeks in Europe as well as 4 detailed Europe itineraries by train : Latin, Eastern, Western and Central. Discover some of the most beautiful treasures of the continent.

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you ( Disclosure ).

Things to consider when planning 2 weeks in Europe

Want to discover as much as possible of Europe during your 2 week trip? Here are a few points to consider when planning your itinerary:

• SIZE OF EUROPE - the European continent is as big as the USA 
• VARIETY OF CULTURES - In theory, if you were flying every evening or morning you could change countries everyday and still have a full day to explore. But Europe is full of different fascinating cultures. There is much to see everywhere. So I recommend selecting a portion of Europe and visit only a few countries, to better appreciate each place.
• SIMPLE TRAVEL - Traveling between large cities is relatively easy in Europe, but once you decide to reach smaller cities, it means more connections and modes of transportation. Considering you "only" have 2 weeks, I recommend sticking to major cities

Best way to travel Europe in 2 weeks - Europe by train

• BY TRAIN   - easy access from cities, direct trains connect most major cities, plus you can see the landscapes changing, spot small villages and appreciate more of each country. CHOICE I RECOMMEND Book you train tickets with the SNCF Connect platform!
• BY CAR - If you want to cover several different countries, I don't recommend renting a car, because distances are significant and parking in major cities is a pain. Rent a car only if you want to do regions that are close to each other i.e. North of France, South of Belgium and Luxembourg My favorite platform for renting cars around the world is Discovercars .
• BY PLANE - between the time to get out of the city to the airport, being early and waiting for flight, the time to get luggage, time to get inside the next city... it may seems faster, but it is often not Plus train you can see landscapes changing, spot small villages
• BY COACH  - For those with smaller budget, this is a good alternative to train. But you need to plan more time for transportation

2 weeks in Europe itinerary - My 4 proposals

Based on all that, I have created 4 possible 2 week Europe itineraries by Train for you to consider depending on your interests. Below is a map that shows you which parts of Europe are covered with those 4 suggestions:

OPTION 1 - LATIN EUROPE

• Barcelona (Spain) + Paris (France) + Venice (Italy) + Rome (Italy + Vatican)
• Go directly to itinerary

OPTION 2 - EASTERN EUROPE

• European Elegance
• Prague (Czech Republic) + Vienna (Austria) + Bratislava (Slovakia) + Budapest (Hungary)

OPTION 3 - WESTERN EUROPE

• London (UK) + Paris (France) + Brussels (Belgium) + Amsterdam (The Netherlands) + Berlin (Germany)

OPTION 4 - CENTRAL WEST EUROPE

• Especially good at Christmas, away from the capital cities
• Luxembourg + Strasbourg (France) + Munich (Germany) + Salzburg (Austria)

Don't make the same mistake I did!

During one of my last trips, I used an open hotel wifi and got my credit card details stolen. So, my travels started with a phone call telling me I could not use my card anymore! What a mess...

Learn from my mistake, make a small investment for worry-free surfing. Get a VPN tool to turn on once you are outside your home!

LATIN EUROPE

LATIN EUROPE trip Itinerary 2 weeks

Trip overview.

Day 1 to 3 - BARCELONA (Spain)

Highlights / Classics

• Visit the magnificent Sagrada Familia - it is massive with a unique style. Considered the absolute must-see in Barcelona
• Admire the architectural work of Gaudi with his emphasis on natural curves and patterns, creating the catalan modernism movement
• Enjoy the light and music show at the Magic Fountain
• Go to the top of the Tibidabo Mountain to admire Barcelona from above
• Visit the Joan Miro Foundation to discover some of the artist's most iconic work

Where to Stay

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Barcelona on your 2 weeks in Europe itinerary:

• Best areas to stay in Barcelona - Old town (El Born), Barceloneta Las Ramblas and Placa Catalunya
• LUXURY - El palace Hotel in the old town, modern decor in old charm with a fantastic location - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Duquesa Suites Barcelona, great light and views, fantastic terrace  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Room Mate Pau has amazing design, friendly staff and a great location - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Hostel one Ramblas: clean, good atmosphere, free diner and a roof top terrace  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Barcelona

Food Suggestions

• Try as many tapas as possible. I love this way of eating, to be able to enjoy so many flavors!!!
• Tortilla, the traditional Spanish Omelette
• Paella - a good fresh paella cooked in a giant dish Miam!!!
• And for desert, the Catalan Creme with its cinnamon custard

Barcelona Like a local

• Enjoy a Sunday picnic at Parc de la Ciutadella to enjoy a little bit of greenery, especially on hot summer days
• Watch sunset at Bunkers del Carmel
• Chill at the Mar Bella Beach
• Go for a run at Parc Natural de Collserola
• Explore the specialty shops in the Gracia district 

Useful words in Catalan

• Good morning : Bon Dia
• Hello - Hola
• Thank you - Merci (similar to French with with emphasis on e)
• Please - Por Favor
• Currency - Euros
• Plug - 2 rounds
• Emergency - 112

Activity ideas

Check out some of the best rated activities :

Day 4 - TRAIN Barcelona to Paris

• Path - Barcelona Sants to Paris Gare de Lyon station
• Time on train - 6h30
• Type of train - Choose the "directs" with High speed trains
• Suggested time - Morning departure for arrival mid afternoon or beginning of afternoon departure for arrival in the evening
• Check availability and Book you train tickets with the SNCF Connect platform! Book your seat and Purchase Train Ticket

Day 5 to 8 - PARIS (France)

• Admire the iconic Eiffel tower and its impressive structure
• Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and travel back in time
• Visit the underground world at the Catacombs
• Admire the stained glass windows at Sainte-Chapelle
• Get up to the Sacré-Coeur to look over Paris
• Watch a show at one of the cabarets
• Enjoy an evening cruise on the River Seine to see the lights of Paris
• Feel royal at the Versailles Castle
• You can check out my article about spending 3 days in Paris

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Paris on your 2 weeks in Europe itinerary:

• Best areas to stay in Paris - The Marais, near the Pantheon, the 6th arrondissement, Ile Saint Louis... Check out my complete article on where to to stay in Paris
• LEGENDARY - Le Meurice is a palace in the 1st with great views of Paris (some rooms see the Eiffel Tower), a perfect location and a renowned restaurant  - Check out photos and latest prices
• LUXURY - Le Narcisse Blanc & Spa in the 7th, classic Parisian chic and great facilities - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Hotel La Lanterne in the 5th - love the style and the swimming pool area! - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Hotel du Vieux Saule is in the heart of the Marais, yet has quiet rooms - Clean and practical for a good price - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Generator Paris in the 10th, close to Metro station Colonel Fabien (Line 2) - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Paris

Since I am French, I could list pages and pages of great food to try. So delicious! But I have to limit myself here...

• For breakfast croissant and pain au chocolat or some fresh baguette from the bakery
• Cheese, cheese and cheese 🙂 we even have restaurants that only serve cheese dishes. LOL
• Find a great bakery to try delicious cakes. The good ones melt and crisp in your mouth and are very light
• And while you are there, taste the Macarons. They exist with many flavors and will make you gasp.
• Enjoy the wine too

Experience Paris like a local

• Relax along Canal Saint-Martin, especially in the evening in Summer
• Sit at a terrace, drink coffee and do people watching
• Enjoy a weekend picnic in Parc des Buttes Chaumont (with baguettes and wine!)
• Just go for a walk, take side streets and see where they lead you

Useful words in French

• Good morning : Bonjour
• Hello - Salut
• Thank you - Merci 
• Please - S'il vous plait

Check out the best tours and activities in Paris 

Overnight Day 8 to Day 9 - Travel to Venice 

• Path - Paris Gare de Lyon to Venecia Santa Luzia
• Time on train - 14 hours 25 minutes
• Type of train - Thello Night Train to get a train without connection
• Suggested time - 7:10pm departure
• Check availability and Book you train tickets with the SNCF Connect platform! Book your seat and Purchase train ticket

Day 9 and 10 - VENICE (Italy)

• Marvel at Saint Mark's Basilica
• Enjoy a Gondola ride on the canals
• Get up the Campanile di San Marco
• For more ideas about things to do in Venice, check out this guide by Suitcase and Wanderlust

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Venice on your 2 weeks in Europe itinerary:

• LUXURY - Hotel Londra Palace: fantastic location and some great views - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Hotel l'Orologio because it is modern, instead of going with heavy traditional decors, to avoid overload during your visit   - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Alla Vite Dorata: welcoming, good location but calm, small option at great price  - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Located within a historic monastery, We_Crociferi has a great ambience, romantic and modern   - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Venice
• Baicoli, historical biscuits that could last long for sailors on ships
• Sarde in saor - a sweet and sour dish with fried sardine fillets
• Fritole during the carnival period, a sweet fried pastry
• The many delicious risottos with seafood

Useful words in Italian

• Good morning - BuonGiorno
• Hello - Ciao
• Thank you - Grazie
• Please - Per favore

Check out the best tours and activities in Venice 

Day 11 Venice + Travel to Rome 

• Path - Venezia S Lucia to Roma Termini (the most central of the 2 stations)
• Time on train - 3h45
• Type of train - Regional Train
• Suggested time - Morning or afternoon depending on if you want to see more of Venice or Rome
• Check availability and Book you train tickets with the SNCF Connect platform! Purchase Train Ticket and Book your seat

Day 12 to 14 - ROME (Italy)

• Imagine ancient games at the Colosseum
• Imagine how life was as you explore the Roman forum
• Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
• Admire the many historical buildings, especially the pantheon
• Visit another country: the Vatican

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Rome on your 2 weeks in Europe itinerary:

• Best areas to stay in Rome - around the Pantheon, Around Trevi in the northern part of the historic center or in the South near the Colosseum
• LUXURY - Hassler Roma where some of the rooms have exceptional views  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - The Inn at the Roman Forum: small hotel, great rooms, charm, luxury and history  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Hotel Condotti with great location, nice staff and good soundproofing  - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Generator Rome with well designed clean rooms  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Rome
• The essentials - Pizza, Pasta and ice cream
• Suppli - fried rice ball

Experience Rome like a local

• Relax in the park of Villa Borghese
• Speak with your hands
• Watch sunset from the Giancolo
• Take a cooking class

Check out the best tours and activities in Rome 

Is the railpass worth it?

This itinerary enters inside a Eurail Select Pass 3 countries (5 days of travel within 2 months) - see the railpass options and click on "Pass" tab

According to my calculations, the total of separate tickets is cheaper than the pass for adults. However if you are traveling with families, it could be interesting. And if you plan on taking side trips from the cities, it could be as well.

I don't drink coffee

But I like other drinks and foods! Do you enjoy the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising...

EASTERN  EUROPE

EASTERN EUROPE Itinerary in 2 weeks

Day 1 to 3 - PRAGUE (Czek Republic)

• Watch time pass at the astronomical tower
• Visit the castle
• Feel dizzy looking at the dancing house
• Wander in the old town
• Admire the lights at night

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Prague on your Europe 2 week trip:

• ROYAL - The Grand Mark Prague inside a palace  - Check out photos and latest prices
• LUXURY - Augustine With spacious rooms, interior garden and beautiful architecture - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE traditional - Hotel Pod Vezi close to the Charles Bridge with large elegant rooms  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE modern - MeetMe23 and its fun unique decor!  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Josephine Old Town Hotel: fantastic location and spacious rooms for the price - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Post Hostel Prague with great organization and ambience  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Prague
• For those not afraid of raw meat, the Beef steak tartare
• Kulajda, the traditional soup
• Wiener sausages
• Dishes with lots of sauce

Useful words in Czech

• Good morning -  Dobré ráno
• Hello - Ahoj
• Thank you -  Děkuji
• Please -  Prosím
• Currency - Czek Koruna

Check out the best tours and activities in Prague 

Day 4 morning - TRAIN Prague to Vienna

• Path - Praha Hlavni NADR to Wien HBF
• Time on train - 4h
• Type of train - Railjet
• Suggested time - Morning ride to start visiting Vienna in the afternoon

Day 4 afternoon to 7 - VIENNA (Austria)

• Feel royal while visiting the Hofburg or the Schönbrunn Palace or the Belvedere Palace
• Visit the historical center of Vienna around St Stephen's Cathedral
• Admire the equestrian arts at the Spanish riding school
• Feel small in front of Vienna's city hall

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Vienna on your Europe trip:

• Best areas to stay in Vienna - old town (Innere Stadt), on the island Leopoldstadt and Landstrasse
• LUXURY - Hotel Sans Souci Wien is a palace with beautiful decor mix of old and new  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Hotel Am Parkring because I love open views  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Motel one Wien-Staatsoper with great location, decor and breakfast  - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Vienna Hostel Ruthersteiner with great quality accommodation for a good price  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodations within the best customer-rated accommodations in Vienna
• Wiener schnitzel (thin breaded pan fried veal cutlet)
• Sweet apfelstrudel
• Classic Wiener Sausage
• The shredded pancake called Kaiserschmarrn
• Sachertorte (rich chocolate sponge cake)

Useful words in German (Autrian)

• Good morning - Guten Morgen or Guten Tag
• Hello - Hallo
• Thank you - Danke
• Please - Bitte
• Currency - Euro

Check out the best tours and activities in Vienna

Day 8 - TRAIN Vienna to Bratislava

• Path - Wien HBF to Brastislava Hl. St.
• Time on train - 1h
• Suggested time - Depending if you want more time to spend in one of the cities

Day 8 afternoon to 10 - BRATISLAVA (Slovakia)

• Wander in the old town around Michael's gate - pay attention to the colors and details in the facades
• Visit the Bratislava Castle and the Grassalkovich Palace
• Hunt the Bronze statues throughout the city

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Vienna on your 2-week trip around Europe:

• LUXURY - Arcadia hotel with great traditional decor and a fantastic spa - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - LOFT Hotel Bratislava with beautiful common areas and spacious rooms  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Aplend City hotel Perugia: comfortable, good location, delicious breakfast  - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Wild Elephants Hostel is perfectly located  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Bratislava
• Halusky the traditional Slovakian meal (potato dumplings in creamy sauce)
• The Pressburg cuisine : spicy Hungarian stew

Useful words in Slovak

• Thank you -  Ďakujem
• Please -  prosím

Check out the best tours and activities in Bratislava 

Day 11 - TRAIN Bratislava to Budapest

• Path - Bratislava HL S. to Budapest Nyuga PU
• Time on train - 2h26
• Type of train - Cross-border regional train - Eurocity

Day 12 to 14 - BUDAPEST (Hungary)

• Stroll along the Danube and admire the buildings
• Explore Castle Hill and visit the Buda Castle
• Marvel at the architectural details of the Parliament buildings
• Climb to the dome of St Stephen's Basilica
• Visit the Fisherman's Bastion and its amazing architecture
• Marvel at Matthias Church of our Lady and learn about its long history
• Learn more about the war and go underground in the Hospital bunker

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Budapest on your 2 week trip around Europe:

• LUXURY - Boscolo Budapest: amazing common areas and pools, spacious rooms, beautiful architecture  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Hotel Moments Budapest with intriguing interior design - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - BP design Hotel and Apartman with a perfect location in the old town - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Flow hostel, with bright decor and space  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Budapest
• Goulash (Fulyas), the traditional dish in Hungaria
• Stuffed paprikas
• Many soups such as the Jokai Bean Soup (vinegar, sour cream, pork, carrots, beans...) or Lesco (red peppers, tomatoes, onions, lard, paprika)

Useful words in Hungarian

• Good morning -  Jó reggelt
• Hello -  Helló
• Thank you -  Köszönöm
• Please - Kérem
• Currency - Hungarian Forint

Check out the best tours and activities in Budapest 

This itinerary enters inside a Eurail Select Pass 4 countries (you can reduce its price by choosing the right option for how many days of travel within how many months) - see the railpass options and click on "Pass" tab

According to my calculations, the total of separate tickets is cheaper than the pass for adults. However if you are traveling with families, it could be interesting. And price may change if some of you travel on weekends.

WESTERN EUROPE

WESTERN EUROPE Trip Itinerary 2 weeks

Day 1 to 4 - LONDON (United Kingdom)

• Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
• Admire the crown jewels at the Tower of London
• Visit the many free museums
• Marvel at Big Ben and the parliament
• Feel royal at Westminster Abbey Have a stroll in Hyde Park
• Get a bird eye view of London from the London Eye

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in London on your 2 week trip in Western Europe:

• Best areas to stay in London - The West end with Soho, Covent Garden, Leicester square, Oxford street... or Kensington on the Piccadilly line
• LUXURY - Rosewood London with elegant design and grandiose architecture - Check out photos and latest prices
• LUXURY Boutique - The Mandrake Hotel has lots of personnality - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Apex Temple Court Hotel wiht amazing views from some of the rooms - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE Funky - Mondrian London by the Tamise river has a unique design. Have a look!  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - CitizenM London Bankside with beautiful design   - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Astor Hyde park Hostel in a beautiful Victorian building - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodations within the best customer-rated accommodations in London
• Fish and chips late at night
• A good traditional roast
• Pie and mashed potatoes with gravy
• And, of course, the full English breakfast
• Afternoon tea

Useful words in London

I think you can manage with English LOL

• Currency - British pound
• Plug - 3 rectangles (type G)

Check out the best tours and activities in London 

Day 4 - TRAIN London to Paris

• Path - London St-Pancras to Paris Nord
• Time on train - 2h25
• Type of train - Eurostar under the sea
• Suggested time - Your choice, depending if you want an extra half day in Paris or in London

Day 5 to 7 - Paris (France)

• Enjoy and evening cruise on the Seine River to see the lights of Paris
• Or Find your ideal accommodations within the best customer-rated accommodations in Paris
• Find a great bakery to try delicious cake. The good ones melt and crisp in your mouth and are very light

Visit Paris like a local on your 2 week in Europe itinerary

• Just go for a walk, take side streets and see where it leads you

Day 8 Morning - TRAIN Paris to Brussels

• Path - Paris Nord to Bruxelles Midi
• Time on train - 1h22
• Type of train - Thalys high speed train
• Suggested time - Morning to have the afternoon in Brussels
• Check availability and Book you train tickets with the SNCF Connect platform!

Day 8 afternoon and 9 - BRUSSELS (Belgium)

• Stand in the middle of the Grand Place (Grote Markt)
• Laugh at how small the Mannekin Pis is
• Feel small in front of the Cathedral
• Admire the buildings around the Place Royale (Koningsplein)

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Brussels on your 2 week trip in Western Europe:

• LUXURY - Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo with comfortable rooms and welcoming staff  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Aloft Brussels Schuman EU hotel for its funky style  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Hotel Made in Louise with clean bright decor and not far from all attractions  - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - 2GO4 Quality Hostel Brussels grand place has a fantastic location - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Brussels
• A delicious freshly cooked waffel
• Mussels and french fries
• Meatballs, often a mixture of 2 meats
• Flemish stew (Carbonnade à la flamande)
• Grey shrimps, traditionally fished along the coast

Useful words

Belgium has 3 official languages. As you don't know which one the person in front of you speaks, better to use English...

Check out the best tours and activities in Brussels 

Day 10 Morning - TRAIN Brussels to Amsterdam

• Path - Bruxelles Midi to Amsterdam Zuid WT
• Time on train - 1h50
• Type of train - Take the Thalys to have a no change train

Day 10 afternoon and 11 - AMSTERDAM (The Netherlands)

• Stroll the city center and appreciate the its unique style
• Get flooded by art at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum
• Travel back in history at the Anne Frank Museum
• Visit the Royal palace

• LUXURY - Waldorf Astoria: a breath of fresh air  - Check out photos and latest prices
• EXTRAVAGANT LUXURY - Hotel Twenty Seven: for a stay you will never forget - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Hotel IX Nine Streets: what I imagine when I think of Amsterdam - Check out photos and latest prices
• DIFFERENT - HotelBoat Fiep, sleep on a boat!  - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Generator Amsterdam right by a huge park  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodations within the best customer-rated accommodations in Amsterdam
• Bitterballe, deep fried meatballs
• Stroopwafel: 2 small thin waffles stuck together with syrup
• Dutch fries with crazy condiments mixture
• Oliebollen, deep fried sweet dumplings
• The traditional ginger Cake: Ontbijtkoek

Useful words in Dutch

• Good morning -  Goedemorgen
• Thank you - Dank je
• Please -  alsjeblieft

Check out the best tours and activities in Amsterdam 

Day 12 - TRAIN Amsterdam to Berlin

• Path - Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin HBF
• Time on train - 6h22 direct or 6h07 with one connection
• Type of train - Intercity / Regional trains

Day 12 to 14 - BERLIN (Germany)

• Feel peace in front of the Brandenburg Gate
• Climb in circles to the top of the Parliament dome (book in advance)
• Remember history at the Berlin wall
• Forget the city when wandering through the Tiergarten
• Visit the many museums

Below are some suggestions of places to stay in Berlin on your 2 week trip in Western Europe:

• Best areas to stay in Berlin - Spandauer Vorstadt in the downtown area or Prenzlauer berg for a less touristy option
• LUXURY - Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome: what a pool!!!  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin: fun and with a fantastic view over the trees of the zoos  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Hotel Q! Berlin elegant modern decor et près des transports  - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - The Circus Hostels in the city center  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Berlin
• Pretzels - I love them! 
• Kartoffelpuffer - grated potatoes, flour, eggs and onions
• Currywurst - pork sausage with curry powder
• Apfelstrudel for dessert
• Berliner Pfannkuche (similar to a doughnut)

Useful words in German

Check out the best tours and activities in Berlin 

Is a pass worth it?

You would need the Eurail Global Pass to cover 5 countries (you can reduce price by choosing the right option for how many days of travel within how many months) - see the railpass options and click on "Pass" tab

According to my calculations, there is a chance that the pass can be cheaper than the individual tickets depending on the days of your travels. To be calculated.

CENTRAL WEST  EUROPE

CENTRAL WEST EUROPE Itinerary 2 weeks

Day 1 to 3 - LUXEMBOURG

• Stroll through the old town and admire the views from Chemin de la Corniche
• Visit the underground tunnels (under the Bock Castle)
• Explore the Palace of the Grand Duke

• LUXURY - Le Place d'Armes: perfect location, charming decor, space  - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Grand Hotel Cravat, lots of space for price  - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Youth Hostel Luxembourg city only 10 min from one of the main squares  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Luxembourg
• Bouneschlupp - thick soup with green beans, potatoes and bacon
• Friture de la Moselle - fried freshwater fish from La Moselle region
• Gromperekichelcher - mixture of grated potatoes, chopped onions, parsley, egg, flour
• Stews during game season 

Useful words in Luxembourgish

• Good morning -  Gudde Moien
• Thank you - Merci
• Please -  Wann ech glift

Check out the best tours and activities in Luxembourg 

Day 4 morning - TRAIN Luxembourg to Strasbourg

• Path - Luxembourg LUX to Strasbourg via Metz or Lorraine TGV stations
• Time on train - 4h (one connection)
• Type of train - Regional Trains
• Suggested time - morning

Day 4 afternoon to 6 - STRASBOURG (France)

• Take the time to admire the facade of the cathedral before entering
• Stroll through la Petite France, the old neighborhood and its typical houses
• Enjoy a boat ride through this area for different perspectives

• LUXURY - Hotel Régent Petite France in the heart of the old town  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Hotel Graffalgar with unique decors made by artists in each room. I visited several of them and they are fun! - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Le Kleber Hotel, very central  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Strasbourg
• Pretzels - I love them!  Twisted bread with salt
• Flammenkuche (tarte flambée) - thin base with cream, onions and various toppings
• Sausages and Sauerkraut (pickled cabbage)
• Riesling wine (white)
• Good morning - Bonjour

Check out the best tours and activities in Strasbourg 

Day 7 - TRAIN Strasbourg to Munich

• Path - Strasbourg to Muenchen Pasing (via Stuttgart or Mannheim)
• Time on train - 3h30 to 5hours (1 connection)
• Type of train - High speed trains (TGV - ICE)

Day 8 to 10 - MUNICH (Germany)

• Explore the museums and buildings of the Residenz
• Enjoy the modern and historical vibe of Munich at Marienplatz
• Be surprised by the architecture of the Cathedral Frauenkirche
• Breathe in the English Garden (and maybe spot some people surfing on a small river)
• Feel Royal at the Nymphenberg Palace
• Take an excursion to the famous Neuschwanstein Palace

• LUXURY - Rocco Forte The Charles: stunning decor and a great pool  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Hotel Schlicker for the history - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Hotel Bayer's with good location and spacious rooms for price - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - CVJM Jugendhotel Munchen  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodation within the best customer-rated accommodations in Munich
• Sausages, Schnitzel and Pretzels
• Sauerkraut (pickled cabbage)
• Apfelstrudel

Check out the best tours and activities in Munich 

Day 11 morning - TRAIN Munich to Salzburg

• Path - Muenchen HBF to Salzburg HBF
• Time on train - 2h
• Suggested time - Morning 

Day 11 afternoon to 14 - SALZBURG (Austria)

• Admire the architectural masterpieces from a river cruise
• Visit the Fortress
• Stroll the narrow streets of the old town
• Have fun at the toy museum

• LUXURY - Hotel Sacher Salzburg, royal feel and royal views  - Check out photos and latest prices
• MY FAVORITE - Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, luxury as well as amazing views!!! - Check out photos and latest prices
• VALUE FOR MONEY - Star Inn Hotel Premium Gablerbrau: great location and fantastic rooms for price - Check out photos and latest prices
• HOSTEL - Yoho International Youth Hostel: clean, comfortable and not too far from the attractions  - Check out photos and latest prices
• Or Find your ideal accommodations within the best customer-rated accommodations in Salzburg
• The essential - Wiener-Schnitzel
• Tafelspitz - boiled beef
• Strudel for dessert as well, or Sachertorte (rich chocolate sponge cake)
• Mozart balls - pistachio marzipan, nougat and chocolate

Check out the best tours and activities in Salzburg 

Is a rail pass worth it?

This itinerary enters inside a Eurail Select Pass 4 countries (you can reduce price by choosing the right option  for how many days of travel within how many months) - see the railpass options and click on "Pass" tab

According to my calculations, the total of separate tickets is cheaper than the pass for adults. However if you are traveling with families, it could be interesting. And separate ticket prices may change if some of your travels are on weekends.

2 weeks in Europe by car alternative - intro

You can also visit Europe by car. However remember that distance are quite important for example:

• Paris to Zurich = 7h
• Paris to Munich = 8h30
• Paris ot Barcelona = 10h
• Paris to Milan = 9h
• Paris to Luxembourg = 4h
• Paris to Brussels = 4h

When renting a car, always check the condition and if crossing a border is allowed! See my favorite platform  Discovercars .

And check out all my tips:

• Best car rental companies: how to choose
• What to check when renting a car
• Renting a car in Spain
• Renting a car in Portugal , and especially in Faro
• Renting a car in Slovenia
• Renting a car in Scotland
• Renting a car in Mallorca
• Renting a car in Madeira
• Renting a car in Crete
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Renting a car in Santorini
• Renting a car in France

TIPS for your City Tour of Europe in 14 days

Tip 1. choose central hotels.

If hesitating between hotels with only a 5 or 10 dollars difference, choose one that is centrally located (even if more expensive) in order to save time and transportation costs.

Internet while in Europe

TIP 2. Don't book round trip flight

We often think that round trip flights are the cheaper option, but sometimes multi-city tickets are not much more expensive and you will save a day of travel between your end point and your original point as well as travel cost.

TIP 3. Travel with a universal adapter

Sadly, countries are not able to agree on one electrical standard. Most of the countries listed here  use the 2 round plug, but the UK for example uses a different one. Better to travel with a universal adapter 

TIP 4. Be ready for all kinds of weather

This is Europe... You can have all four seasons even in Summer. So make sure you travel with layers of clothes to be able to vary from stinking hot to rainy to windy and to cold.

TIP 5. Travel with insurance

Be reasonable and travel worry-free. Purchase a travel insurance. I personally use World Nomads.  Get a quote online here .

TIP 6. Wear sensible shoes

In all these old town centers there are a lot of cobbled streets. So wear sensible shoes to avoid twisting your ankles.

TIP 7. Don't bring a huge luggage

Be reasonable when packing. There will be a lot of walking with luggage inside train stations and between train stations and hotels so pack light and reduce the size of your backpack or suitcase. 

TIP 8. Use my Checklists

I will not re-list here all the things to think about - Check out my Travel preparation and packing Checklists

Typical Scams in Europe

Don't worry, there are not scammers at every corner, but it is better to be aware of what they typically do to avoid them altogether. I once fell for one when I was younger and traveling in Asia, even though it was a very common one, but I was not aware and very trusting back then 🙂

So here are the typical scams you could encounter on your 2 week trip around Europe:

SCAM 1 - The Bracelet

They make a special bracelet just for you and aggressively (and very fast) attach one to your wristt. Once it is attached on your wrist, you don't have the scissors to cut it and they want you to pay. This is very frequent at the bottom of Butte Montmartre in Paris for example (before climbing to the Sacré-Coeur. So cross your arms and keep walking

SCAM 2 - The Found ring

Someone picks up a ring in front of you and asks if you dropped it. You say no. They look at it and pretend it is pure gold and offer to sell it to you.

SCAM 3 - The petition

One of the women distracts you with explaining the cause behind the petition, while the others try opening your bag

There are a few more listed on Rick Steves 's website here , but as a general rule you can still trust people 🙂

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Reader Interactions

July 3, 2018 at 8:09 PM

please email me the total cost of this particular tour

May 30, 2019 at 8:51 PM

She’s not a travel agent. You’ll have to do the math yourself.

February 13, 2019 at 11:44 PM

What’s the total cost. For. The Latin. Europe. Trip?

February 14, 2019 at 12:05 AM

Hi Sorry I am not a travel agent so I don’t have package prices. And your total cost will depend on the period you travel around, the level of accommodations you will choose, the activities you will book… this is why I don’t mention prices. There are many ways to travel. I wish you wonderful travels!

February 18, 2019 at 3:13 AM

Hello Claire,

If we went on the 2 week Western European vacation this summer, do you have like an approximate of what you think it might cost? I’m thinking like $10k? Am I crazy😜

February 18, 2019 at 8:31 AM

Hi Erin That is totally impossible to say. Between staying in a Hostel dorm or at a luxury 5 star hotels, eating out or not, going on tours, visiting paying attractions or not. The price can vary to extremes… You have to see what you have in mind (looking at hotel and tour prices) and do the rough calculation.

March 18, 2019 at 6:13 PM

it was mentioned that : “choose the more central one (even if more expensive) in order to save time and transportation costs.” what will be the transportation from ..more central hotel to train station ? and how far is it from central one to the station ?

March 18, 2019 at 6:38 PM

What I mean is to choose a more centrally located hotel in each city, because even if you pay more you will save time and money in term of transportation to all the main points of interest.

March 18, 2019 at 6:41 PM

April 7, 2019 at 11:12 AM

Hi there, if I travel Western Europe based on your suggested itineraries, do you think how many days Europe rail pass should I take? Please advise & many thanks!

April 9, 2019 at 2:55 PM

Dear Jayson, As I have written, I believe separate tickets might be cheaper than a pass. As passes only include 4 countries, you need to do different tests based on your dates to see what is the most interesting. I wish you wonderful travels!

April 12, 2019 at 6:34 PM

Good day Thank you very much for such detailed info. With regards to the train for the Latin Europe tour, is it the Eurorail? If yes, are there short trips to tourist destinations in each country with the Eurorail as well? We are a family of 5, so I’m trying to calculate if it’s a good option to purchase the full 1 month family ticket or to purchase individual tickets for the long trips between countries and then utilize Uber to the tourist sites. What’s your suggestion please?

April 13, 2019 at 5:30 PM

Yes the passes are the Eurail passes. They have changed the system. Now it is one country or all of them. You can go to side cities. The price depends on the number of days you take trains. If you only travel 2 weeks as per the itinerary, I don’t recommend trying to get out of those cities. There is already a lot to see. I am confused by your suggestion of Train vs Uber. Uber rides to other towns would cost you a lot of money. They can only replace suburban trains not intercity trips. And I don’t think the Eurail cover suburban trains (such as the RER in Paris). The best is to define exactly were you want to go and identify the days you would take the train and test the price given online by the Eurail system. I wish you wonderful travels!

May 13, 2019 at 1:30 PM

Good day Your guide is a great help. Thank you very much for all the information supplied. If I’m planning to travel from Rome to Sorrento to Florence to Venice to Switzerland to Paris, is the Eurorail the best option or are there better fast trains, especially in Italy? I’m doing my tour privately. Thank you

May 13, 2019 at 3:30 PM

Hi I do believe that you can book high speed trains with some of the Eurail passes. But I am sorry I can’t tell you which is the best option. It depends on who travels (age, discount…), when (prices of trains change depending on the months and the days of travel…), on which trains… You have to play with the booking tools to be able to compare. Have a great trip!

August 5, 2019 at 7:36 AM

Mad respect for your travel itinerary. So well organized and correct with all that I’ve been reading so I trust your judgement. Hubby and I are first time travelers & have never been to Europe. We are going for 2 weeks and leave in a few days and still haven’t figured out the exact itinerary! Here’s what we were thinking: We land in Amsterdam first. swing over to Belgium, over to Nuremberg Germany to Prague, then over to Salzburg Austria to Venice to Florence to Rome to Strasbourgh France to Paris then back to Amsterdam. I told my husband tonight I think we may be trying to bite off more than we can chew. Could you actually hit all of these places, enjoy them for a day or two by train? Thoughts?

August 5, 2019 at 8:46 PM

Hi Lisa, That does seem like a lot, especially with Amsterdam and Rome being at 2 opposite ends. You are listing 10 towns for 2 weeks! You should plan at least 2 or 3 days per town, to really be able to get the vibe of them + traveling times. I wish you wonderful travels. Claire

September 30, 2019 at 6:03 PM

Amazing post! We are interested in Western Europe and wondering if you think Milan or other cities in Northern Italy would be manageable too? Where do you think you would sneak it in?

September 30, 2019 at 11:04 PM

Thanks Lauren, I am sorry but within the 2 week-timeframe, 5 cities is already a lot. And Italy is not close by. I would not try to fit it in. I wish you wonderful travels! Claire

November 11, 2019 at 7:43 AM

Re: Eastern and Central West

We are already staying in Prague for 10 days. We would like to visit the surrounding Countries after Prague for 9-10 days. We have been tossing around taking one day trips from Prague. or attempting it on our own via air or train. We realize air can waste a lot of time.

Thankfully we found your train suggestions.

The Eastern is the 1st choice, since we will be in Prague already. Then some of the Central West areas are the Next most appealing. Such as Strasbourg, France and Salzburg, Austria.

We would be most thankful if you can provide further direction on what would be most realistic.

Sincerely Sonia

November 11, 2019 at 7:20 PM

Hi Sonia I am sorry but I don’t have the time to create personalized itineraries. I recommend not shortening the days in each city. It will create frustration and be very tiring. Better to do less cities but well, rather than jump from one to the other every day. I wish you wonderful travels! Claire

January 13, 2020 at 2:58 PM

Came across your website whilst researching train travel to Europe. I am planning to visit Amsterdam (3 days), Belgium (3 days), Switzerland (2 days), Munich (2 days), Salzburg (2days), Vienna (2 days), Prague (3 days) and finally Berlin (3 days). Is the order of travel suitable. Is this itinerary a bit rushed? We are a couple in our 60s.

Secondly, do i need a eurail pass. How does it work? Can I use this pass on local trains.

I am open to suggestions..

Many thanks for your help. Terry Moodley

January 13, 2020 at 6:08 PM

Hi Terry Big trip! A few pieces of advice: 1. That will all depend on the days you are traveling – the more complicated part of the trip are Belgium to the east and Vienna to go back North. So check those first to make sure you find travel plans that are not too complicated (all the others trips you have listed have shorter and frequent lines so you will always be able to make it fit your itinerary). 2. I would skip Switzerland. With only 2 days and the long trip to get there, you won’t have time to explore the best of Switzerland. It will give you one day to travel between Brussels and Munich and one day between Vienna and Prague 3. You can use local trains with the pass. I am not an expert but every time I did calculation for itineraries, I have found it was cheaper to buy train tickets directly than to take the pass. It depends on who is traveling and when… you have to calculate to see what is more interesting – I recommend you read their descriptions https://www.eurail.com/en/get-inspired/everything-you-need-know-about-eurail I wish you a wonderful trip! Claire

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Europe Itinerary 2 weeks: Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks

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Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks? You are at the right spot. Salil and I have been exploring Europe from Canada with full-time jobs and checked off close to 25 countries in 3 years. We traveled on Schengen visa and visa-free (on Canadian passports), so we have all the hands-on experience and tips for Europe itinerary 2 weeks. 

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

Our first trip to Europe was in early 2017 to Central Europe , exploring Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest, Munich, and Nuremberg. Since that Europe trip, we have visited the European continent multiple times – checking off iconic cities, offbeat destinations, microstates, and more.

We carefully choose places that are located close to each other and make use of the effective train, and bus routes to make the most of our (precious) vacation time. In Canada, we get 3 weeks of leave, and along with that we have statutory holidays each month (depends on the province/employer), and time in lieu, which we use to craft our efficient itineraries – at the beginning of the year. 

If this is your first ever trip to Europe, you must sign up for our FREE 7 day Europe e-course , where I walk you through the process of selecting destinations, getting tourist documents, packing, safety and more. 

Our perspective about exploring Europe is very different as we don’t live there, we had the same questions that you do, and we are sure you will get all the questions answered in our post. 

Before we share all of our epic 2 weeks in Europe itinerary, here are some quick tips.

Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks

• Choose destinations of your choice (pull out your bucket lists, Pinterest boards, your vision boards – everything!). Narrow down your list for this trip based on regional proximity
• Stick to 3-4 cities only for 2 weeks in Europe

Check if you need a tourist visa

• Decide when you want to go (season, festival, vacation approval)

Book time off at work, notify your employers

• Budget, save for the trip and track flight tickets
• Make use of day trips and high-speed trains (you don’t need a car to explore Europe)
• Book everything in advance – tours, hotels, train tickets – you want to make the most of your 2 weeks
• Stay in hotels located close to the city centre
• Essential Packing List – Universal adaptor, anti-theft backpack, comfortable walking shoes, lightweight waterproof jacket (grab our free 4 season packing list below)
• Pack, and ready to GO!

Short on time? Read our 25 sample itinerary for one week instead – 7 days in Europe itinerary ideas

Top European cities in 2 week European itinerary: London, Paris and Amsterdam

Explore the best of European cities in 2 weeks – visit London, Paris, and Amsterdam. These are the 3 capital cities of England, France, and the Netherlands. Depending on flight feasibility you can arrive in either city and spend 3 nights each (x 9 days) and add a couple of days to explore the countryside.

If you are traveling on a tourist visa – start in a Schengen zone (Paris or Amsterdam), and then conclude the trip in the UK, and fly out. 

Discover one of the popular cities in Europe. If you are a history lover, you will LOVE London. In 3 days, check out all the major attractions like London Bridge and Thames river cruise, London Tower, Buckingham Palace and change of guards ceremony, Westminster Abbey, and add a few museums (like the British Museum, London Musume, National History Museum, etc) to your trip. 

Set aside time to wander Piccadilly Circus, Kensington Gardens, and shop at Harrods.

Use one day to explore some of the London neighborhoods (Notting Hill, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge), and sit down for an afternoon tea!

Visit Bath and Stonehenge on a day trip from London , and on day 5 head to Oxford and Cotswold. 

From London, make your way to Paris on the high speed train/Thalys. Take it easy on day one in Paris, and in the evening warm up with dinner and sightseeing on a Seine River cruise.

Plan to explore the following in 3 days on the Paris itinerary . Start with the city highlights – Eiffel Tower,  Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, Luxembourg Gardens, Grand Palais, and end the day at Louvre. 

Next day check off the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saint Chapelle area, take a stroll along the pretty bridges, Shakespeare and Company, and eat at the Latin Quarter.

Spend a day in the Montmartre neighborhood – Sacré-Cœur Basilica, sit down at any of the Parisian cafes, watch a show and get dinner at the Moulin Rouge. 

Take a day tour to Versailles from Paris . 

Amsterdam: 

Travel from Paris to Amsterdam by train (Centraal Station). Spend next 2 days exploring Amsterdam – visit Dam Square, A’dam Lookout, Bloemenmarkt, and set aside time for museums if interested (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and/or the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam). 

We recommend booking tickets in advance. Special mention about Anne Frank’s House, if you are planning to visit, you MUST get your tickets (wayyyy) in advance. 

On your third day in Amsterdam, go on a day tour to Zaanse Schans or a hop on and hop off tour of (three) windmill villages. 

The Benelux Trip 2 weeks in Europe by train: Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg

Benelux comprises of the countries of Belgium – Netherlands – Luxembourg. This is an easy option for those who are planning a first trip to Europe , or who are on a single entry Schengen Visa. 

Transportation is easy, in fact, you can buy a BENELUX pass to avail yourself of train discounts. All the 3 countries can be explored in 2-5 days, with a majority of time spent in Belgium and the Netherlands (this will allow you to learn about the regional cultures, history and intimately explore each country). 

Stay in the capital city of Brussels and spend 2 days exploring the highlights. Visit Grand Palace, City Museum, Comic Strip, the Royal Galleries, join a food tour or cooking class. Set aside another day to hit the Atomium, EU park, Mini Europe, downtown area, and shop (at Queen’s Gallery).

Keeping your base as Brussels – take day trips to the fairytale town of Bruges (day 3), Antwerp (day 4), Namur/Dinant or Ypres – cemeteries, memorials and war museums from WWI (day 5). 

You can visit Luxembourg City on a day trip from Brussels , but to properly visit the country, set aside at least 3 days. You have to account for travel time while using trains (as they are not high speed trains), and stay in Luxembourg and spend 2 nights exploring the capital city.

In the heart of Luxembourg city, check out the Palace of Grand Duke – the only Grand Duchy in the world, visit the National Museum of Art and History and the Fish Market and the City Museum.

The charming centre is home to the Plaza d Armes – this is a perfect spot to go shopping or enjoy a meal. Make time to visit Gelle Fra (Golden Lady) – the Monument of Remembrance, Place de la Constitution, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Highly recommend spending a few hours at the Casemates du Bock, which is a complex of underground tunnels (from WW II). If interested, hop on a segway to enjoy the city and the stunning river valley. 

On day 3, venture on a day trip to Vianden – home to Europe’s most impressive medieval castles. It is an easy day trip from Luxembourg City, taking about 1.50 hours by train. You can return to Brussels in the evening, or stay there overnight. 

The Netherlands

Start for Amsterdam from Brussels (high-speed trains are available on this route). Keep Amsterdam as your base city for the remainder of your trip. 

Explore the city highlights in 2 days – don’t forget to buy museum tickets ahead of time.

Spend day 3 in the windmills villages (day trip). Explore Hague on day 4, and Rotterdam on day 5. On day 6, shop in Amsterdam and return to Brussels by evening. 

Fly out on day 14 – see how easy it is – keep ONE city as a base, and just take day trips – save on hotel $$, use public transportation or tours, forget all the car rental and parking hassles! 

Off the Beaten Path: Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia Herzegovina

Exploring the Balkans might warrant a car rental if you don’t love bus travel – but we explored the region using buses, tours, and private transfers. Buses were safe, and mostly on time, but expect to be on the road for a long time.

Car rentals and their rules differ from one Balkan state to another – so check with the company when you pick yours. 

You can visit these countries visa free on US and Canadian passports. Although Serbia and Montenegro are NOT Schengen countries, they do accept multiple entry Schengen visas to let international visitors in! 

Fly to Zagreb Croatia, explore Zagreb old town center delights – check out St Mark’s Church, Museum of Broken Relationships, ride the shortest funicular and soak in city views. Don’t miss a visit to Zagreb Cathedral and hang out at the central square. 

From Zagreb, travel to Split, and spend 2 days here. Explore the city highlights on day one – Diocletian’s Palace, Split Cathedral, wander the Riva promenade, join GoT tour, and hit a beach nearby. The next day, take a trip to Krka National Park.

Continue to the Adriatic Coast and spend the next 2 days in Dubrovnik . Stay close to the centre, and explore the well-preserved city walls, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Church, and Monastery. Don’t forget to take a walk at the Stradun, or stop at a cafe or the Buza Bar. 

The next day visit one of the islands nearby like the Lokrum Island – there are a ton of tours to choose from, including the popular 3 Islands Tour.

From Croatia, make your way to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Kotor is a wonderfully fortified town with a lot of history. It is often overlooked by visitors heading to Europe, so you will find plenty of spots to relax and soak in the views of the old town and the bay. 

In Kotor don’t miss the Old Town/Stari Grad and check off the Gothic-style Drago Palace and the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. If you are up for a hike head to the towering Castle of San Giovanni (also known as St. John’s Fortress), standing at 280 metres above Stari Grad. 

When in Kotor you must also hop on a sightseeing cruise tour, and explore Perast and its pretty churches. 

If you have time on your hands, go on a day trip to Budva and Sveti Stefan. Budva’s bay is lined with sandy beaches, and it is located only a half hour drive from Kotor.

Sveti Stefan is a fishing village that is another 15 minute drive from here. You will LOVE amazing views of the shores of the Adriatic from there (they will give you reasons to go back again). 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

From Kotor head to Mostar to Bosnia Herzegovina. Mostar is one of the prettiest cities in the Balkans. 

Mostar’s old town, Bazar and the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) will win you over. Spend time wandering through the markets and narrow alleys in and around the (re-constructed) medieval bridge. With a long history and colorful shops, you must spend some time discovering the city’s past.

Join a walking tour, or head to the Old Bridge Museum.

Stay here for 2 nights, and give yourself time when you are traveling from Kotor. 

Spend the remainder of the itinerary (2 days) in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia Herzegovina.

During your visit explore the Baščaršija, which is the historic old town of the city. Enjoy a walk in the cobblestone lanes where the east meets the west, and admire the postcard-worthy fountain. 

Sarajevo is very unique, and you will be amazed at the Eastern European and Turkish nuances in the old town. Right outside the Baščaršija is the Latin Bridge – a historic landmark of WWI. 

We highly recommend taking a tour of the Tunnel Museum (Siege of Sarajevo) and the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track, originally built for the 1984 Winter Olympics. This tour will surely help you understand the history of the Balkans, and the present status in Bosnia and beyond. 

Belgrade 2 days (+1 day to return back to Zagreb to fly out)

After spending time in Sarajevo, take a bus to Belgrade (you can also opt for an overnight bus if you prefer). 

Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia, it was also the capital of erstwhile Yugoslavia. During your time in Belgrade visit the Museum of Yugoslavia to learn about its history (and of Tito).  The old town is home to the National Museum, and the beautiful Knez Mihailova Street – this is where you can pig out eating cevapi or shop. The Manufaktura Cafe is super pretty – do visit. 

Belgrade’s primary landmark is their fortress – Beogradska Tvrđava which is located near the old town. From the Belgrade fortress you can soak in views of the Danube and the Sava rivers. The fort is a home to a lot of heritage and it showcases the rich past of Belgrade at the confluence of two historic rivers. 

You can check out remnants of the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Serbian and Austrian empires in the museums located here, and at the Kalemegdan park. 

Iberian Peninsula Itinerary: Barcelona, Seville, Lisbon and Porto 

The Iberian Peninsula is another epic region where you can spend 2 weeks in Europe. This itinerary is all about culture, beaches, and sun & sand. Spend a little bit over a week in Spain, and the remainder of the time – in exploring Portugal. 

Arrive in Barcelona, the largest city in northern Spain (Catalunya), and visit Gaudi’s masterpieces, museums, touristy boulevards and more in 3 days. 

Check out the unfinished Sagrada Familia (Gaudi’s masterpiece to be completed in 2024), Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and Park Guell in the evening. We highly recommend booking tickets or attractions passes ahead of time. All of these sites are also great for soaking in city views in Barcelona.

In the next couple of days, hit the popular leafy boulevard La Ramblas, go on a walking tour at the Gothic Quarter , see the Barcelona Cathedral, and eat at the La Boqueria market. You must also head to La Barceloneta Beach located close to the city. Port Vell and the Columbus Column will also ignite those maritime stories. 

Barcelona is known for football, so if you are an enthusiast head to Camp Nou and go on a tour. The city hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics, and you will see many nuances from the event including the stadium/pools used, to the ceremonial structures at the Montjuïc park. 

From Barcelona, you can add a day trip to Girona or Montserrat (or both). Girona is known for its medieval architecture including of Roman remains and the walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell). If you are a GoT fan you will love Girona filming locations. Even if you are not a fan, you will enjoy wandering the old town, and climbing on watchtowers to soak in those mesmerising views. 

The Monserrat hills and the abbey – Santa Maria de Montserrat also makes for an easy day trip from Barcelona. 

From Barcelona, visit the southern part of Spain – Seville – for cultural immersion in Andalucia. Spend 2 days in Seville exploring the iconic landmarks including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Royal Alcázars of Seville, Seville Cathedral, and Archivo General de Indias. 

The gorgeous Plaza de Espanya should be on your itinerary, along with the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold), Metropol Parasol, and pick a neighbourhood to intimately explore (like Tirana), and enjoy a show of flamenco and go tapas hopping!

Add a day tour to Granada to check off the Alhambra. Alhambra is a palace, fortress and citadel in Granada. It’s site dates back to the 8th century, and with views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Alhambra will remain as of the memorable images from your Spain vacation. 

Make way to the capital city of Portugal – Lisboa, and spend 2 days here. Admire the beautiful architecture from the post 1775 earthquake, and brush up on maritime history in the Belem neighbourhood. Watch a show of fado, eat your heart out, and go wandering through the lanes of Chiado, Baixa and Bairro Alto. 

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as you visit iconic neighbourhoods such as Alfama, and take in city views from their famous Miradura(s). 

On day 3, add a day trip to Sintra to explore the Pena Palace, Quinta de Regalia, and the Moorish Castle. From here, continue on to Porto to the North of Portugal. 

Porto is the last stop in the Iberian peninsula itinerary. It is one of the prettiest cities to visit in Europe.

The old town with the charming River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your trip, you have to soak in the golden hues from the Luis Bridge (or any of the five other bridges). 

Porto is also home to the gorgeous library/bookstore and the staircase will blow your mind away. The Livraria Lello is known to be the world’s most stunning bookshops.

Did you know that JK Rowling lived and worked in Porto, and the architecture is rumored to have inspired Harry Potter’s Hogwarts depictions? 

After spending 2 days in Porto, leave the last day for a day trip to enjoy some wine tasting (Port wine) in the Douro Valley!

Best of Central Europe: Munich, Prague, Vienna – Salzburg, Budapest (+ Bratislava)

Countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary make for a perfect winter Europe itinerary 2 weeks. 

Munich & Nuremberg 

In this Europe trip itinerary began with exploring Munich (2 days). Munich is the capital of Germany’s Bavaria region. It is home to centuries-old architectures, remnants of the Wittelsbach, and a ton of museums. 

The old town of Munich – Marienplatz is home to many such stunning structures. Starting with the Mary’s Column, City Hall – Rathaus, shops and restaurants, you must include Marienplatz square. Don’t forget to visit the Royal Brewery – Hofbräuhaus, Opera House, Frauenkirche, Odeonplatz and the Munich Residenz. 

Munich is also home to the beautiful English Gardens, and we highly recommend visiting it.

From Munich head to Nuremberg, this is where many of your Christmas bucket list items will come alive. From cute festive stalls to drinking mulled wine to shopping and soaking in the cheer at the heart of Altstadt (old town). 

You can either go on a day trip (and return to Munich), or continue to Prague in the evening on the same day. 

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is one of our favorite cities in Europe. With a gorgeous city centre, Vltava River and the iconic Charles Bridge – Prague will melt your heart. 

Stay near the city centre in Prague, and soak in the ambiance night and day. Do add the Prague Castle complex to your 2 days in Prague itinerary , St. Vitus Cathedral (beautiful stained glasses), and visit the vineyards, 

You can also add a day trip from Prague to Kutna Hora or Český Krumlov. 

Budapest is one of the delightful places to visit in this Central Europe itinerary. It has historical sites (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), museums, Jewish cemetery,  and everything for an epic (and an active) vacation.

Stop by the ruin bars, go on a Danube sightseeing cruise and after all the sightseeing relax in the waters of thermal spa. 

You can also add a day to Bratislava, and check off their old town highlights. Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia. 

From Budapest, head to Vienna, the capital city of Austria. Vienna is one of the beautiful cities in Europe, very clean, and oh so elegant. The elegance of Vienna is personified in their pretty architecture and expansive gardens like the Hofburg, Schonbrunn and the Belvedere Palaces.  

During your trip don’t forget to eat Sachertorte, and visit the interior of the Stephansdom/ St Stephen’s Cathedral. 

When visiting in the winter, you will find many Christmas markets in the city centre. 

From Vienna join a day tour to the Wachau or the lower Danube Valley. 

The last stop of this Europe 2 week itinerary is to explore Salzburg for 2 days . Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart, it is a charming city with breathtaking views of the Eastern Alps. 

With the Salzach River flowing through the city, Salzburg prime landmark is the towering Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Altstadt which is filled with numerous medieval and baroque buildings. 

The popular movie, ‘Sound of Music’ was filmed here, you can go on a guided tour in Salzburg that checks off all the movie locations, and provides a glimpse into the landscape of the city. 

If visiting in the winters, Christmas markets will be set up at the Old Town.  

From Salzburg, you can head back to Munich to fly out. 

Leaving Munich/Bavaria, this region is also known as Eastern Europe. ( Eastern Europe itinerary 2 weeks inspiration). This itinerary was from our first time visiting Europe. 

Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria in 2 weeks Europe Itinerary

Explore the best of Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria in 2 weeks. 

Switzerland & Liechtenstein Europe Itinerary 2 weeks family 

Arrive in Zurich, and stay there for 2-5 days. Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland.

Walk the Altstadt, soak in views of the Limmat River from the Lindenhof Hill, and shop or window shop at the Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich’s prettiest lanes are filled with cute cafes, luxury shops, a lovely lake promenade, and luxe hospitality in their 5-star resorts. 

Zurich is a perfect base to explore Bern , the capital of Switzerland. On a day trip, you can wander the lanes of historic old town, check out the Parliament building, flower clock, and the Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent (+ other medieval churches). 

Set aside one day to visit Vaduz – the capital city of the microstate of Liechtenstein . Go on a tour of the vineyards, hike to the castle, and adore this cute little tiny country!

If you wish to stay overnight in another Swiss city, consider Interlaken for 2 nights (instead of 5 nights in Zurich). Interlaken is a popular resort town in Switzerland with stunning views of the mountains, 2 lakes, and gorgeous landscapes.

You can hop on a cable car ride to Mount Titlis or Pilatus from here! 

From Interlaken travel back to Zurich on day 6, and then take a bus to Vienna, the capital city of Austria. 

Spend 2 days each in Vienna, and Salzburg. Add a day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg. 

Vienna is one of the amazon European destinations, and with beautiful palaces, museums, and lanes you won’t want to leave this city. The city centre is very walkable and is home to the Hofburg Palace, shopping areas, and the beautiful St Stephen’s Cathedral. 

Don’t miss the museums here, or the Opera House. In one of the evenings, enjoy a cool joy ride at the Wiener Riesenrad – Vienna Ferris Wheel. 

From Vienna make way to Salzburg. The charming old town of Salzburg is filled with medieval baroque buildings, cathedrals and a towering – Hohensalzburg Fortress. From where you can soak in views of the city, Salzach River and the views of the Eastern Alps.  

Some of the must do activities are – sightseeing cruise on the river, Sound of Music tour, visiting Mirabell Palace and gardens, Salzburg museum and shopping at Getreidegasse. Don’t forget to check out Mozart Square, and his residence – afterall it is the birthplace of the composer. 

Enjoy a day in the fairytale town of Hallstatt . You drive there or join a tour. Hallstatt is located on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore, and with the picturesque 16th-century Alpine houses, and cute lanes you will love wandering here and spending a relaxed day.

Take a funicular ride to visit the Salzwelten salt mine, and soak in mesmerizing views from Skywalk.

Best of Italy, and the Vatican in 2 weeks

This 14 days in Europe itinerary takes you to Italy, and the Vatican City – a microstate. 

Rome is the capital city of Italy, and it is home to popular historic sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum ruins, Markets of Trajan, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon to name a few. 

You can easily walk and explore many of the city attractions as they are located within 3-4 mile routes. Do wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy it though, Rome is known as the City of Seven Hills, for a reason.

You must go on a history tour in Rome, and witness the systems invented by the Ancient Romans that are used even today. 3 days in Rome is good enough time to visit all the main sites and a little more. 

Other than the iconic landmarks, Rome is an amazing foodie destination. From spaghetti, lasagna, pizza to gelato, Rome will surely throw your diet plan to the back burner. 

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest European microstate. It is the home to the Pope and a plethora of Roman art and architectural remains that will delight your visit. Spend some time on your Rome trip to explore the Vatican.  

From Rome, make way to the southern coast. We recommend staying in Naples for the remainder of the Italy itinerary and take day trips to the Amalfi Coast . 

Known as the birthplace of pizza, Naples is full of historic sites dating back to the 2nd century BC. The city’s main cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is one of the iconic landmarks, and one that is filled with beautiful frescoes. 

You can spend 1-2 days exploring Naples, checking off the Royal Palace, Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle, Ovo Castle, Opera House/Teatro Reale di San Carlo and Catacombs of San Gennaro. There is so much history, and a plethora of museums and cultural activities to choose from in Napoli. 

From Naples, add a day trip to the town of Pompeii – and become an archeologist for a day! I mean, I always wanted to see/visit the town that was wiped away by Mount Vesuvius, and check off the bucket list. 

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast is home to stunning blue waters, with pretty colorful houses perched on cliffside, and blue grottos with twinkling waters at the island of Capri. 

The route from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is served by Trenitalia’s regional trains. You can travel from Naples to Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi in about an hour. 

If you don’t wish to take trains from Naples, then consider – Sorrento for your base city to stay overnight, and then take day trips from there to explore the Amalfi Coast.

Highly recommend setting aside a day in Sorrento checking off views from marinas, epic villas and sipping limoncello. 

Positano and Amalfi towns are next on the list. You will be delighted with their stunning (but touristy) beaches, cliffside colorful homes and gorgeous picturesque landscape. 

Note : You can swap the Naples and Amalfi Coast for Venice and the Italian Riviera in the north of the country.

Northern European Itinerary 2 weeks: Best of Iceland & Norway

Spend a week exploring the best of south and west Iceland, and then make your way to Norway.

Known as the ‘land of fire and ice’, Iceland welcomes you with dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, ice caves and hot springs. Add a relaxing day at the Blue Lagoon and your vacation is set.

Base yourself in Reykjavik , the capital city of Iceland. Explore the cute alleys, shops, and the tallest church in Iceland – Hallgrímskirkja. From here you can either take day trips, or rent a car/campervan and check off the Golden circle route and the south coast of Iceland (1-4 days with arrival day).

Set aside 1-2 and enjoy unique experiences such as going on a glacier hike in Falljokull, or an ice cave tour at Vatnajökull National Park or Skaftafell. 

Visit the iconic Snæfellsnes Peninsula in west Iceland, and enjoy ‘mini Iceland’ (for a day or two).

Hop on a quick flight from Iceland to Oslo Norway, and spend the next 6 days here. Visit the museums, learn about the Vikings and maritime history (1-3 days) and then venture outside the capital city to Bergen.

You can take a train which is a full day journey, and experience one of the scenic rides. Bergen is a small city – you can spend a day exploring, and checking out some of the finest museums. And then set aside the next 2 days to hit the Fjords.  

This Fjord Region is popular as many of the fjords are in this area like the Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Lysefjord. 

Greece, Bulgaria & Romania Europe trip itinerary 2 weeks

Visit the capital cities and beyond in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in 2 weeks

From beaches, islands to history Greece is an amazing destination for a girl’s trip or a weekend couples getaway. And if you are a culture lover, this is even better.

Visit Athens , the capital city of Greece, and spend 2-3 days there. Known to be the birthplace of many intellectual and artistic ideas Athens is a delight for any history lover. Take a tour of the Acropolis and surrounding areas , the Pantheon, Erechtheion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more. 

You must also visit the National Museum here that houses historical remnants from prehistory to late antiquity. 

Spend a day to embark on a trip to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi (by bus or tour).

If you are keen on visiting Santorini add extra 2 days to your Greece itinerary (so spend a week in Greece), and then fly to Sofia the capital city of Bulgaria.

Spend the next 3 days in Sofia . The city is sprinkled with more than 2,000 years of history from the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and later of the Soviet occupation.

Add a city tour, and explore the National Opera and Ballet of Bulgaria, the National Palace of Culture, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Serdica Amphitheatre.

Don’t forget to capture the elegant St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral, designed in Neo-Byzantine style. 

The mountains of Vitosha can be visited from Sofia. On day 3 you can go on a day tour there .

Or to Plovdiv the second largest city in the country. Explore main historic attractions from Roman Theatre to Ottoman houses in old towns and the Regional Ethnographic Museum. In the evening, soak up city views from Nebet Hill. 

Fly to Romania on day 11, and settle in Bucharest for the next 2-3 days. The capital of Romania is nicknamed, ‘little Paris’, due to its elegant architecture, and French influence as seen in the early 1900s.

In Bucharest, you will find iconic landmarks from the communist-era, and an amazing nightlife scene (making it perfect for a city break). Explore attractions like the Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church, Romanian Athenaeum, National Museum, and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace. 

Plan to visit the open air ethnographic museum, called the Village Museum or the National Museum of the Village “Dimitrie Gusti”. 

2 weeks in Europe Trip: French Riviera and Monaco

This is one of the slow Europe travel itinerary for you. Enjoy luxury, and relaxed vibes in celebrity approved resorts and beaches. 

Arrive in Nice in France to kick start this itinerary. Nice is known for its warm weather, charming Old Town, amazing hospitality, and culinary. Spend 1-2 days in Nice, and check out Belle Epoque and other Baroque-influenced buildings.

Nice is your perfect base to explore Tour Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera in the South of France. In the next few days, hit Cannes and Saint-Tropez . You can add some time sailing around islands or hiking in the Alps. 

Set aside a day to explore Monaco from Nice (40 minutes travel time). Principality of Monaco is a microstate, and on a day tour explore the Palais du Prince, visit the Monte Carlo Casino, Musée Oceanographique, Les Jardins Saint-Martin and the Monaco Cathedral. 

If interested you can also set aside another day to watch a race at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. 

From Nice, add a 2 day trip to Provence , and wander pretty villages and lavender farms . 

Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks: Detailed Tips 

The European continent is the sixth largest in the world. It comprises 50 countries and sovereign states (44 countries and 6 microstates).

Size-wise it is only largest as compared to Australia (we have 7 continents), but it is FILLED with so many touristy destinations and landmarks that it can easily fill your bucket list. 

Quick Europe Facts: 

• No of countries: 44 recognized
• Microstates: 6 
• Regions in Europe : Eastern Europe, southern Europe, Western Europe, and northern Europe. You will also hear terms like, ‘Scandinavian, Nordic, Balkans, Iberian Peninsula’ – that refer to regional or cultural clusters within the European continent
• European Union: There are 28 European countries that belong to the EU. They promote peace, inclusion and combat discrimination, and open up trade and borders among the member nations. Euro is their official currency.
• Most countries in Europe will accept Euros, but change will be returned in their national currency (Switzerland, Iceland, Hungary, Croatia are such examples)
• You can exchange currencies at the airport, or in city centres.
• Credit cards are often used in restaurants, hotels, train stations. But cash is still important
• Schengen Zone : The Schengen area refers to 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passports and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. You will find a few countries that are not EU members but are a Schengen country (meaning that they allow you into the country if you have a Schengen visa like Switzerland)

Choosing Destinations for Europe Trip

With so many destinations to choose from, you can easily narrow down your top pick for 2 weeks in Europe, based on your personal choice (pull out your bucket lists, Pinterest boards, your vision boards – everything!). 

Solo travel

Find out how a country treats foreigners, women and people of color – if that applies to you. Safety and ease of interacting with locals is key. Popular destinations like Zurich, anywhere in Iceland, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Dubrovnik – are amazing destinations for solo travelers.

Budget travel

Europe is not all about expensive trips. You can travel Europe on a budget – from cheap eats, commute, hostels, couch surfing, or just better value for USD/CAD. Choose places located in the Balkans, Eastern Europe like Prague, Budapest, Bratislava, Sarajevo, or Lisbon  – they have TONS of history, and cultural nuances to enjoy, and yet they are slightly off-beat and very affordable

Dream bucket list travel: 

If this is your first-ever trip to Europe, I am sure you have a bucket list. And it is 10000% okay to start with your bucket list. That is how we started. Once you narrow down to the one city or country that you WANT to visit – you can start saving, researching and planning for it.

• Further narrow down your list for this trip based on regional proximity
• Sometimes travel restrictions, tourist visas, and flight connectivity from your home destination are just as important and it plays a pivotal role in determining where you should travel. 
• Research history and culture of the destination
• For best photos start early for landmarks and attractions

Depending on your passport, you might have to apply for a tourist visa. For most of Europe that are part of the European Union, a Schengen Visa is required. It is not a visa on arrival, so it has to be applied for prior to your visit. 

If you have a US or Canadian passport, you can travel visa free for upto 90 days (for personal/tourism purposes). ETIAS to be applicable prior to leaving for Europe (tentative 2022 onwards). 

• UK has their own tourist visa application process
• Serbia allows visa free entry for Indian passport holders

Decide when to visit Europe (season, festival, vacation approval)

When you travel is just as important as where you travel. The timing of your trip can mean the difference of hundreds possibly thousands of dollars in flight cost.

We recommend researching the peak and off-peak season for your destination. 

• If you are planning to visit in high season, book all of your accommodation, tickets and tours in advance. Be patient as you might be waiting in queues (in most tourist attractions)
• Spring : March to May. Fall : September to November

Once you have narrowed your destinations, apply for leave from your employer. 

If you are a University student, a mom, or a working professional, it is hard to be flexible with your dates of travel. But at this time once you have researched the best season/time you want to go, book it on your work/school calendar.

Europe itinerary 2 weeks budget, save for the trip, track flight tickets

Here are saving tips for your 2 week Europe trip. 

Flights : Remember being a little flexible helps to secure a better flight deal. Leaving on a weekday is also a great idea, as it is easy to find good seats. 

We use SkyScanner to track flight prices . It’s one of the most powerful flight search engines on the net, both easy to use and with a multitude of features to make flight hunting easier. You can easily set up alerts to get email updates for price changes. 

If you are locked into fixed travel dates, or you can only fly on weekends or during popular holiday periods, it’s going to be more of a challenge in finding cheap flights, but still not impossible.

Planning ahead is key!

At this stage, this is good to be aware of prices, and start saving for the trip. 

• Think about how much you feel comfortable spending on the trip. Then do some real deep thought on how much you can realistically save each week (or month) to get there.
• Keep a savings journal. 

Make use of day trips and high speed trains: How to get around Europe

Due to close proximity of destinations, you can cover a lot of ground in Europe on a short trip (as long as you are active, and open to a variety of places).

We also like doing day tours to learn about a destination that was not on the list. 

Here are some ways to get around Europe within a city,

• Walking : If you are staying near the city center, you can easily walk and wander off to the tourist attractions
• Public transportation: From buses, trams to subway trains major European cities have efficient public transportation. It is an affordable means of transport. You can also save money by purchasing a transit pass (for a specific duration). Many of these passes also include discounted tickets to major tourist attractions. You can purchase them from GetYourGuide  
• Hop on and Hop off: We love taking sightseeing buses like Hop on and Hop off style tours. They are not guided tours, but they allow you to conveniently cover all the touristy attractions without remembering all the addresses and landmarks. Even if you have not done any research, just hop on and get down if any attraction excites you! Easy-peesy. You can book them through GetYourGuide  
• Taxi & private transfers: Always an easy option. Many cities also provide Uber services

To connect within Europe, there are day tours, high speed trains, and budget flights.

• Trains: Trains are a great way to connect within a zone (like the Benelux) or network of high speed Thalys trains. We recommend booking high speed trains ahead of time (to avoid disappointment). Regional trains are fine to book the day before or even same day – many don’t have seat reservations so you take a spot when you hop on the train
• Budget flights: Airlines like Ryanair, TAPAIR Portugal, Vueling, etc are good options to connect within Europe, especially where train networks do not exist or take longer. Depending on the city network, you can score a flight deal or as low as $30 USD one way. 

Book everything in advance

Because you are on a tight 2 week trip to Europe, it is recommended that you book everything in advance, from tours, hotels, to train tickets. This is more important when visiting in the peak/summer months, during festivals, or in popular tourist destinations.

We use Booking.com to book hotels and Get Your Guide for day tours , attractions tickets, and walking tours. 

Book accommodation close to the city centre

When it comes to booking your accommodation, opt to stay in hotels close to the city centre. You will easily find luxury to mid budget properties there (like iBis Styles, easyHotel brands). 

By staying at the city centre, you can save on transport, and pretty much walk to most of the city highlights. Plus it will be easy to find restaurants, and join walking/food tours.

Essential Packing List for Europe + Free printable Europe packing list

We have a detailed guide on what to pack for Europe in all 4 seasons, and another guide on Europe accessories – you can also grab a free packing list here

Here are some quick tips for packing to Europe

• Universal adaptor: Europe uses the round power pins, so carry a universal adapter. Here is what we have
• Anti theft backpack: Because we travel in trains, and use other means of public transportation, we recommend carrying an anti theft backpack (or a daypack). We use the same backpack as a carryon (and – I carry 4-5 dresses, 4 blouses, 2 light jackets, a small cosmetics bag)
• Comfortable walking shoes : Walking shoes are a must for all of your Europe trips. You will end up walking/wandering/strolling quite a bit (in old towns, transiting through transport, neighbourhoods, etc). Many old towns are also care free, and pedestrian friendly – so lace up!
• Lightweight waterproof jacket : Highly recommend carrying a lightweight waterproof jacket, as in most popular destinations (especially in western Europe) gloomy, rainy days are common. 

As always don’t forget your travel documents, credit cards, currency and travel insurance. 

Pack, and ready to GO! Here is how we do it!

Here is how our Europe trip planning looks like,

• 3 to 6 months: Decide where to go (pick a cluster of countries). Apply for time off at work for the two of us. Check passport validity for the trip. Budgeting. 
• At 3 months : Book flights, hotels (some of the tours). 
• At 1 to 3 months : All the tours are booked. Buy outfits, any other essentials for the trip. 
• Less than a month : I usually pack around this time – set aside clothes in packing cubes, cosmetics, save photo spots, and detailed hotel addresses (train station/route details screenshot or online Google Maps). Pack clothes according to the sightseeing itinerary, make notes on my travel journal. 
• 1 day before the trip : Salil packing his backpack. Inform friends/family and house sitter. Both of us don’t sleep at the night (because we are super EXCITED!)

Additional Tips: 2 weeks in Europe trip itinerary

As you can see in the itinerary examples above, you can easily cover 3-4 major cities in Europe in 2 weeks. If you are active, and open to covering a lot of ground you can explore border destinations or microstates nearby.

The trick of making the most of your Europe trip in 2 weeks is to opt for destinations that are small, and are located close to each other. If they have a train network among them, it’s even better to get to, and understand their history, and cultural background (or differences over the centuries)

It really depends on the destination. For cities like Prague, Budapest, Vienna you will need around $2500 USD per person with flights, tours, and accommodation. You have to up the budget if it’s for places like London, Paris, and Amsterdam, or one country exploration like 14 days in Switzerland. In the Balkans (4 countries in 2 weeks), you can explore in less than $2000 USD per person (in modest accommodation).

Your best itinerary for Europe will depend on your personal taste and budget.  Remember you don’t have to explore all of it in 2-3 days. Go easy, and pick your favorite sites or activities. Doing so will ensure you have enough time and money to enjoy your trip. You can choose activities based on any historical sites or museums you wish to explore Any walking tours, amazing shows, outdoor adventures, food tours, and so on. You can also check out any local events going on when you visit. The easiest way to do this is to Google, ‘Paris August Events’, and the latest listings will come up.  Find things that personally excite you and list them down.

Europe is linguistically and culturally very diverse, and many residents speak 2-3 languages including English. Tourism is a huge contributor to the economy, so if traveling from North America (where mostly speak English) or Asia (again British English is used in official work) you won’t have any issues. We visited cities like Paris (French), Munich/Nuremberg (German), Seville (Spanish), Lisbon (Portuguese), Brussels (Dutch) – but never had any problems in communicating. If you learn a few words (especially pronouncing the landmarks/names properly) it’s helpful when you are trying to get to sites.

Generally Europe is safe. Most touristy areas will have issues of petty theft and pickpocketing, so it is important to be mindful of surroundings.  Avoid super crowded places, if you are not comfortable and venture in the early morning hours instead. If you are trying to locate an address do that during the day, and not navigate to unknown areas at night.  As a POC, we have never faced any problems in Europe, in fact, each time we traveled we only felt LOVE, and a warm welcome. We traveled Europe using a Schengen Visa and on a Canadian passport (visa-free). When exploring Europe – visa or visa-free – didn’t make any difference to us. Yes, it does save us time and money from applying for a visa (prior to travel) – but that’s about it. Our experiences in Europe have always been positive (and so we keep returning to the continent). Salil and I are respectful of local norms, and we brush up on history so that we can strike up a conversation with the locals (and we happily link back to our History lessons).  I think the love and adoration we have for the continent just radiates back to us, and we feel at home there (at times I feel my History classes are coming alive in the open).

There are tons of options, and depending on the departure airport you will find a lot of destinations to choose from. Spain, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and France are popular countries to visit.  From the US, you will also find a lot of direct flights – so worth checking your local (international) airport and plan your itinerary accordingly.  KLM and Air France have a lot of flights departing from major Canadian cities (including our home city) so we book an entry to those places and then travel from there.

Growing up, all we saw in our movies was Switzerland. That was a typically European bucket list . But now, destinations like Iceland, Prague & Budapest (thanks to so many newer movies), Andalucia in Spain are slowly becoming popular.  Forever favorites like Paris, London, and all of Switzerland are always popular. If you are looking for a 2 week Europe tour package then you will find a lot of options for Greece, and Switzerland. Greece is an affordable option.

We recommend using a mix of day tours, interregional trains to make the most of your 2 weeks in Europe. You will love train travel in Europe. 

We hope you found our tips on planning a two week Europe trip. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Do sign up for our Savvy Europe Traveler e-course!

Pin: Two week Europe itinerary

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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2 Weeks in Europe: 10 of the Best 2-Week Europe Itinerary Ideas You’ll Love

• December 7, 2020

Table of Contents

Europe is a rich piece of land: whether it be scenic beauty or vibrant cultures and traditions, or valuable art, the continent has it all. However, thanks to the modern hectic and monotony-demanding life, it is only rare that one can take out enough time to explore all of Europe’s top destinations. But, all hope is not lost! Travel itineraries are an excellent way to make the best out of your exploratory journeys. Therefore, we have compiled the ten best 2-week Europe itinerary ideas across Europe that will let you absorb the continent’s maximum goodness in only two weeks.

1.   London-Paris-Rome

How to Travel Between Cities?

Traveling from London to Paris is most conveniently done via trains . From Paris to Rome, while it might be possible by high-speed train it will eat up too much of your precious time. We recommend you fly from Paris to Rome instead. Not only it’s a short flight and you save so much time, but the best part is also the fact that a direct flight usually cheaper or might cost about the same as a long-distance train from Paris! Plus you get to enjoy Italy on the same day.

What to See and Do?

London: Four days in London are ideal for visiting most of the iconic landmarks in the city. Ensure that you do not miss Big Ben , London Eye , Tower Bridge , and Buckingham Palace . Want to see more than just London? It’s very much possible to visit places such as Stonehenge on a day trip from London and see other sites along the way, such as Bath, Oxford, and Windsor!

Paris: The next four to five days of your itinerary should be dedicated to Paris. Paris is littered with iconic landmarks you would not want to miss, The Eiffel Tower , Notre Dame Cathedral , and the Louvre being a few of them.

Rome: The remaining days should be reserved for exploring the iconic Rome. Spend your time roaming alleys, enjoying delicious cuisines , and visiting monumental buildings . There is so much to see and experience in this magical city and you will most likely spend every bit of your time here. If not and you still craving more Italian adventure then consider a day trip from Rome to the surrounding areas.

2 of our favorites day trips are to Ostia . This nearby beach town is situated only 40 minutes away from Rome but gives you a completely different Italian feel.

Next, is a day trip to Castel Gandolfo . This one of the most beautiful towns in the region is also less than an hour away by train from Rome. What so special about it? Not only it’s known for its beauty, but the Castel Gandolfo sits overlooking the crater lake of an extinct volcano and for 400 years, it hosted the Popes during the hot Roman summer!

Travel Guide & Resources for This 2-Week Europe Itinerary:

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in London , Paris , and Rome   to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in London , Paris , and Rome in addition to what already mentioned here.

2. Amsterdam-Berlin-Budapest

The best way to get from Amsterdam to Berlin is via train . The journey takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes but you get to enjoy the beauty of both the Netherlands and Germany along the way. From Berlin to Budapest, the ideal choice is air travel. For 1.5 hours of flight time and plenty of direct flights cost as low as $25, flying is an obvious choice to get to Budapest from Berlin.

Amsterdam: Plan to stay here for approximately three days, as the city can get very expensive for some people. Explore its tiny alleys, clubs, the Anne Frank House , and the Van Gogh Museum .

Berlin: Berlin is known for its vibrant nightlife, so ensure you make the best out of it. Plan to spend four-five days here, checking out the Berlin Wall , the Reichstag Building , and the city’s top clubs.

Budapest: The last days of your itinerary should be spent visiting landmarks like the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion during days, then at night head out to check out many popular ruin bars of the city.

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Amsterdam , Berlin , and Budapest to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do  in Amsterdam , Berlin , and Budapest in addition to what already mentioned here.

3.   French Riviera-Monaco-Milan

It is most convenient to travel between these three cities via car.

French Riviera: Home to a few of the world’s best high-end resorts, the French Riviera offers a premium vacation. If you come here in May, you might be able to spot celebrities arriving for the Cannes Festival.

Monaco: Also known as a playground for the affluent, this city is littered with extravagant spots, like the Jardin Exotique and Monte Carlo Casino .

Milan: Be ready to spend a fortune in this city, for it is famous for being the country’s fashion center. With many exquisite boutiques and luxurious hotels, this destination is a place to treat oneself.

You can equally divide your time among these three cities.

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in the French Riviera , Monaco , and Milan to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do  in the French Riviera , Monaco , and Milan in addition to what already mentioned here.

4. Paris-Madrid-Venice

Traveling between Paris and Madrid and from Madrid to Venice is best done via air travel.

Paris: Paris is the city of art and museums. Therefore, spend four days here, marveling at great historical art pieces in renowned museums, like Musee d’Orangerie.

Madrid: Although there might not be as many museums in Madrid as in Paris, the city’s art is equally high in quality. You will need three days to explore museums and local attractions in this city.

Venice: Venice is known for its incredible collection of fine art, city canals, and gorgeous streets. Spend the remaining days of your itinerary here, exploring the city’s beauty.

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Paris , Madrid , and Venice  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do  in Paris , Madrid , and Venice in addition to what already mentioned here.

5. Berlin-Munich-Prague

The best way to travel between Berlin to Munich and from Munich to Prague is via train.

Berlin: There are several unique destinations in the city that you would not want to miss. Plan to spend at least the first three days here to get the complete Berlin experience.

Munich: For the next three days, let yourself loose in the streets of Munich as you set out to explore remarkable spots like the State collection of Egyptian Art, the Botanical Gardens, and the NS-Dokumentationzentrum.

Prague: Prague is a small city that can be scaled on foot. For the remaining days of your trip, relax and comfortably explore the city’s famous tourist destinations, like Prague Castle , the John Lennon Wall , and Old Town Hall Tower .

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Berlin , Munich , and Prague  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Berlin , Munich , and Prague in addition to what already mentioned here.

6. Interlaken-Bern-Lucerne

The cities are easily accessible via train. Find your train ticket from Interlaken to Bern and from Bern to Lucerne here.

Interlaken & Thun: Start your itinerary from Interlaken. In the five days, you stay here, participate in the many adventure sports that the city is famous for. Visit top sights such as Jungfrau or “Top of Europe” and take a day to enjoy the ferry ride toward Thun for an even more amazing view of Switzerland. There is an extensive cave system, the St. Beatus-Hoehlen Caves , that you also must not miss.

Bern: Dedicate the next three days to exploring Bern locally. Keep visiting Zermatt on top of your list, as it isn’t something you would want to miss. Other possible things you could do include going to Lake Thun and Brienz areas.

Lucerne: Take the last four days relaxed and use them as an opportunity of witnessing the natural beauty of the city. Take trips to Mt Rigi, Mt Pilatus, and Mt Titlis.

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Interlaken , Bern , and Lucerne  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Interlaken , Bern , and Lucerne in addition to what already mentioned here.

7. Prague-Vienna-Bratislava

Taking trains to get to Vienna from Prague and then to Bratislava is the ideal option.

Prague: Buy a comfortable pair of shoes and spend five days roaming around the city. Schedule visits to the Charles Bridge , Prague Castle , the Old Town , and other local destinations.

Vienna: The next five days should be reserved to interact with Vienna and its proximities. Krems, Durnstein, and Melk Abbey are points that should be on top of your travel list.

Bratislava: In the last four days, try to make the best out of your stay in Bratislava. Road tripping, visits to the Bratislava Castle , and viewing the city from the Crown Tower are a few of the things you can do.

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Prague , Vienna , and Bratislava  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do  in Prague , Vienna , and Bratislava in addition to what already mentioned here.

8. Luxembourg-Strasbourg-Salzburg

These cities are linked by routes easily accessible via cars ; however, taking trains is another popular option.

Luxembourg: Three days are sufficient to tour Luxembourg, so that is how long you are supposed to be staying here. Enjoying quality time in the adjacent countryside, discovering the city’s industrial history, and wine-tasting are popular tourist activities in the region.

Strasbourg: For the next four days, discover Strasbourg’s rich culture and heritage. Set out on a journey to experience the theatres and opera houses in the city, tour the city center, and maybe plan a romantic evening with your significant other.

Salzburg: During the last days of your trip, relax, and get comfortable in Salzburg. Enjoy the most popular tourist activities in town, including Mozart sights and a day trip to Hallstatt village and ice caves.

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Luxembourg , Strasbourg , and Salzburg  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Luxembourg , Strasbourg , and Salzburg   in addition to what already mentioned here.

9. Copenhagen-Stockholm-Oslo

Traveling from Copenhagen to Stockholm and from Stockholm to Oslo is most comfortably done via trains.

Copenhagen: For a four-day Copenhagen itinerary, you can take a canal boat tour, climb atop the Round House Astronomy Tower, visit the Nyhavn port and explore the local markets.

Stockholm: Arrange to spend the following five days in Stockholm. You can make the most out of this itinerary by taking canal and city hall tours, visiting the royal and the Drottningholm palaces, and exploring the museums.

Oslo: Enjoy leisure time in Oslo as you explore the city and its offerings in five days. Dive deep into history through its museums, go sightseeing and hike local hills.

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Copenhagen , Stockholm , and Oslo  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Copenhagen , Stockholm , and Oslo   in addition to what already mentioned here.

10. Athens-Istanbul-Bucharest

Athens, Istanbul, and Bucharest are all connected, to each other, best via air .

Athens: Athens deserves the first four days of your itinerary. Use them to explore Monastiraki Square , the historical sites , and the food culture .

Istanbul: The great thing about Istanbul is that all its major sights are situated closely. So, four days should be enough to tour everything without rushing. Visitors usually love Hagia Sophia , the Blue Mosque , and the Topkapi Palace .

Bucharest: Spend the last days of your itinerary roaming the cobblestone streets of Bucharest, feasting on local cuisines , learning about the region’s history , and exploring the city’s hidden historic churches.

Although it is not possible to cover the entire continent in just two weeks, it is possible to explore destinations that hold elements dear to you. So, pick an itinerary, pack your bags, and set out to wander the streets of Europe!

Enjoy this two-week Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for this trip. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Athens , Istanbul , and Bucharest  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your two-week or 14 days Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Athens , Istanbul , and Bucharest in addition to what already mentioned here.

Need help planning a 2-Week trip to Europe?

Want to visit multiple cities within Europe or other destinations around the world but not sure where to begin? If you find this type of multi-city trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries 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 (with the most amazing multi-city trips of course!) 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.

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.

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.

Bus :  Flixbus : Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.

CarRentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking is a great site for 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.

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!

8 Nights/9 Days Signature Escape to Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Porto

8 Nights/ 9 Days Signature Escape to Berlin, Dresden (Day Trip), and Prague

9 Nights/ 10 Days Signature Escape to Rome, Florence and Venice

9 Nights/ 10 Days Signature Escape to Prague, Vienna and Budapest

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!

Two Weeks in Europe: An Epic Central Europe Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure page for full details.

So you’re planning two weeks in Europe? Where will you go and what will you see? Europe is filled with so many incredible places it can be nearly impossible to narrow it down. Luckily, two weeks is plenty of time to see some of the best spots Europe has to offer. Especially if you decide to take a European road trip. More specifically, a Central Europe road trip. 

It can be hard to decide exactly what to see and where to go on your Europe itinerary, but with two weeks of travel available, Central Europe is an excellent destination. Europe is incredibly driveable, and by sticking with a more narrow region, you can pack a whole lot into this 2 week Europe trip. 

A 2 week road trip around Europe is an ideal way to experience the continent. (Especially as a romantic couples trip!)  And Central Europe – Austria, southern Germany, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and northern Italy – is a fantastic place to explore some of the historic centers of western culture.  Throw in the Alps cutting a jagged path across the heart of the region, and you’ve got the foundations of an epic journey!

In this guest post, our friend Scott from Take Back Roads has created this terrific Europe travel itinerary to help you have the time of your life. While Scott provides an itinerary for driving through Central Europe, you could ostensibly do much of this tour using trains, buses, or air travel. No matter how you choose to get around, read on to see how you can plan the most amazing trip through Central Europe.

A Two Week Central European Road Trip

I have a close friend from Austria, which afforded me the opportunity to travel to Europe eight times.  Several of those trips have been four to six weeks long. I’ve driven thousands of miles across central Europe, amassing a wealth of knowledge of the best things to see and do there.  

Seeing all the places I could recommend would be impossible in two weeks.  However, one thing that became abundantly clear during my years of travel is that Europe is a place that begs you to slow down and dig deeper .  Make sure you thoroughly explore , allow yourself the opportunity to meander , and take plenty of time to appreciate the small details that make it such a special place.  Don’t forget all the incredible cafes and beer halls!

As such, my suggested itinerary is not a comprehensive list of everything there is to see and do in Central Europe;  in fact, you’ll only end up visiting half the countries I listed up above! However, the things I’m going to suggest for you to see and do in Austria, Southern Germany, Slovenia and the Czech Republic are dynamic in nature, completely immersive experiences, and will be quite fulfilling for the whole family!  

A quick note about the structure of this itinerary – The numbering of each day is based on the overnight, so day 1 is the first overnight, day 2 is the second overnight, and so on.  As the host and primary author at Take Back Roads , I will also offer route suggestions throughout, most of which will be back roads that I strongly recommend you take!

Table of Contents

Vienna – Days 1,2, and 3

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a great place to start your 2 week tour of Europe!  Home to one of the best hub airports in Europe , Vienna is an inexpensive and convenient flight destination.  Vienna International Airport also offers excellent public transit options.  

The city itself offers a massive and dynamic range of things to experience during the three days I suggest you spend here.  While three days certainly isn’t enough to see everything that Vienna has to offer, the city’s densely packed central historical district (“ Innere Stadt ”) and incredibly organized public transit system will allow you to comfortably accomplish quite a lot in that span of time.

Read Next: 11 Romantic Things to Do in Vienna

Things to see & do in Vienna:   

• St Stephen’s Cathedral – the spires of this Gothic Cathedral, one of Europe’s oldest and largest, dominate Vienna’s skyline.  The interior of the church captivates and awes virtually all who enter. Spend hours meandering the length of the sanctuary, viewing paintings, sculptures, and the various pieces adorning the many pulpits inside.  You should also take a tour of the crypt.

Insider tips:   The most striking way to experience this cathedral for the first time is by coming on the subway and then up the escalator from the Stephansplatz station , which delivers you right outside the front doors.  It will take your breath away. Once inside, if the center section of the sanctuary is closed off (because it’s not time for a service), I cannot recommend strongly enough to pay the couple dollars to get inside.  Virtually no one pays the extra money, so while the outer edge of the sanctuary may be jam-packed with tourists, you’ll have the massive central area practically to yourself.

Nearby:   Too much to list, including multiple museums, tons of shopping, quite a few cafes, and the Pestsaule – a monument to the Viennese victims of the bubonic plague, which is situated in the middle of a massive open plaza.  

• Hofburg Palace – originally the palace of the imperial court during the Hapsburg dynasty, this sprawling building now hosts several museums, the Spanish Riding School (with its stunning white Lipizzaner stallions), and the residence and workplace for the Austrian president.  All three museums located inside – Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, and the Silver Collection – are fascinating and offer different perspectives into Austrian and Baroque history and culture. If you only have time for one, I would recommend the Imperial Apartments, as it is the most comprehensive of the three.  

I also highly recommend taking in a show at the Spanish Riding School – the morning exercise (least expensive, cannot be booked in advance), Piber meets Vienna (only during summer months.  Affordable, only option where photos are allowed, less orchestrated), and the world famous Winter Performances (Most expensive, but absolutely breathtaking. An experience of a lifetime).

Insider tips:   Book tickets for Spanish Riding School events very far in advance, as they sell out quickly.  If you go to Piber meets Vienna, I strongly recommend spending the extra money to sit in the first or second row in the ground floor box.  The view is excellent, but the best part is that they bring horses over to meet people!

Nearby:   Again, lots.  Walk the passageway under the palace (“ In der Burg ”) and across the courtyard to the Hero’s Square (“ Heldenplatz ”) and admire the facade of the National Art Museum (or stop in!).  Or, head the opposite direction away from Hofburg and have an imperial coffee and pastry at Cafe Demel.  Or…. do both!

• Schoenbrunn Palace – A visit to Vienna would be incomplete without a visit to the … ahem, palatial … summer residence of the Hapsburgs.  With more than 1,400 rooms, the sprawling palace wraps nearly all the way around the quarter-acre front courtyard. There are several tour options to choose from, though I recommend you spend the extra couple bucks to get the Grand Tour , which provides a fairly comprehensive look at the era of Austrian Imperial history in an hour.

Insider tips :  Make sure to spend time really exploring the grounds behind the palace, which are free.  There are several fountains, birdhouses, and quite a few statues, some of which are in … compromising … positions.  Though the Orange Garden isn’t worth paying the admission, the view of the palace and the city beyond from the roof of the Gloriette definitely is!  If you happen to visit in winter , make sure you come to the Christmas Market in the front courtyard!

Nearby:   As this attraction located the farthest afield from central Vienna (about 20-30 minutes by street car each way), there isn’t much within walking distance that will be worth seeing. Explore the more residential neighborhood if it interests you, then jump on the street car and head back downtown.  

• Belvedere Palace – Another palace in a city that’s full of them!  Located in this colossal imperial residence is a fantastic art museum that hosts several of Austria’s most famous paintings, including Gustav Klimt’s “ The Kiss ” – making the palace an architectural & cultural two-for-one!  In fact, if you are an art enthusiast, the Palace is ideal – it’s actually comprised of three different art museums .  

Insider tips:  As with Schoenbrunn, the grounds are free, although not as expansive.  

The Upper Museum (“Oberes Belvedere”) houses the permanent collection of historic Austrian art.  The Lower Museum (“Unteres Belvedere”) houses a rotating collection of Austrian and international art, and Belvedere 21 is home to a collection of contemporary art. The Upper Museum is my favorite of the three, but it can get crowded during peak season.  Go mid-morning, not long after the museum opens, to beat the afternoon crush. While inside Oberes Belvedere, make sure to enjoy the views of central Vienna from the windows on the upper level!

Nearby:  Between the Innere Stadt and Belvedere is Karlskirche , a Hapsburg-era domed cathedral filled with jaw-dropping frescoes.  A short walk to the west will land you at the marvelous open-air market called Naschmarkt (“nibble market”), filled with a wide variety of vendors and booths to explore.

Where to Eat in Vienna:

There are plenty of blogs dedicated to providing you comprehensive lists of the touristy places to eat and drink in the city, so I’ll provide you the exact opposite:  two local gems hidden away off the beaten path, where locals go to enjoy traditional Austrian meals.

• Bierteufl – A 15 minute walk or short street car ride from Stephansplatz is one of the best pubs in the city.  Literally translated as the Beer Devil, Bierteufl is the epitome of traditional Austrian taverns – light-colored woodwork covers nearly every inch of the interior, while the fenced-in beer garden outside is a phenomenal place to enjoy milder spring & fall evenings. The cuisine is fantastic – a variety of schnitzels, sausages, soups, and other Austrian dishes will keep you coming back for more – and there is an excellent list of German and Austrian beers.  Try the garlic cream (Knoblauchcreme) soup!
• Cafe Dreier – Located a bit further afield, but in the same neighborhood as Bierteufl, is the warm & cozy Cafe Dreier .  Dark woodwork abounds in this local hangout, which is both dog & family friendly.  An expansive menu blends traditional Austrian fare with several more contemporary options.  A good spot to try gulasch or Fritattensuppe – a traditional Austrian noodle soup in beef broth.

Sachertorte debate :

Vienna’s second most famous culinary item (after Wiener Schnitzel, of course!) is also the subject of a long-standing and occasionally vitriolic debate:   Sachertorte .  The chocolate and apricot cake was first made for the Imperial Court by Franz Sacher during his time at Cafe Demel, so the debate circles around who is home to the true original Sachertorte:   Cafe Demel , or Sacher’s own Hotel Sacher .  I strongly suggest you set aside about an hour on different afternoons to properly try both:  order a house coffee to go with your cake, which must be served with whipped cream (“schlagobers”) for the full effect.

Melk Abbey and the Drive to Prague :  Day 4

Get up early on day four – you have lots to see and do today!  Instead of driving north to Prague, you should first follow the meandering S5 and B3 back roads along the Danube River to the massive Melk Abbey.  You’ll pass through several wonderful Austrian villages on the way, including the one which shares its name with the Abbey.  

• Melk Abbey :  At nearly a thousand years old, Melk Abbey (“Stift Melk”) is as impressive as it is enormous.  Spend a couple extra euro to get an audio guided tour – which I recommend you book online in advance if you’re travelling in the summer – and enjoy the fantastic displays about religion and other facets of Austrian history.  

Insider Tips:   By getting the audio tour, you can really take your time to experience the various displays inside the Abbey and the incredible vista from the upper deck.  Added bonus – by taking your time, you will have guided tours that pass by you throughout the Abbey, so you can listen in while still going at your own pace and avoiding the crowds.  Make sure to stop in the gift shop and pick up a sampler pack of top-notch herbal liqueurs, which are distilled on-site from herbs grown in the Abbey garden – perfect for making tasty cocktails at home!  On your way out of town, first drive up here for a unique view of the Abbey (seen in the image above), then stop at the parking lot near the creek below the Abbey and walk over to the bridge for another cool perspective.

Where to Eat:  Though the local Italian cafe Pasta-e-Pizza came highly recommended to us by museum staff, we visited on the only day of the week (Wednesday) when they were closed.  We ate at the restaurant located in the Abbey instead, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch of contemporary Austrian dishes. Grab a seat at the outdoor cafe, and save room for the tasty treats on the dessert menu.  

The Drive To Prague:  Prepare for a meandering four hour journey through Alpine foothills and wild Bohemian forests and farmland!  The drive starts with a zig-zagging blast through Alpine villages and Austrian border towns before you cross over into Czechia.  Border control is basically non-existent between these two Schengen countries , though you have to stop at a Czech gas station near the border to purchase the inexpensive permit sticker ( called a vignette ) which allows you to drive in the country.  

The drive through the Bohemian countryside immediately brings to mind a Brothers Grimm fairytale – somewhat dark and spooky, definitely wild and unrefined.  Even the stuccoed farmhouses have a mystical air about them. The entire drive is spellbinding. You will definitely be disappointed to be back on the highway for the last stretch of this drive.

Where to eat:  We ate a late dinner in the basement tavern of Restaurant U Regenta , located just off the route right before you arrive in downtown Prague.  Inexpensive and delicious traditional Czech fare is complemented by a lengthy list of local beers to choose from.  

Prague – Days 4, 5, 6

Prague is the second capital city of the trip, and is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited.  The old-town section of the city, called “Stare Mesto,” is chock full of breathtaking views and mind-bending architecture that will take up the majority of your time here.

Things to see & do in Prague:

• Prague Castle – You can spend a full day exploring the vast castle complex – the largest unified castle complex in the world – situated on the hill overlooking Stare Mesto & the Vltava River.  The towering gothic St Vitus Cathedral dominates the scene, providing a dramatic greeting as you enter the complex. Explore the ancient Romanesque buildings along Golden Lane , the smaller (and much older) church at St George’s Basilica , and the imperial quarters at the Old Royal Palace .

Insider Tips:   Get away from the crowds and see fantastic views of the backside of the Cathedral while meandering to and from the Royal Gardens .  Eat at one of the oldest continuously running pubs in Prague at the wickedly cool Medieval Tavern , or enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious meat & cheese tray while soaking in phenomenal views of grape arbors & the city beyond from Svatovaclavsa Vinice .  

Read Next: 10 Romantic Things to Do in Prague

Nearby:  Like Vienna, there is so much to do within the Stare Mesto and Mala Strana (“lesser town” – the area across the Charles Bridge from Old Town, between the Vltava & Prague Castle) that it would be impossible to list it all.  The KGB Museum is campy & fun, while the Kafka Museum is interesting if you’re a fan of his work. There’s a lot of shopping, but much of it is “touristy.”

• Charles Bridge (or “Karluv Most”) – Prague’s oldest and most famous bridge deserves mention here, even though it’s often clogged with other tourists.  The statues and sculptures flanking both edges are fascinating religious symbols, and it’s lined with musicians and merchants during the daytime almost year-round.  Excellent views of Stare Mesto and Mala Strana abound.

Insider Tips:   Spend a couple Euro and climb to the top of the Tower, on the Stare Mesto side of the river.  I just did this for the first time (in spite of being to Prague three times previously), and deeply regret not having done so sooner.  The views, especially from the top, are more than worth the minimal price of admission. If you are on the bridge hoping to capture long exposure images at night – the city shuts the Castle lights off at 11PM, and most of the lights on the bridge get shut off at midnight – so plan accordingly!

Nearby:  There are a couple of pleasant parks lining both sides of the river.  As it is the primary pedestrian bridge between Stare Mesto & Mala Strana, there are lots of cafes, bars, and shops nearby.

• Old Town Square (“Staromestske Namesti”) – Rather than review the various highlights of Old Town individually, it’s easier to look at them collectively, as most of them border or neighbor this central square.  The ornate Church of our Lady before Tyn is one of my favorite cathedrals in the world.   The Astronomical Clock is one of the most famous buildings in Prague, hosting a huge crowd of folks to witness (or record) the hourly display as it chimes. The imposing stucco facade of St Nicholas Church catches sunrise beautiful, and creates an impressive silhouette at sunset.  Like Schoenbrunn Palace, there are excellent Christmas and Easter markets held here annually.

Insider Tips :   Make sure to stick around after dark, as a number of buskers and other performers show up to thrill crowds of tourists with a wide variety of different acts.  It’s also a great place to just relax and unwind on a pleasant evening after a long day.

Nearby:  the old Jewish quarter (see next), the curious Kafka Memorial , a number of nightclubs, bars, and … the Sex Machines Museum !  

We stayed in the shockingly affordable Black Elephant Hotel (Cerny Slon), located a half-block off the Old Town Square.  Our room was large and comfortable. One thing to be aware of – because of its location just off the square (and how busy the square is most nights), it is noisy there… and because most old buildings in Europe aren’t retrofitted with A/C, you’ll need the windows open at night.  Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

• Jewish Quarter (make sure to use Google Translate, as there’s no English version I could find) – The Jewish Quarter was a ghetto in the Old Town where Jews were forced to live, especially during the Holocaust.  There is a number of walking tours you can choose from – make sure to select one that includes the mind-blowing cemetery. There are several beautiful synagogues, including the fascinating Old-New Synagogue, one of the oldest in Europe.  

Insider Tips:  As I mentioned, make sure to get a tour that includes time in the incomprehensibly crowded cemetery.  This can be a very somber place to visit, with some dark and difficult times in its history, so it may not be appropriate for young children.  

Nearby:  A pleasant walk down the promenade along the Vltava River.

• Sedlec Ossuary – Though the world-famous Bone Church is not in Prague, the scenic and serene hour drive through the rolling hills of Czech farmland adds a nice perk to a fascinating day trip.  The Sedlec Ossuary houses the bones of more than 60,000 local parishioners who wished to be “buried” there.  Fenced in “cells” house massive stacks of bones, and there are a number of sculptures made out of bones and skulls throughout.  

Insider Tips:   The audio guide is definitely worth the extra buck or two – but you only need one if you have a small group of people.  Most audio segments are brief, so it’s easy to share. I did not find the upstairs portion of the Cathedral to be very interesting, but the surrounding cemetery had some curious headstones. You can no longer buy tickets at the church, you have to stop at the nearby InfoCentre .  

Nearby:   While down at the InfoCentre, stop at the Projekt: Genau cafe for a tasty beverage (coffee, tea, lemonade, or beer) and to check out some local artwork.

Where to eat in Prague:

In addition to the places I mentioned above, I strongly recommend that you make a reservation to have a dinner at dusk on the patio/deck of the Marina Ristorante on the Vltava River .  The food is excellent traditional Italian, the service is impeccable, and the views are out of this world – particularly as night falls and after dark.  

Cesky Krumlov – Da y 7

This historic town nestled in the hilly southern corner of Czechia was recommended to me by my Austrian friend.  He suggested we stop and spend an afternoon there on our way from Prague to Salzburg. He was wrong – we should’ve spent a night there, to give us a chance to fully experience everything the town has to offer.  Like Prague, the town is bisected by the twisty Vltava River, and like Prague, it is dominated by a massive castle on top of a steep hill.

There are quite a few museums in Cesky Krumlov, though we, unfortunately, did not get to visit any of them.  Similarly, though we walked up the hill to explore the grounds of the Castle Tower , we did not actually go inside.  Walk back down and across the historic wooden slats of the Lazebnicky Bridge for a cool view of the castle.  

We ate a light lunch and sipped delicious coffee in the shadow of the Castle Tower and right on the water at an outdoor table at Cafe Mlejnek .  There were so many more things we wanted to see and do!  I cannot wait to come back to Cesky (pronounced Chess-key) Krumlov and spend more time properly exploring it.

The Drive from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg – Day 8

In the interest of time, much of our drive from Prague to Cesky Krumlov was on the D3 highway.  The drive from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg, however, rode along some very rural back roads through southern Czechia and northern Austria.  Because we did the entire drive from Prague to Salzburg (including our stop in Cesky Krumlov) in one day, we were forced to only pass through the intriguing border town of Vyssi Brod without stopping.  I recommend bypassing the industrial city of Linz in favor of some of the more interesting villages along the route outlined above.  Instead of barreling down the Austrian highway A1, take the leisurely route through the north Austrian countryside into Salzburg.

Salzburg – Days 8 & 9

Though much smaller than Vienna, the mind-blowing mountain scenery in and around Austria’s second most famous city more than makes up for what it lacks in size & population.  Home to its fair share of castles, plazas, and museums, this musical Alpine city deserves a couple days to fully appreciate all it has to offer.

Things to see & do in Salzburg:

• Fortress Hohensalzburg (“High Salzburg”) – One of the most obvious things you should do when visiting Salzburg is hoof it up to Hohensalzburg. The impressive and seemingly impregnable fortress sits atop a steep hill overlooking the city and surrounding countryside, and affords visitors a number of incredible and dynamic views.  With three museums , 14 different attractions ,  two restaurants , and several shops & stalls, there is plenty to keep you busy for quite a while.  

Insider tips:   When taking the tour of the fortress, make sure to head to the top of the Reckturm (“horizontal [or square] tower”) for one of the best views of the city and surrounding mountains. The small cafe inside the courtyard has delicious pretzels… and make sure to have lunch on the terrace at the Panorama Restaurant .

Nearby:  Oversized chess boards at Kapitel Square .  The towering Salzburg Cathedral .  The oldest coffee house in Austria – Cafe Tomaselli .  

• Mozart’s Birthplace (“Geburtshaus”) – Situated nearly smack in the middle of Salzburg’s high-end shopping district (“Getreidegasse”), the banana-yellow row house sits overtop of a small chain supermarket (yes, really).  Austrians can be a little weird… what can I say?

Insider Tips:   The four story building does not have air conditioning, so if you visit during the summer, go in the morning when it will not be swelteringly hot upstairs.

Nearby:   A shopping mecca – a dynamic range of different stores and cafes line both sides of the Getreidegasse and adjacent streets.  

• Mirabell Palace – Of course, a visit to Salzburg would be incomplete without a tour through the palace that hosted several of the more famous scenes from Sound of Music .  The view of the Fortress from the gardens is marvelous in early summer when everything is in bloom.

Insider Tips:   As the palace and its grounds are completely free to visit, you can come at your leisure to spend time exploring – though if you’re going to explore the grounds to find movie locations, come after breakfast before it gets too warm and crowded.  

Nearby:  The lush Kai Promenade allows you to comfortably stroll the scenic banks of the Salzach River. For a more active day full of rigorous hikes & stunning overlooks, head to the Capuchin cloister and make your way up to the Franciski Castle .  Note – if you want to have brunch here, you must make a reservation at least three days in advance!

• Roam and Shop the narrow streets and squares of the Old Town section – I know this seems somewhat obvious, given the nature of my advice so far.  However, the southern section of the city, between the Salzach River and the Fortress, is home to dozens of meandering streets, alleyways, and even a couple “tunnels” underneath buildings – all of which have a vast number of things to see and do while you’re here.  The city is rich with plazas and squares, the most popular of which might be University Square, which is frequently teeming with open-air markets. You will also find a plethora of cafes, food vendors, and restaurants to try.

Berchtesgaden, the Eagle’s Nest, and the Drive to Hallstatt – Day 10

The drive to the Eagle’s Nest – Hitler’s summer retreat – and then on to Hallstatt was by far my favorite drive of the trip … and might just be one of my favorite events of the trip!  I’ve driven a lot of miles in a bunch of countries, and I’ve never experienced a drive like that before: the towering mountains, sweeping panoramas, and winding roads and snaking switchbacks all combined to create one of the most incredible road trips of my life.  

Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest (“Kehlsteinhaus”) – I am fascinated by WWII history, so the Eagle’s Nest is a destination I’ve wanted to visit for many years.  We finally made the extra trip over from Salzburg, and it blew me away. Though I was surprised to find that the villa had been converted to a restaurant with minimal historical information or artifacts, the bus ride up the mountain, the panoramic views from the top, and the multiple hikes made up for this disappointment.

Insider’s Tips:   The free parking lot gets really crowded, and it’s about 100 yards or so uphill to where you pick up the bus to the top.  Though we lucked into a spot after a few laps, you might be better off paying the couple Euros and skipping the walk. You are required to schedule the time of your return bus trip back down, and are committed to keeping that time.  They say about an hour is enough time, though you’ll want probably double that (or more) if you like to hike. Expect to wait for a half hour or more in the tunnel to the elevator.

We did not eat at the Eagle’s Nest nor in Berchtesgaden, so I don’t have any insight to share.

Hallstatt – Days 10, 11 & 12

Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited in my life, and that’s not an exaggeration.  Shoehorned onto a narrow spit of land between the mighty Alpine peaks surrounding the frigid waters of Hallstatt Lake, this ancient salt-mining village has retained much of its old-world charm.  Bavarian-style wood & stucco homes press against each other in the flat portion of town and cling to the steep face of the hill behind, while two moderately sized cathedrals serve the local parishioners.  

I am advising three nights in Hallstatt for two reasons:  First and foremost, by the time you reach this point in your European road trip, you’re all going to be pretty tired.  This serene mountain village is the perfect place to convalesce. You won’t mind spending a couple hours sitting on your balcony, sipping a fine Austrian wine and soaking in the unbelievable views.  

Second, the majority of day 10 (your first overnight in Hallstatt) will be consumed by your time at Kehlsteinhaus and the meandering drive through the Alps.  There are a couple things to be sure to do while you’re here, but don’t push yourself – take an extra leisurely pace, and enjoy the scenery and serenity of the town to the fullest.  To be completely honest, we didn’t even ride the funicular up to the Salt Mine and World Heritage Viewpoint … and we don’t regret not going.  

Things to do in Hallstatt:  

• Rent an electric boat for two hours .  The family-run operation is so relaxed that I can’t even find them on Google maps – it was somewhere down here that we pushed off.  You’ll definitely want the full two hours to explore the expansive lake.
• Explore the shops in and around the Marktplatz (Market Plaza).
• Purchase savory salts, luxurious soaps, and effervescent candles and bath salts at Salzkontor .  
• Buy a bottle of local wine or beer at the “ supermarket .”  Spend an afternoon (and/or an evening) drinking slowly and enjoying the shifting view from your balcony as the sun sets and night falls.

Insider Tips:

• Have a separate, smaller bag to take into town with you.  This is crucial for a couple reasons.  Visitors must park in one of two lots located outside of town, as only Hallstatt resident vehicles can drive into the village. The closer of the two lots is a half-mile away.  (You can try finding a place to park near the ferry terminal to drop your family & bags off, but there were no spots and a long line of cars when we arrived)  In addition, the town is not modernized, so there are no elevators .   Carrying large, heavy bags into town and up the steps will be exhausting.
• The village is definitely not handicap accessible , for the same reasons outlined above.
• Do most of your exploring in the morning or after dinner .  Bus tours flood the village with day trip tourists between mid-morning and lunch time.  Most leave at or after dinner. During the time in between, the narrow streets are elbow-to-elbow crowded.  This is a great time to relax on your balcony or rent that electric boat mentioned above. Also, eat breakfast relatively early and plan for a later dinner than usual.  
• Get a room with a balcony (or two!  See below).

Where to stay and where to eat in Hallstatt :

The location to do both things is the same:   Brau-Gasthof Lobisser .  A brewery, tavern, restaurant, outdoor terrace AND a competitively priced hotel all in one place – what more could you ask for in life?  The staff is friendly, the food & beer are excellent, the rooms are clean and the hotel is chock full of old world charm. I cannot rave enough about the experience we had here.   Note – we compared rates between virtually all of the hotels and B&B’s in the village, and Lobisser had the best rates by far for what you get – clean rooms with a balcony and private bathroom and included Austrian-style breakfast (deli meats, breads, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, fruits, granola, cereal, and coffee – once you get used to it, American breakfasts will never compare!).   BONUS Insider Tip:   Book really far in advance (six months or more, if possible) and make sure to get room number 8.  As the only room in the hotel (possibly the entire village!) with two sizeable balconies – one facing the lake, and one facing the mountains – you’ll have plenty of space to relax and enjoy some of the best views in the village!

The Drive to Bled – Day 13

We’re going to diverge a bit from my actual trip at this point.  On my family trip, we drove from Hallstatt to Graz, where my friend’s family lives, and spent a couple days with them.  During this stretch in Graz, we planned to take a day trip to Bled… but by the time we reached Graz, we were getting burned out to driving.  The day trip would’ve added another six hours of driving, so we decided to spend the extra day with the family.

As such, I’m only going to be able to give very basic information about this drive and destination, as I’ve not yet been there myself.  There are plenty of excellent blogs out there providing detailed information about the excellent things to see and do in the area.

The drive mapped out below will cut you across the rugged heart of the Austrian Alps, passing through some remarkably remote and traditional Alpine villages along the way.  It’s not the most direct route, but it is by far the most stunningly beautiful one!

Lake Bled – Days 13 & 14

As I mentioned above, I’ve not yet been to Lake Bled – but that is something I intend to fix soon.  I’ve heard so many good things from so many people that it has definitely moved near the top of my bucket list!  

The Drive Back to Vienna – Day 15

So the trip ran a little over two weeks…  Leave on a Friday and return home on a Sunday – you’ll be happy you took the extra day!  This drive runs a bit longer than most of the routes in this post, but it’s broken up really nicely.  You will pass through three fantastic cities along the way – Ljubljana, Maribor, and Graz. Since your only thing to accomplish this day is drive back to Vienna, don’t simply bypass the cities.  Take an hour or so in the central district of each to park your car and walk around exploring the downtown area. Find somewhere nice to eat, or to relax and have a cup of coffee at a sidewalk cafe.  Roam the halls of the Ljubljana Castle , or walk up to the top of Schlossberg hill in Graz and visit the famous Clock Tower .  Soak in the unique Slavic architecture on display in Maribor.

Vienna – Day 15

Your 2 weeks in Europe are coming to an end. After enjoying your day exploring the cities in Slovenia and Graz, drop your bags off at the hotel, fill the car with gas, and drop it off at the rental place.  Spend your final evening in Europe taking in the sights and sounds of walking downtown Vienna at night. Have dinner at your favorite restaurant you found there.  Revel in the remarkable road trip you just completed. Marvel at the slightly bittersweet realization that although you’re time in Europe is ending, you most likely were starting to get a bit homesick.  Enjoy the sense of peace in the knowledge you’re heading home tomorrow. I hope you enjoy your trip!

About the Author: An enthusiastic hobby photographer and traveler since his youth, Scott Berney developed an interest in specifically gearing his trips to exploring back roads in 2013. He has since ridden and written about thousands of miles of back road adventures along the East Coast, West Coast, and internationally. With a massive cross-country and several regional road trips coming up in the next twelve months, he will have plenty of material to photograph and write about on his blog, Take Back Roads , for years to come.

2 Weeks in Europe: The 6 Best Itineraries

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If you are planning on spending 2 weeks in Europe then one of these 6 amazing itineraries will be suited for you!

Europe is a diverse continent full of amazing countries. Although the countries in Europe are small and close together, every single one is completely different and offers something new and unique.

As an Amsterdam resident and a long time European traveler, I have found the best countries and cities to visit and who these are best for. Your travel preferences will determine which itinerary is best for you; whether you are looking for a warm Southern Europe trip, the best of Europe trip, a budget trip, and more!

Enjoy these 6 itineraries and find your favourite!

(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See  disclosure  for more information.)

2 Weeks in Europe: 6 Best Travel Itineraries

In This Post

2 Weeks in Europe: Western Europe

2 days: dublin, ireland.

The best first stop for a Western Europe itinerary is on the coast of Europe in Dublin, Ireland. Dublin is a historic and beautiful city sitting on the East Coast of Ireland.

It is the perfect place to spend your first two days in Europe to enjoy great beer, lively pub life, stunning views, and more! The warmth of Dublin will give you a great first impression of Europe.

3 days: London, England

London is the capital city of England and is absolutely massive city to explore. London ruled the world for quite some time which has resulted in it being full of history, museums, and oddities to discover.

Spending three days here with just give you a taste of the wonders of London and enjoy the big city life mixed with a wide range of other things to do.

2 days: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the Western European cities that must be on every travel itinerary. The quaint streets, unique architecture, and stunning surroundings are enough to make any visitor fall in love.

There are very few places on earth with as much charm as Amsterdam! Every season in Amsterdam has its own specialties, and as a resident of the city, I can say it’s surely one of the most beautiful places on earth.

With only 2 days in Amsterdam , you will have to pack a lot of touring and sightseeing it. However, Amsterdam is not a huge city, and seeing quite a bit of the city in this short amount of time is easy.

2 days: Paris, France

Paris is one of Europe’s most famous and lusted-after places to visit. With just 2 weeks in Europe, a quick stop here is 100% necessary.

Paris is a very unique city, it is home to some of the most iconic structures in Europe and is packed with a unique and reaching history. Two days is just enough time to get an idea of Paris, and you will be planning your visit back soon.

3 days: Interlaken & Swiss Alps

Switzerland is a naturally beautiful country and the perfect place to head to after visiting all the other Western European cities that are more architecturally focused.

An escape to stunning Interlaken to admire and enjoy the magical Swiss Alps is a must. With 3 days (or 4 days in Switzerland ) you can plan an adventure hike where you can overlook the magical Swiss scenery with some of the best views Europe has to offer.

2 days: Vienna

To end your Western European adventures a visit to Austria’s capital city Vienna is in order. Vienna is a unique and old city full of diversity and unique things to do. It is a great place to reflect and learn about various famous historical figures who lived here and to visit the many beautiful palaces.

2 Weeks in Europe: Southern Europe

2 days: lisbon, portugal.

Portugal is the westernmost country amongst the countries that make up Southern Europe. This is the ideal place to start your 2 weeks in Europe if you are aiming to visit some of Europe’s most beautiful southern destinations.

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and the best place to start your trip.

Lisbon is full of life and excitement. The buildings are vibrantly colored, the streets are old, and there is a warmth to the air that is oh-so magical. Spending a day or two in Lisbon will have you falling in love with the warmth and magic of Southern Europe.

1 day: Porto, Portugal

Porto is a small coastal city located just one hour from Lisbon. Taking a quick one day visit here is ideal to see one of Portugal’s most beautiful and unique cities.

Porto is full of cobblestone streets, hilly terrain, medieval history, and delicious port wine! It is an idyllic city to visit to admire and enjoy the finer pleasures.

2 days: Valencia, Spain

Spain is full of beautiful and enchanting cities but none are as amazing as Valencia. Valencia is much less famous than some of the other cities in Spain but this only adds to its beauty and magic.

There are so many amazing things to do and see in Valencia and the best part is that it is a quieter city than the others and can be explored in a more authentic fashion.

2 days: Barcelona, Spain

After visiting Valencia a trip to Spain’s very popular Barcelona is in order. Located right along the sea, Barcelona is the perfect place to soak the Southern European sun on the stretching beach! Barcelona is also a place known for its culture and art, which are unique in itself.

1 day: Nice, France

Nice is a magical city in the South of France within the French Rivera. Spending one day in Nice during your 2 weeks in Europe is perfect for seeing the highlights of the city and soaking in the unique and captivating French culture. There is also a lovely beach for anyone looking to relax and swim.

2 days: Rome, Italy

No visit to Europe is complete without visiting Rome . Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most historic places in not only Europe but on Earth.

The history of Rome dates thousands of years and on every street in the city, you will find something of historical significance making it the ideal place to visit for history lovers. Not only is it great for history lovers but it is also a great place to visit for all, the beauty and magic of Italy are prevalent throughout the whole city.

2 day: Florence, Italy

Florence is a romantic city in Italy full of Renaissance art and architecture. Admiring the cultural side of Italy is a great way to experience the beauty and magic of Southern Europe. Florence has an irresistible charm and is one of the prettiest cities in Italy .

1 days: Venice, Italy

Finishing 2 weeks in Southern Europe with a visit to Venice is the perfect ending. Venice is one of the most romantic places on Earth and is a city everyone must visit once in their lives. The charm and beauty of the canals and tiny streets is something to be admired. One day in Venice gives you enough time to see much of the city since Venice is quite small.

2 Weeks in Europe: Eastern Europe

2 days: warsaw, poland.

Eastern Europe is an underrated part of Europe to explore. This side of the contentment welcomes fewer tourists, lower prices, and an unmissable charm.

Starting in Warsaw, Poland is perfect for getting a taste of Eastern Europe’s unique offerings. Poland is a country that was heavily affected by World War 2, and learning about this significant impact is imperative while here.

Warsaw, as the capital city, is packed with ornate buildings, small streets, and warm charm. It is easy to fall in love with Poland and visiting some of the small Polish cities like Gdansk is also a good idea.

2 days: Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and a fairytale-like city in Eastern Europe. Two days in Prague will show you the magic within Prague that is unmatched by anywhere else.

The city has a unique mix of pastel-colored buildings and panoramic city views, mixed with old gothic architecture that contrasts greatly with the other parts of the city. Although Prague is located in Eastern Europe it has the same vibe as Western Europe and many people are surprised by this.

2 days: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. Exploring Budapest is a feast for the eyes and will have you bubbling with excitement.

If you choose to visit Eastern Europe during your 2 weeks in Europe, Budapest is a must-visit. Spending 2 days in Budapest with show you some of Europes’ most amazing architecture paired with a buzzing atmosphere.

2 days: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and a unique city in itself. The city has unique architecture and plenty of green space making it a great place to stay for 2 days. This in addition to the low prices and limited tourists is ideal.

1 day: Lake Bled, Slovenia

Venturing to Lake Bled, Slovenia is a must! This iconic place is full of beauty and the natural beauty will amaze you. The magical lake is located in the Julian Alps and the scenery is out of this world.

2 days: Split, Croatia

Split is a magical city in Croatia that is perfect for all types of travelers. Here you can find a ton of history, beautiful beaches, and stunning national parks. There really is something for everyone!

3 days: Montenegro

Montenegro is a small and amazing country. It is one of the best places to visit in the Balkans and an up and coming top travel destination for travelers from around the world. No 2 weeks in Europe would be complete without a visit to this magical country.

There are a ton of beautiful places to visit in Montenegro . The best being Herceg Novi and Kotor . Three days is enough time to drive around and explore all the diversities of Montenegro, plus enjoy some lovely beach time!

2 Weeks in Europe: Northern Europe

4 days: iceland.

Way up North on an island all its own is the beautiful and enchanting country of Iceland. Iceland is truly like no other place on Earth. It is one of those places you visit and feel like you’ve gone to another planet! The volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and powerful waterfalls are wonderful.

A visit to Iceland for four days will allow you to see a ton of the natural beauty Iceland brings to the table. If you are a nature lover, Iceland will blow you away!

3 days: Norway

Norway is the first stop on mainland Europe during this Northern 2 weeks in Europe itinerary. Norway is an expensive but beautiful country known for its huge mountain ranges, deep coastal fjords, and lush green forest space.

It is the ideal place to visit for nature lovers and those wanting to experience the vast Scandinavian beauty. A visit to Oslo, Bergan, and Flam is always a good idea.

2 days: Denmark

Denmark is a country known for its peace and tranquility. Places in Denmark like Copenhagen and Aarhus are known for incredible Scandinavian fashion, plenty of cafes, and wonderful sustainability initiatives.

3 days: Sweden

Next stop, Sweden! With 3 days in Sweden during your 2 weeks in Europe, you can get a nice idea of some of the country’s highlights. While here a visit to the capital city, Stockholm is a must. If time permits you can also visit some additional nearby places!

2 days: Finland

Finland is one of the less popular countries to visit in Northern Europe but this should not be the case. It is a wonderful country full of beautiful natural beauty. A visit here in the winter is an especially good idea to see the mesmerizing Lapland and even get the chance to view the Northern Lights.

2 Weeks in Europe: Best of Europe

2 days: london, england.

London is one of Europes most iconic cities. It is very tourist-friendly and since English is the spoken language navigating and communicating is very easy. To see one of the most popular cities in Europe, a stop here is necessary.

2 days: Amsterdam, Netherlnads

Amsterdam’s magic should not be underestimated. Despite the cities reputation as a place for partying and vices, it could not be more different. The city has a wonderful romance to it and is full of a unique history.

No-one visits Paris and regrets it. Seeing the Eiffel Tower and walking to streets full of stories and historic moments is something you can’t do just anywhere. The best thing about Paris is that you will never get bored.

Prague is a beautiful city in Eastern Europe. It has all the same beauty as the Western European cities but is much more affordable! This makes exploring more fun because you can visit attractions and stay at a nice hotel for a lower cost.

Rome is somewhere you could easily spend a week. With all the historic places to visit and new things to learn you will be on overdrive trying to soak it all in. There are so many iconic places to see in Rome that you will have your days full of things to do.

4 days: Santorini, Greece

Four days in Greece may seem like a lot but with all the additional islands nearby to explore it is not nearly enough.

Spending a day or two exploring the island of Santorini is nice and then you can rent a boat and go around to the other little islands and private beaches. Everything is so warm and blue and magical in Greece it is easy to get lost in the beauty.

2 weeks in Europe: Budget Europe

As mentioned, Prague is located in Eastern Europe which means the prices for most things are lower than Western standards. Enjoying the sights and attractions is much cheaper, as well as meals and accommodation. This in addition to the beauty of Prague is a huge bonus!

Beauty and budget? It doesn’t get better than that! Budapest has both which is what makes it such a wonderful travel destination. The combination of the stunning, ornate architecture and deep history makes it a must-visit, especially if you are traveling on a budget.

2 days: Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania is a region within Romania that is known for its medieval castles, gothic fortresses, and mountainous terrain. Not many people add Romania to their 2 weeks in Europe itinerary, but this only adds to its charm. Exploring the interesting and unique regions of Romania and not feeling like one in 10,000 tourists is ideal.

Sun, beaches, parks, old towns, these are the words that come to mind when we think of Split, Croatia. Split is a beautiful city full of excitement. Not only that, it is super budget-friendly.

This means you can enjoy a beach holiday without the price tag of Western European beach destinations.

2 days: Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is a dark horse and doesn’t get enough credit. The city is beautiful and has an authentic and local feel to it. In addition, there are so many unique places to visit and sights to see in Belgrade. Within this itinerary, this is the most budget-friendly place!

2 days: Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Herceg Novi is a small town in Montenegro with an unmistakable local charm. It is located along the coast of the Bay of Kotor and is built within the stunning mountainous landscape of Montenegro. The charm of this town can not be emphasized enough.

2 days: Albania

Albania is an up and coming travel destination that is incredibly cheap. There are various beautiful places to visit within Albania like Tirana and Berat that will wow you with the beauty and the amazing prices.

Travel Insurance

It is important to have travel insurance before traveling. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before traveling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. World Nomads is a popular Travel Insurance choice. Enter your details below to get a free quote! 

No matter which itinerary you choose for your amazing 2 weeks in Europe you will have a wonderful time. Europe is a stunning continent with so much diversity amongst the small, close together counties.

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Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world's most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full time traveled she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.

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How to Plan an Epic 2-Week Summer Europe Itinerary

Planning a trip to Europe this summer? We’ve got you covered with our epic 2-week summer Europe itinerary! My boyfriend, Tim, and I visited Amsterdam , Barcelona , Rome , Vatican City , Florence , Pisa and Cinque Terre last June and had an amazing time (and great weather!).

Although there are a ton of options when visiting Europe, we felt that this 2-week summer Europe itinerary was perfect for us, and I hope you’ll find it useful too.

Of course, you can always use this itinerary as a starting point and replace some of these destinations to better suit your schedule and interests. I previously traveled to other summer European destinations like England, France , Ireland , Iceland , Scotland and Belgium and think all of these are great options for this time of year.

So, without further adieu, let’s dive into our epic 2-week summer Europe itinerary!

* P.S. this post contains some affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase.

Planning Your 2-Week Summer Europe Itinerary

Where should you start and end your 2-week summer Europe itinerary?

Tim and I live in Houston and typically use George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for our international flights. Since we’ve encountered travel delays, missed connections, etc. in the past, we try to choose direct flights whenever possible, and there are direct flights from IAH to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), making it a great choice for port of entry into Europe.

We chose an overnight flight from IAH, which arrived at AMS the next morning, giving us most of the day to explore. We always like to optimize our time in each destination and make the most of our vacation days, so we chose to leave on a Friday night to avoid needing to take off from work that day.

A Broad Recommendation: Prepare for long wait times going through customs at AMS. The airport is quite popular and very busy. We waited for more than an hour before getting through.

If you’re flying from somewhere else in the United States or another part of the world, you may consider direct flights offered from your city instead.

We flew back to IAH on a connecting flight through Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). This was a much less pleasant experience, given that we had some flight issues and delays, but it was the cheapest and most convenient option out of Italy, where we ended our trip.

Our 2-Week Summer Europe Itinerary

Here’s the itinerary we researched and followed during our 2 weeks in Europe last June.

• Day 1: Overnight flight from Houston to Amsterdam
• Day 2: Amsterdam
• Day 3: Amsterdam
• Day 4: Amsterdam & evening flight to Barcelona
• Day 5: Barcelona
• Day 6: Barcelona
• Day 7: Barcelona
• Day 8: Morning flight to Rome
• Day 9: Vatican City
• Day 10: Rome
• Day 11: Morning train to Florence
• Day 12: Florence
• Day 13: Morning train to Pisa & afternoon train to Cinque Terre
• Day 14: Cinque Terre
• Day 15: Cinque Terre & afternoon train to Milan
• Day 16: Morning flight from Milan to Houston

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Home to notable residents such as painters Rembrandt and Vincent van Gogh, philosophers John Locke and René Descartes, and Holocaust victim Anne Frank, Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands and one of the best-preserved cities in all of Europe. And, it’s a great place to start your 2-week summer Europe itinerary!

Amsterdam is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of its division into around 90 islands and its large network of canals, which are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amsterdam is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world and has a long history of openness, liberalism and tolerance. It’s well known for its nightlife and is home to several world-famous nightclubs. 

We recommend spending between 2-3 days here on your summer Europe itinerary. Here’s how we spent our 3 days in Amsterdam in June :

Day 1 in Amsterdam:

• 9:20 am: Arrive in Amsterdam
• 9:45 am: Transfer to Amsterdam Central Station & store luggage
• 1:30 pm: Lunch at Loetje
• 2:00 pm: #1 Best Rated Walking Tour in Amsterdam (book your time slot in advance)
• 5:00 pm: Amsterdam Tulip Museum
• 6:00 pm: Anne Frank House (book your time slot as soon as tickets go on sale 6 weeks in advance)
• 7:15 pm: Homomonument
• 7:45 pm: Pick up luggage & check in to hotel
• 10:00 pm: Snack & beers at  Café Gruter

Day 2 in Amsterdam:

• 9:00 am:  Rijksmuseum (book your time slot in advance)
• 12:30 pm: Lunch at  Greenwoods
• 1:45 pm: Bloemenmarkt
• 3:30 pm: Begijnhof Chapel
• 4:45 pm: Drinks at Mata Hari
• 5:15 pm: Our Lord in the Attic Museum
• 6:45 pm: A’DAM LOOKOUT  Tower 
• 8:00 pm: Dinner at  Wok To Go
• 9:00 pm: LOVERS Canal Cruise

* Note: You could consider booking the Amsterdam Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide, Drinks and Cheese in lieu of the LOVERS Canal Cruise. Unfortunately, this cruise was no longer available for our travel dates, but hopefully you’ll have better luck! However, the LOVERS Canal Cruise is also included in I Amsterdam City Card , which made it a good option for us.

Day 3 in Amsterdam:

• 9:00 am: Van Gogh Museum (book your time slot in advance)
• 11:00 am: Check out from hotel
• 11:30 am: Store luggage at Amsterdam Central Station
• 12:30 pm: Lunch at Piqniq
• 2:00 pm: De Nieuwe Kerk
• 2:45 pm:  Oude Kerk
• 3:15 pm: Pick up luggage, head to airport & fly to Barcelona

Where to stay: De Bedstee Capsules Hotel

If you have more time in Amsterdam, you could consider the following:

• Take the short train ride to Haarlem
• Rent a bike and explore Her Amsterdamse Bos
• Visit the  Catboat , a refuge for stray and abandoned cats
• Spend a day in Zaanse Schans , an open-air museum that shows what life was like in the Netherlands in the 18th and 19th centuries

Barcelona, Spain

Located on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia. It’s an important cultural hub, a popular tourist destination and just a short flight from Amsterdam. 

Barcelona is home to famous architects like Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, whose works have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is also known for hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics, in addition to many other international sporting events, tournaments and exhibitions.

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Barcelona to see some of the highlights. From famous historical sights and architectural marvels to beautiful beaches and fun neighborhoods, our Barcelona summer itinerary has it all!

Day 1 in Barcelona:

• 10:00 am: Free Tour of the Old Town of Barcelona (book your time slot in advance)
• 12:30 pm: Lunch at Cuines Santa Caterina
• 2:45 pm: Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
• 4:30 pm: Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral
• 5:30 pm: Montjuïc Area & Montjuïc Castle
• 10:30 pm: Dinner at Restaurante La Catalana

Day 2 in Barcelona:

• 10:00 am: Breakfast at  Liadisimo Cafeteteria
• 1:20 pm: Casa Vicens (book your time slot in advance)
• 3:15 pm:  Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
• 6:00 pm: Appertivo at  Creps Barcelona
• 7:00 pm: Stop at Casa Batlló (book your time slot in advance)
• 8:30 pm: Dinner & drinks at Chiringuito Chambao

Day 3 in Barcelona:

• 9:30 am:  Park Güell (book your time slot in advance & try to book the earliest time slot of the day)
• 11:30 pm: Lunch at Bar Dakmar in Gràcia
• 4:00 pm: Sagrada Família (book your time slot in advance)
• 6:30 pm: Picasso Museum (book your time slot in advance; the museum is free on Thursdays after 5 pm & the first Sunday of each month!)
• 7:30 pm: Dinner Cal Pep (get in line 30 minutes before they open)

Where to stay: Hotel Flor Parks

If you have more time in Barcelona, consider checking out the following:

• La Boqueria : a huge public market that dates back to 1217
• Barcelona History Museum : 40,000 square feet of Roman ruins and archaeological remains from Barcelona’s former medieval city situated under the Plaça del Rei
• Casa Mila : Gaudí’s last private home design and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Palau Güell : another one of Gaudí’s masterpieces and another UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Parc de la Ciutadella: a public park with gravel paths, tropical vegetation and interesting sculptures
• Tibidabo: the tallest hill in the Serra de Collserola mountain range which offers epic views and fun activities like the  Tibidabo Panoramic Area , the  Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus ,  Tibidabo Barcelona  (one of the oldest amusement parks in the world),  Collserola Park , and the  Torre de Collserola

You may also consider taking a day trip to Girona, another Spanish city known for its medieval architecture and Roman remains, or Montserrat, a gorgeous mountain range that’s home to some of Spain’s most important religious sites.

Rome, Italy & Vatican City

Just a 2-hour flight from Barcelona, in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, Rome is a city that really needs no introduction. It’s the most-visited city in Italy and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world!

Rome’s history spans 28 centuries, and its stunning architecture, vibrant culture and mouth watering cuisine captivates the hearts of millions of travelers each year.

Located within the city of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

Steeped in centuries of history and mystery, this sacred enclave holds a treasure trove of art, culture and spirituality and also welcomes millions of visitors each year. Vatican City can easily be added to any Rome or summer Europe itinerary.

Here are some of the most popular things to do in Rome for 3 days and how we recommend exploring the smallest country in the world while you’re there:

Day 1 in Rome:

• 6:10 am: Fly to Rome
• 8:00 am: Arrive in Rome & store luggage at the hotel
• 10:45 am: Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour
• 2:30 pm: Lunch at La Prezzemolina
• 5:00 pm: Trevi Fountain
• 5:30 pm: The Pantheon
• 6:00 pm: Dinner & drinks at  Oro Bistrot

Day 2 in Rome:

• 7:30 am: Rome: Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Highlights Tour
• 12:00 pm:  Castel Sant’Angelo
• 3:00 pm: Lunch at  Il Pastificio
• 3:30 pm: Gelato at  Caffè Minerva
• 5:45 pm: The Spanish Steps
• 6:00 pm: Aperitivo & dinner at Cielo Terrace

Day 3 in Rome: 

• 9:00 am: Guided Roman Catacombs Tour with Transfers
• 11:00 am: Breakfast at Caffè San Clemente
• 4:45 pm: Victor Emmanuel II Monument
• 6:00 pm: Tiber Island & Trastevere

*BONUS: Head to Gianicolo for Sunset if the weather is nice. It was pouring down rain during our visit, so we didn’t get a good sunset, but we hope you do!

Where to stay: Hotel Nardizzi Americana

If you have more time in Rome, you may want to add the following to your itinerary:

• Capitoline Hill : one of the seven hills on which ancient Rome was built
• Borghese Gallery : home to one of the best collections of Renaissance and Baroque art in the world
• Villa Borghese Gardens : a sprawling park that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city and spectacular views of Rome
• Baths of Caracalla : one of the biggest and most impressive ancient thermal complexes, which was built between AD 212 and 216
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: one of Rome’s four major basilicas
• St. John in the Lateran: Rome’s oldest Basilica
• Pyramid of Caius Cestius : a tomb that was built in the Egyptian style and covered in marble around 12 BC
• Knights of Malta Keyhole : a unique and interesting viewpoint for St Peter’s Basilica from the top of Aventine Hill
• Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) : a legendary marble mask that’s claimed to bite the hand of those who have lied

*Note: I had a medical issue during our time in Rome that prevented us from doing as much as we would’ve liked. If you notice some breaks in the itinerary, that’s because we went back to the hotel to rest in between activities.

Florence, Italy

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany in Central Italy, Florence is just around a 1.5-hour train ride from Rome. It’s known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and was once ranked by Forbes as ‘the most beautiful city in the world’.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the history of the Duomo, marvel at Michelangelo’s David or indulge in the city’s delicious cuisine, Florence has it all.

We recommend spending 2 days in Florence and to avoid visiting on a Monday, since lots of activities are closed on Mondays. Here’s our 2-day guide that highlights the best things to do in Florence :

Day 1 in Florence:

• 6:40 am: Train from Rome to Florence & store luggage
• 8:30 am: The Duomo Complex (schedule your dome climb well in advance)
• 3:00 pm: Lunch at any restaurant near the Duomo
• 4:00 pm: Florence: Eco-Friendly Golf Cart City Tour
• 6:00 pm: Dinner at Finisterrae

*BONUS: If you have time, search for one of Florence’s infamous wine windows, which date back to the 1500s when nobles were allowed to sell wine without paying taxes or owning a store.

Day 2 in Florence:

• 9:15 am: Accademia Gallery (book time slot well in advance)
• 10:30 am: Uffizi Gallery (book time slot well in advance)
• 12:45 pm: Ponte Vecchio
• 1:15 pm: Lunch at Ristorante Santa Felicita Pontevecchio
• 2:15 pm: Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
• 6:00 pm: Aperitivo at Divina Terrazza at the Grand Hotel Cavour (make reservations in advance)
• 8:00 pm: Dinner at Cucineria La Mottonaia

Where to stay: Dafne’s House

If you have more than 2 days in Florence, you may want to check out:

• Biblioteca delle Oblate : a public library and café with awesome views of the Duomo
• Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella : the world’s oldest pharmacy
• Brancacci Chapel : the first great work of art of the 1400s which is often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Early Renaissance’
• The Bargello : a former barracks and prison that now houses a national art museum
• Basilica di San Lorenzo : one of the oldest and largest churches in Florence
• Cappelle Medicee : built for the Medici family in the 16th and 17th centuries, these form part of a monumental complex connected with the Basilica of San Lorenzo
• Fontana del Porcellino: a bronze fountain of a boar that’s rumored to provide good luck if you put a coin into the boar’s jaws and promises a return visit to Florence if you rub the boar’s snout

Pisa, Italy

Only a 50-minute to an hour-and-10-minute train ride from Florence, Pisa is definitely worth a quick visit, even if only to see the iconic Leaning Tower.

Though there are other things to do in Pisa, the main attraction is the Piazza del Duomo , which includes the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa, as well as the Pisa Cathedral, Pisa Baptistery, Camposanto, Opera del Duomo Museum, and Sinopie Museum. We spent our half- day trip from Florence to Pisa exploring this incredible complex. Here’s what we did:

• 7:00 am: Train from Florence to Pisa & store luggage
• 9:00 am: Leaning Tower of Pisa & Piazza del Duomo
• 12:45 pm: Lunch at Bistrot dell’Opera
• 1:00 pm: Train to Cinque Terre & check in to Airbnb

Pisa offers much more than just the Leaning Tower and the Piazza del Duomo. If you have more time, you may want to check out some of Pisa’s historic churches, medieval palaces, and beautiful bridges. The city is also home to the University of Pisa, which dates back to the 12th century, the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, which was founded by Napoleon in 1810, and its offshoot, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies.

Cinque Terre, Italy

An hour-and-a-half train ride north of Pisa is Cinque Terre, a group of centuries-old seaside villages, perched on the dramatic coastline of the Italian Riviera. This is where we ended our 2-week summer Europe itinerary.

The Cinque Terre towns are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. Each boasts colorful houses, steep, terraced vineyards, harbors filled with fishing boats, and trattorias serving delicious seafood specialties.

The Cinque Terre towns, in addition to the coastline and surrounding hillsides, are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, which was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. And, it’s possible to visit the Cinque Terre towns in 2 days (or 1 full day and 2 half days like we did!).

Day 1 in Cinque Terre:

• 2:30 pm: Arrive in Riomaggiore & check in to Airbnb
• 5:00 pm: Explore Riomaggiore (Church of San Giovanni Battista, Riomaggiore Castle, Riomaggiore Harbor, etc.)
• 6:30 pm: Dinner at Bar Centrale
• 8:30 pm: Catch a sunset at Riomaggiore Harbor

Day 2 in Cinque Terre:

• 10:30 am: Hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via Beccara)
• 11:30 am: Explore Manarola (Church of San Lorenzo, Torre Campanaria, Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint, etc.)
• 12:30 pm: Lunch at Il Porticciolo Manarola
• 2:00 pm: Train to Corniglia & scale the Scalinata Lardarina
• 3:00 pm: Explore Corniglia (Chiesa di San Pietro in Corniglia, Oratorio dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina, etc.)
• 4:00 pm: Wine tasting at  Terra Rossa Winebar
• 5:30 pm: Hike from Corniglia to Vernazza
• 7:00 pm: Explore Vernazza & climb Doria Castle
• 7:30 pm: Dinner & sunset at  Ristorante Belforte
• 9:15 pm: Train back to Riomaggiore

Day 3 in Cinque Terre:

• 9:30 am: Check out from Airbnb & store luggage
• 10:00 am: Train to Monterosso al Mare
• 10:30 am: Explore Monterosso al Mare (Paese Vecchio, Fegina Beach, il Gigante, Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, etc.)
• 12:00 pm: Train back to Riomaggiore
• 12:45 pm: Try Fritto misto from Il Pescato Cucinato
• 2:30 pm: Train to Milan

Where to stay: The Rooftop House

*Note: we didn’t do any exploring in Milan, as we got there late in the day and had an early flight the next morning. However, we stayed at the Albert Hotel and ate dinner in the Milano Centrale Railway Station, which has an awesome food court.

Well, there you have it! We hope you found our 2-week summer Europe itinerary helpful and are blown away by all of the history, culture and exciting activities that these cities have to offer.

2-Week Summer Europe Itinerary Add-Ons

But wait, there’s more! If you have more time, you might want to add on one or more of these destinations to your 2-week summer Europe itinerary.

Paris, France

Paris is another city that really needs no introduction. We spent just a day on our last visit to Versailles and Paris, France , but I’ve also done a longer visit in the past. No matter how long you decide to stay, Paris is a great addition to your 2-week summer Europe itinerary.

Normandy, France

Located in Northern France just west of Paris, Normandy is known for its charming coastal towns, lovely countryside, and yummy cheeses and ciders, and is another great addition to your 2-week summer Europe itinerary. We recommend that you spend 2 days in Normandy, France to get a feel for what this beautiful and historic region has to offer.

Dublin, Ireland

A tour of Ireland is another great choice when adding to your 2-week summer Europe itinerary. A few years back, I spent 4 days exploring Ireland by train and bus , using Dublin as our home base and taking several day trips to the Ring of Kerry, Northern Ireland and the Cliffs of Moher.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Last summer, a couple friends and I spent 5 days in Scotland, using Edinburgh as a home base. We explored some of the best places to visit in and around Edinburgh , like Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat, Glencoe, Loch Ness, the Scottish Highlands, St Andrews, and more. Whether you have a day or two or up to 5 days like we did, Edinburgh is another great destination to add to your 2-week summer Europe itinerary.

Let me know what other destinations you would add to this list in the comments below!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads

P.S. Don’t forget to pin this post, so you can refer back later!

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I’ve been to most of the cities on your itinerary, but did it over three different trips. I loved each place we visited. The only one that I have not done yet Cinque Terre. One day!

We loved them all as well and will hopefully be back to some of them someday! I hope you can visit Cinque Terre someday too; that was probably our favorite!

WOW is this impressive! so helpful with the pacing and locations lined up nicely..must have taken you a long time to put together.. saving this for the future.

It did take quite a while to plan this one, haha, but I hope you and others will find it useful on your future travels!

Looks like an action packed 2 weeks to some of my favorite destinations.

Indeed! We had a blast 😊.

Great 2-week itinerary for Europe. You pack in a lot so you get to see so much during 2 weeks in Europe. Saving for the future.

I hope you’ll find it useful for future planning! This itinerary was great for us, and we felt that we got to see a good amount of each city. Be prepared for a lot of walking though, haha.

Very useful to see how you planned out your itinerary! I’m visiting many of these places in Italy and I’m so glad I found this article and your blog to help me figure out where to go and in what order!

I’m so happy to hear this! Please feel free to email me directly at [email protected] if you have any questions. I’m more than happy to help!

2-week Honeymoon in Europe

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Europe has been the epitome of romance for centuries, with its rich culture, romantic traditions, sceneries that evoke nostalgia and warm feelings, and diverse cuisine.

Most European countries have all these, so choosing which places to visit can be overwhelming. I created 2-week honeymoon in Europe itinerary options, highlighting the perfect itineraries.

When deciding which places to include in your 14-day honeymoon in Europe, start with a list of activities you want to visit.

Let’s say you love history. With that, Italy, Greece, France and Spain will be great. If you prefer water activities , then Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia will be great. For those who want to go to vineyards, Italy, Spain, and France are great choices.

For hikers, Norway, Madeira Island, Tenerife, Italy, France, and Croatia are awesome destinations. Looking for affordable places? Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, the Baltics, Poland, and Hungary should be considered.

BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR HONEYMOON IN EUROPE

Unsure when to go, the possible cost, or how many days to spend? Don’t worry; below, I will discuss these important details when planning your 2-week honeymoon Europe trip.

When is the best time to travel to Europe

I’ve been to Europe many times, and each season offers something Unique. But overall, I love visiting during the shoulder season, which is March to May and September to November . During these months, it’s not as crowded and the prices are decent.

But if you want a super warm honeymoon, the s ummer season is from June to August , which is also the busiest and most expensive. Winter season is awesome too, from November to February when you can go skiing and visit Christmas markets.

Are 2 weeks enough for a Honeymoon in Europe

For a honeymoon, 14 days in Europe is perfect . It’s neither too long nor too short. You can visit up to 2 countries covering 3-4 cities or stay in one country and travel a bit slower.

If you enjoy it, maybe for your anniversary, you’ll come back and explore new places together.

How to get around

Europe is incredibly easy to get around . While transportation varies from one country to another, you will still find that most cities are well-connected with rapid railway systems, buses, and even domestic flights.

Let’s focus on countries listed in this 2-week honeymoon in Europe itineraries.

For Italy , going around by train is easy and surprisingly affordable. If you want freedom of your time, you can rent a car. Although, most cars in Italy are in manual transmission, so keep that in mind.

Buses will be the most affordable choice, while planes are reliable too. However, there’s no need to get on a domestic flight if the travel time on air is less than 6 hours or requires a connection. You might find the train a better choice.

For France and Spain , there are also trains you can rely on, and buses will still be the most affordable. Flight might be a better choice, especially if you’re travelling from mainland Spain to Gran Canary Islands. Car rental in Spain and France is also in manual transmission.

When it comes to Greece and Croatia , you’re now talking about many islands, so ferries will play a big part, especially for Greece. In this case, you might want to consider domestic flights if possible.

North Greece and Croatia have a railway system, but mostly in the northern part. Once you reach the coast, you might have to rely on buses or rent a car and drive on your own. Cars in Croatia are manual, while in Greece, they’re automatic.

Finally, for Portugal and Norway, it can be a bit different. For vehicle rental, Norway is about 50:50 on manual vs automatic, while Portugal is mainly manual.

On the other hand, both countries have a broad railway network, a great option if you don’t want to drive. Buses are also an option, but they are slower.

For Norway, you’ll probably look at flying when the cities you plan to visit are too far from one another. The same goes for Portugal, especially getting from mainland Portugal to the Madeira Islands.

Language and currency

In Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia, you can get around with English , especially around touristy areas. Install a translation app as your backup plan.

For France, on the other hand, it can be a bit more challenging . Many French people don’t enjoy speaking English, especially in Paris, but you’ll still find many helpful locals who can communicate in English.

In comparison, almost 90% of Norwegians speak English , so getting around there and talking with the locals should not be a problem.

All the countries mentioned in this 2-week honeymoon in Europe itinerary use Euros except Norway. There, you have to get a local currency, NOK. On the other hand, paying with a bank card in Norway is very common.

Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, and France have the Schengen Area in place, meaning they share the same visa policy.

Passport holders of most countries in the Americas, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Australia, and Eastern Europe can enter and travel to the above destinations for up to 90 days in a 180-calendar day.

For other travellers, you must first apply for a Schengen tourist visa from the embassy of the country you’re visiting or spend most of your time in advance.

2-week Honeymoon in Europe cost

A honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sure, you can do a second honeymoon, but that would be more like an anniversary celebration. So, it’s understandable that many people want to splurge.

But this trip doesn’t have to be costly; you probably don’t want to start the new chapter of your life in debt. On the other hand, if you can afford it, you can definitely have an extravagant honeymoon.

Europe is not the most affordable destination for honeymoon since many people come here just for that. The demand can drive the cost a bit higher. However, if you’re on the budget, with good planning, it’s doable. Here’s an idea:

• Activities such as hiking, camping, cruises, and road-tripping are great affordable but memorable experiences.
• If you’re visiting during peak season, book your accommodations 6 months in advance to find good deals.
• You shouldn’t have a hard time arranging your trip, even at the minute. But to ensure you can reserve a spot in your preferred resort, plan a bit in advance.

These are only estimations; your travel style and expectations could affect the cost, plus the main flight and travel insurance are not calculated here.

Travel arrangement tips

Gon a multi-day cruise is one of the best ways to see so many places in Europe. However, this is something you should book in advance together with accommodation.

Transportation and even tours can be arranged at the last minute. Here are some sites that can help you make some bookings.

MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE

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

2-WEEK HONEYMOON IN EUROPE ITINERARY

The destinations included here are perfect for newlyweds who are wine lovers, nature lovers, history buffs, beach bums, foodies, and art lovers. I also included classic honeymoon places, an itinerary outline, and some tips on when to go for an overall more affordable trip.

There are four travel itineraries here to help you plan. Whether you’re on a budget, looking to splurge or prefer a hiking itinerary, you’ll find something here that suits you.

Itinerary #1: Italy only

The first itinerary option for your 2-week honeymoon in Europe is all about discovering Italy. This country is located in Southern and Western Europe, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

Italy often tops the list of the world’s best honeymoon destinations because of its overall romantic vibe with its stunning beaches, charming vineyards, wonderful architecture, and ethereal sunsets.

A couple of romantic places in Italy are Venice, Lake Como, and Naples, which will be further discussed in the next paragraphs. This is naturally a high-budget itinerary , but you can visit between March and May or August to October if you want a more affordable overall cost of living.

Milan for 3 days (Lake Como)

Milan is a city in Northern Italy. Known as one of the world’s fashion capitals, it has also showcased impressive cityscapes and architectural designs. It is the perfect starting place for your trip because it has everything; from history to romantic getaway – it’s all here.

Some must-visit destinations here are Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, Sforzesco Castle, and La Scala, a premier opera house.

Another great thing about Milan is that you can do tons of day trips from here, including Lake Como, Turin, and Genoa. For football fans, you can check out Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the home stadium for both AC Milan and Inter Milan FCs.

Venice for 3 days 

Whenever I read about Venice, my mind always goes to its world-famous canals and the intricate architecture behind its success. With that being said, t he Venice Grand Canal is one of the romantic destinations you could visit during your trip.

Try out a gondola ride with your special someone here. Other places to visit here include the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, Gallerie Dell’Accademia, and more.

The distance between Milan and Venice is 270 km (168 mi) long, and the most convenient and scenic route to maximize your trip would be to take the train with a travel time of more than 2 hours.

Other options include taking a bus or driving. You can also fly, but it’s more expensive and would take longer to reach your destination, with a travel time of around 5 hours. Take a look at our 2 weeks in Italy itineraries to give you some more ideas.

Bologna for 3 days 

Couples who are foodies would surely enjoy their stay here as Bologna is the food capital of Italy. Aside from that, it’s also well-known for the structure of its ancient churches. The piano that Mozart used can also be found here.

Some attractions in Bologna include Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, Santo Stefano, Leaning Towers, Sanctuary and Portico of the Madonna di San Luca, and more.

The distance between Venice and Bologna is 154.2 km (96 mi), and the most recommended option is to board the train, which also has a travel time of more than an hour. The cheapest option is taking the bus, which might take longer.

Sicily or Naples for 5 days

Sicily is one of the 20 regions of Italy and is the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a perfect place for couples who are on their honeymoon because of its idyllic backdrop involving volcanoes, mountains, charming villages, and authentic winery tours .

The distance between Sicily and Bologna is more than 1,000 km , so it’s best if you to fly, which has a travel time of almost 3 hours.

On the other hand, Naples is the third largest city in Italy. Known as the birthplace of pizza , it is also well-known for its incredible architecture of various establishments such as cathedrals, palaces, squares, and castles.

It is a must-visit for honeymooners who are fond of history and culture as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will uncover a lot of ancient ruins here while enjoying their otherworldly cuisine.

The distance between Bolognia and Naples is 576 km (358 mi), so for this trip, I advise that you take the scenic route of riding the train. It has a travel duration of almost 4 hours.

The cheapest option is riding a bus. Other options include taking the night train, driving, or flying.

It is the perfect place to end your trip because aside from being able to have day trips to Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Salerno, and more, they also have an airport here, so you can opt to take your flight home from Rome.

You can read up on our itineraries for 2 weeks in France and 2 weeks in Spain to give you more travel tips and in-depth ideas.

Itinerary #2: France and Spain

France is a country that is filled with dreamy destinations. Spend time with your significant other in The City of Light, pretend to be royalty at Versailles, visit fairytale-like castles, snow-capped mountains, and storybook country villages , and try out the world-class gourmet dishes.

You’ll also surely fall in love with Spain’s enchanting natural beauty, rich history, and amazing culture, where you can spend your days lounging or sunbathing on Mediterranean beaches, watching entrancing flamenco performances, and trying out their local delicacies, among others.

Please take note, however, that this is a high-budget itinerary , but there are low seasons where the overall cost of living here is lower since there are fewer tourists at these times, and these are from March to May and August to October.

Paris for 4 days

The first city under the second itinerary option for your 14 days honeymoon in Europe is Paris, also known as the city of lights, one of the four big fashion capitals in the world, and the city of love , hence why it is included in this itinerary.

When going to Paris, one must not miss out on going to the Eiffel Tower. The romantic setup of this world-renowned landmark is perfect for couples.

Other must-visit locations are the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. Paris Saint Germain, one of the most famous football clubs’ stadiums, and Parc des Princes can also be found here.

Paris is a perfect starting place because it has so much to offer. Aside from being a city of romance, its gastronomy was granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

For foodies, feel free to explore their wide selection of cheeses as they have 1,600 types of these and a perfect wine to pair with it for adventurers; Europe’s highest mountain can be found here, so see, there’s always something to do in Paris for everyone.

South of France for 4 days (Nice, Marseille, or Toulouse)

The next stop is South of France, with an option between Nice, Marseille, or Toulouse. Marseille is perfect for couples who love the beach and Mediterranean vibes.

People who are fond of seafood and those who want to learn more about history can go here. Toulouse, on the other hand, is perfect for those who are mountain and wine lovers and those who prefer a more laid-back setup.

Nice is perfect for those who are art lovers and are fond of checking out historical architecture and villages such as Old Town.

The distance between Paris to Nice is 932 km (579 miles), w ith a travel time on the road between 7 to 9 hours , so the most recommended option is to fly , which, fortunately, is also the cheapest, with tickets ranging from $59-$274

Other options include riding the train, riding the bus, driving, or riding the night bus.

Barcelona for 3 days

Barcelona is the capital and the largest city in Catalonia, which is an autonomous region. It is famous for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.

In fact, it is considered to be one of the liveliest cities worldwide. In fact, one of its festivals attracts up to 200,000 people, which is the La Merce.

For art enthusiasts and architecture buffs, you can see world-renowned Gaudi’s ethereal architecture here, such as La Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo, Park Guell, and more.

The distance between Nice and Barcelona is 661.9 km (411 mi) , the most recommended option would be to fly, which has a travel duration of more than 4 hours . Other options include riding the bus, train, or driving.

Tenerife (Canary Islands) for 3 days

Tenerife is perfect for those who are nature lovers as it is a famous stargazing spot since it has low pollution levels. Other activities to do here include diving, birdwatching, and hiking.

This is also a haven for wine connoisseurs as it is internationally recognized for its wine . One of the biggest waterparks, Siam Park, and Europe’s largest lava tube could also be found here.

Tenerife is quite far from Barcelona, with a distance of 2,489 km, so flying is the most advisable option here . There’s a direct flight, but it’s limited, so make sure to book in advance.

This is the perfect place to end your 2-week honeymoon in Europe because it does not have the usual hectic environment that the previous locations have, it has fewer crowds, and you’re completely surrounded by sand and sky, where you could witness one of the prettiest sunrise and sunsets.

We have 2 weeks in Croatia itineraries and 2 weeks in Greece itineraries – great resources when it comes to putting together a memorable 2-week honeymoon in Europe plan.

Itinerary #3: Greece or Croatia (or Combo)

Greece brings so much history that you can explore, while hiking in Croatia is just magical. Finally, both places have incredible islands for water activities or simply enjoying the sun and water. These two destinations are amazing for those who love the beach, history, and islands.

Greece is a country in Southeast Europe, located on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It is well-known for its ancient archaeological sites, sand and pebbled beaches, natural beauty, fascinating culture, and great climate.

Croatia is a Mediterranean country located at the crossroads of the Balkans and Central Europe. It is filled with warm and welcoming people, unspoiled historical sites, and natural beauty.

These countries generally have lower costs of living compared to the other itineraries above, so i f you are looking to have the same experience that is more budget-friendly, then these are the countries to visit.

Athens for 4 days

Athen is the capital of Greece and is suitable for honeymooners who are fond of historical sites and architecture as it is filled with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, ruins, and monuments.

Going here will make you feel like you were transported back in time . Not only that, but it also has a lively night scene.

It is the perfect starting point as almost every location here is walkable , and once you get tired of walking, there are diverse modes of transport: air, sea, driving, and rail. Aside from that, they offer tons of day trips to different locations, including Corinth, Delphi, Olympia, and the Saronic Islands.

Crete or Santorini for 4 days 

If I were to choose which is better for honeymooners, I would choose Santorini because it has a more romantic vibe overall . However, I’ll list both of the pros of going to these locations so that you’ll have a clearer grasp of what each location offers.

Santorini is famous for its architectural structure, unmatched sunsets, distinctive wine, and remarkable archaeological sites, while Crete has better beaches (albeit them being more spread out) and more outdoor activities.

The distance between Athens and Santorini is 300 km (186 mi) , and the mode of transportation options is by flying and riding a ferry.

Flying is faster, with a travel time of 50 minutes, while riding a ferry lasts 4-7 hours but is cheaper. If you are going to Crete, I suggest that you also fly as the travel time is almost 3 hours while on the ferry, it can reach up to 9 hours.

Dubrovnik for 3 days

Dubrovnik is a city located in southern Dalmatia, Croatia, by the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean area and is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Some of the locations here are also sets from Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and more . A couple of tourist attractions here are the Old City walls, Lokrum Island, Stradun, Fort Lovrijenac, and more.

If you’re coming from Crete and then going to Dubrovnik , I highly suggest that you fly because other travel options take almost 2 days while travelling through flying will take almost 6 hours to reach your destination.

If you’re coming from Santorini, I also urge you to travel by flying , as riding the car ferry and then driving takes almost 19 hours while flying only takes almost 4 hours. Surprisingly, flying is also the cheaper option.

Split or Pula for 3 days

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and is where both modern and ancient coexist seamlessly. It is famous for a UNESCO World Heritage site, Diocletian Palace, and for its crystal clear beaches.

You can even plan a day trip to Hvar Island. On the other hand, Pula has a vibrant nightlife and tons of Roman Ruins, so this is perfect for history-lover couples.

The distance between Dubrovnik and Split is 232 km (144 mi) , so riding a bus is the most recommended option for this trip. It has a travel time of almost 4 hours, and tickets cost anywhere between $14 and $28.

Driving is the fastest option, and another option aside from this is taking a ferry. Pula and Dubrovnik are farther from each other, with a distance of 718 km, so you can opt to fly, but it is expensive, with ticket prices ranging from $142 to $321.

Other options include riding the ferry and then taking a bus via Zadar, which has a travel time of 13 hours and driving.

Pula is the perfect place to end your trip as it is less crowded and has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins, including the majestic Arena, which holds various events multiple times a year.

Aside from that, you can also take a day trip to Istria and even watch a movie under the stars during the Pula Film Festival. Brioni National Park, Castello Fortress, Underground Tunnels, and other must-visit locations here.

Itinerary #4: Norway and Portugal (Madeira Islands)

Norway, also known as the land of the midnight sun and northern lights, offers an incredible mix of cultural and natural wonders.

From snowcapped mountains to fjords to museums and cosmopolitan cities, this country caters to adventurers, laid-back honeymooners, and even those who love the hustle and bustle of city life.

Portugal is also a remarkably diverse destination, filled with picturesque coves, enchanting towns, stone-made villages, museums, castles, historic palaces, and 800 km of the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

We will focus, however, on the subtropical island of Madeira, also known as The Garden Isle. All these locations are suitable for couples who love hiking.

This itinerary is ideal for those looking to experience very different activities while discovering two places. While Norway is an expensive destination, Portugal is a bit more affordable, which will balance the cost.

Check out our 2 weeks in Portugal and 2 weeks in Norway itineraries to get more ideas on what to do in each destination.

Oslo for 4 days

Oslo is Norway’s capital and its most populous city. It is also the country’s most ethnically diverse city and is famous for its rich culture, delectable cuisine, and various outdoor activities.

Some must-visit locations here include Fram Museum, Akershus Fortress, The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, MUNCH, and more.

This city is the perfect place to start your trip as it has an international airport and consists of a perfect balance of nature, history, and modernized establishments. It is nestled between forested hills and has numerous beaches, hiking trails, and promenades.

Bergen for 4 days 

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and is also called the city of seven mountains. It also features amazing Norwegian fjords and was voted the world’s most unspoiled tourist destination by The National Geographic.

Its tourist attractions include Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, Mount Floyen, Grieg Museum, and more. It is well-known for hosting international events as well, such as Nattjazz Festival, Bergenfest, and Bergen International Festival.

The distance between Oslo and Bergen is 463.5 km (288 mi) , so I highly recommend that you take a combination of riding the train and flying as the travel time lasts for 3 hours, while if you solely ride the train, it will take 7 hours to reach your destination. Other options include riding the bus and driving.

Madeira Islands for 6 days

Madeira is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal. It is an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Europe’s tallest sea cliff can be found here, and this is also Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-famous footballer’s hometown.

Some of the tourist attractions here are Sao Vicente Caves, Porto Moniz Natural Pools, Levada Walks, Madeira Botanical Garden, and, of course, a museum dedicated to Ronaldo. Plus, there are over 20 well-marked hiking trails for you to explore.

It would be faster coming from Oslo for those who are planning to go to Madeira Island. The fastest flight is 5 hours and 20 minutes, and the cheapest round-trip flight costs $210.

This is the perfect place to end your trip as you could relax to your heart’s content on this island, what with its natural pools, stunning beaches and flower gardens, vibrant culture, and sumptuous food.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE DURING A HONEYMOON EUROPE (per city)

Bologna, italy, milan, italy, naples, italy, venice, italy, sicily, italy, paris, france, nice, france, madrid, spain, barcelona, spain, tenerife, spain, athens, greece, santorini, greece, dubrovnik, croatia, split and hvar, croatia, pula, croatia, oslo, norway, bergen, norway, madeira islands, portugal, local european dishes and drinks to try.

Part of new life as a married couple is discovering new cuisines together and finding out which of your significant other likes the most. Here’s a quick list of must-eat dishes, desserts, and drinks from Europe:

• Ćevapi (Croatia)
• Peka (Croatia)
• Coq au Vin (France)
• Bouillabaisse (France)
• Moussaka (Greece)
• Souvlaki (Greece)
• Risotto (Italy)
• Pizza Napoletana (Italy)
• Fårikål (Norway)
• Lutefisk (Norway)
• Bacalhau a Bras (Portugal)
• Polvo à Lagareiro (Portugal)
• Paella (Spain)
• Gazpacho (Spain)
• Krempita (Croatia)
• Rožata (Croatia)
• Crème Brûlée (France)
• Macarons (France)
• Baklava (Greece)
• Galaktoboureko (Greece)
• Tiramisu (Italy)
• Gelato (Italy)
• Krumkake (Norway)
• Risengrynsgrøt/Rice Pudding (Norway)
• Pastel de Nata (Portugal)
• Bolo de Bolacha (Portugal)
• Churros con Chocolate (Spain)
• Tarta de Santiago (Spain)
• Rakija (Croatia)
• Champagne (France)
• Ouzo (Greece)
• Prosecco (Italy)
• Aquavit (Norway)
• Port Wine (Portugal)
• Sangria (Spain)

BEST PLACES TO STAY DURING A HONEYMOON IN EUROPE

• Affordable:

SUMMARY OF 2-WEEK HONEYMOON IN EUROPE

Spending your honeymoon in Europe will definitely make your honeymoon one of the most, if not the most, memorable moments in your life as aside from stunning landscapes, architecture, and fascinating history, you can also visit multiple countries within two weeks because of their short distances from each other.

Travelling through countries could be done by train as well as most of the countries share land borders so you’ll get to hear numerous languages, experience diverse cultures, taste a wide variety of cuisines, all these novelties you’ll get to experience if you decide to spend your honeymoon in Europe.

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The Complete 2-Week Europe Packing List

Last Updated on November 15, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Putting together a 2-week Europe packing list can prove incredibly difficult regardless if it’s your first trip to the continent or if you are a seasoned traveller.

Especially if you’re trying to travel light and minimalistically, prioritising things for your trip to Europe can be a bit tricky. We have travelled extensively all over Europe and have refined this ultimate packing list in order to ensure that you have everything you need, but also not too much!

So if you’re after the perfect packing list for Europe, then look no further. We’re here to make sure that you’re perfectly well-equipped for your trip without bringing one item too many in your limited space!

Table of Contents

Europe Packing Tips

Before I jump right into what you actually need to pack for Europe, we do need to discuss a few things in order to ensure that you are completely prepared to leave on your trip to Europe.

One of the most important things to be aware of is the season where you’re travelling, along with the region. Europe is vast with an array of varied climates and what you need to bring to be prepared largely depends on where and when you are visiting.

What you eventually end up taking with you really inevitably comes down to if you’re visiting Europe in winter or summer, northern or southern Europe.

Another thing to keep in mind when you’re planning out a packing list for visiting Europe is just how much you plan to bring with you.

It can be really hard to know what you’ll need or use on your trip, especially if you haven’t travelled much in Europe before. However, it is always a great idea to try to limit the amount of stuff you cart around with you.

Packing light can be a lot more pleasant in almost every aspect of travelling, from not having to worry about the weight limits on airlines or hauling your bags up stairs, through train stations and luggage racks.

Packing light also has the added benefit of making your things a lot easier to pack up and move when you move destination. It is unlikely that you will plan to stay in just one location on your trip and you don’t want to have to unpack and repack a bunch of different things every few days – not only is this simply a pain, it can also be very stressful.

The packing list below is quite minimalist, however, in times of travelling for similar-length trips to Europe, I’ve found that it is beyond sufficient.

When it comes to selecting items of clothing, especially, try to stray away from anything that you cannot mix and match and, often, opting for darker colours can be a great option.

Thinking more in the mindset of bringing a small capsule wardrobe rather than individual outfits to wear will help you be able to pack light while also mixing and matching to create a new look every day.

The other tip when it comes to packing light is to find accommodation that offers laundry facilities. Planning to do a wash while on the road will allow you not to have to bring so many things considering the fact that you can do a load of laundry mid-way through your trip.

Many hotels and hostels offer laundry services or, alternatively, you could find an Airbnb that has a washing machine you could use yourself. Laundromats are also always an option, though I can’t imagine it’s the preferable option considering the limited amount of time you have when it comes to exploring Europe.

Finally, when it comes to bringing items such as a hairdryer, curling iron or straightener, I would recommend refraining from this.

The vast majority of accommodations will have at least a hairdryer on-site and, especially if you’re travelling to Europe from North America, the voltage in the plugs is completely different and you risk completely ruining your devices should you use them, even if you are using an adaptor.

All in all, there are a number of things that one needs to take into consideration when figuring out what to pack for Europe. Follow the guidelines below and you should be perfectly well-equipped for your trip!

Ultimate Packing List for Europe

This ultimate Europe packing list is perfect for those looking to pack light and be a bit more minimalist in their adventure. While this certainly isn’t a complete bare-bones packing list for those who want to, say, travel carry-on only, it is good for those looking to not bring everything but the kitchen sink.

This is intended that you pack in a larger main piece of luggage (whether that be a travel backpack , wheeled backpack or traditional suitcase) along with a smaller piece of carry-on luggage such one from Level8 .

If you want to keep your items all organised then we also suggest using some packing cubes like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes

This checklist is also appropriate for all sexes and genders, just pick and choose some things as they don’t apply to you.

Figuring out what kind of clothing to bring is arguably the most important and most difficult thing about packing for Europe.

As mentioned earlier, it’s always a great idea to opt for neutral colours and items that you can mix and match to ensure that you can have some variety in your outfits without having to bring too many things and take up necessary valuable space in your luggage.

• Depending on the season or region of Europe you’re visiting, either bring a mixture of long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops, just long-sleeve or just short-sleeve tops to wear in Europe.
• I always recommend bringing one or two nicer tops or button-down shirts along with more casual t-shirts or tops. We like Bluffworks t-shirts as they’re both practical and also look good!
• Bringing one pair of jeans and one pair of another type of trouser is a great idea or one pair of lighter jeans and one pair of darker jeans. Having at least one pair of pants that can be dressed up is always a good idea
• You can browse some of our the best options in our best pants for travel in Europe guide.
• I, personally, love Bluffworks’ dresses , which have concealed pockets, a classic and flattering cut and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the situation. Oh, it also is wrinkle-resistant and fully machine washable.
• If you’re visiting Southern Europe or simply travelling in the summer months, then having one or two pairs of shorts can be a great idea, especially when you need to keep cool or are heading to the beach.
• If your trip is during winter, having a tank top or light base layer will keep you warm without having to result in a bulky coat or jacket.
• Depending on the season or region, a cosy wool sweater or a light cardigan is a great idea when packing for 2 weeks in Europe. It can also be a good idea if you bring one that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion (are you seeing a trend here?).
• Of course, you likely don’t need to include a jacket at all if you’re travelling to, say southern Spain or Malta in July, however, depending on the season, a warm, lightweight jacket is always a good idea for your trip.
• We recommend a packable down jacket ( click here for men’s version ), however, we have written a detailed guide for the best jacket for Europe depending on your needs.
• No matter the region or season, a rain jacket is always a good idea, as you can get caught out in a storm regardless of where and when you are travelling.
• We love the North Face Resolve ( click here for men’s version) as it has consistently kept us warm and dry in the rainiest of conditions.
• How much underwear you bring really depends on at what point in your trip you want to do laundry. If you want to avoid washing at all, then go ahead and bring 14 or 15 pairs of underwear. They do take up valuable space, however.
• Like underwear, how many socks (and the kinds of socks) you bring really depends on your shoe preference and just how often you want to do laundry.
• Bringing a swimming suit is a great idea even if you’re not going to a seaside destination. You never know when you may go to a bathhouse, sauna or pool on your Europe trip no matter the season.
• If you happen to be travelling to a beachy destination like Italy or Spain , consider bringing 2 pairs so you have time to dry each suit between wearings.
• I, personally, like to bring one regular bra and one sports bra, but this really depends on your needs and preferences.
• If you’re not a pajamas person, then don’t bother. I am, so I bring them. One pair for 2 weeks is sufficient.

Shoes take up A LOT of space in your luggage so limiting the footwear you bring on your Europe trip can be the ticket for maximising the space in your bags.

We have a complete guide on the best shoes for Europe to help you pick the right footwear for you. This is just what we recommend bringing when you’re compiling a packing list for 2 weeks.

• A good pair of sturdy, stylish walking sneakers is essential. Pick comfortable walking shoes that you can walk in for hours and kilometres and not have sore feet.
• I, personally, love the Ecco Soft 7 trainers and wear them all the time. For a men’s version consider the Ecco Soft 7 Runner.
• Choose your second pair of shoes depending on your style and the season you’re travelling in.
• If you’re an active traveller, are visiting a largely outdoor destination, or simply plan to do a bit of walking and hiking, then a good pair of hiking boots such as the Merrell Siren Edge for women ( available on REI here ) or Merrell Moab 2 for men ( available on REI here ) is essential.
• Small, compact, and helpful for everywhere from the beach to a hostel shower to a public pool, a pair of flip flops should always make it into your luggage!

Accessories

Whether fashion accessories or handy electronic gadgets, some of these are absolutely essential items to bring with you on your trip to Europe!

• The most important accessory of them all!
• Perfect for add a splash of style to any outfit, sipping over your head or shoulders if you’re visiting a church, using as a makeshift blanket, and also for its traditional use, a scarf is absolutely necessary to bring with you no matter the season.
• A warm hat to keep you toasty in the winter in Europe is always welcome, as is a sun hat to protect you from the harsh rays during summer in Europe.
• An essential item on any winter packing list!
• A solid anti-theft handbag like the PacSafe Cityscape or day pack is perfect for keeping your valuables safe and secure while you’re out and about sightseeing and exploring.
• Buying water and using plastic water bottles is a thing of the past. There are an infinite number of great water bottles for travelling to choose from like a Hydro Flask and you’ll never need to buy a single-use plastic bottle again.
• If you’re more serious about your photography than simply relying on your phone, then bringing a good camera is a great idea.
• We love the Sony A6400 for its high-quality images at a decent starting budget and there being several great travel lenses to use with it. Make sure to bring extra memory cards!
• You always need to have something good to read, but don’t want to pack a bunch of heavy books to bring with you – a Paperwhite Kindle solves all of these problems and it is an absolutely essential item if you love to read.
• Buy a prepaid SIM card like the Orange 20GB SIM either as physical SIM or eSIM to ensure you can stay connected in Europe.
• Finding a universal plug adaptor with a number of different USB drives is a fantastic option and is an absolutely essential item when travelling to Europe from elsewhere in the world!
• Finally, a power bank will give you peace of mind should your phone die while you are out and about or if you forget to give something a much-needed charge when you need to use it.
• Making sure you have an adequate number of charging cords for all of your devices will ensure that you can make sure everything can get the best battery life possible.
• World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.
• SafetyWing offers travel medical insurance policies that can are an option for long term budget travellers.
• Save your money and landfill space and forgo the travel-sized toiletries for refillable bottles of your shampoo and conditioner. We love GoToobs .
• You might want to bring earplugs if you’re staying at a hostel or budget accommodation where street noise can be an issue or for your flight.
• To avoid unnecessary spills in your toiletry bag, we recommend using a bar soap rather than a shower gel, but this is really up to you
• Keep your dry skin nice and hydrated!
• Bring as little makeup as you need. Personally, I limit myself to one lipstick, one eyeliner, mascara, a small eye shadow palette, foundation and a few brushes. I also make sure I have facial cleansing wipes for makeup removal and just to wash my face at the end of the day.
• If you’re a lens wearer, you need to pack this!
• Blisters and cuts happen, best to be prepared rather than have to hunt for a pharmacy to find these things while travelling.
• While you can get ibuprofen and the other over-the-counter pretty much everywhere, it’s always nice to have it on hand should a headache threaten to put a damper in your Europe trip. Ditto with other OTC medications you take regularly.

Piecing together the Europe packing list for 2 weeks doesn’t have to be all that difficult if you take into consideration all of the things outlined above. Think minimally and pack light and you’re sure to have a fantastic time on your adventure — wherever it may be that you’re going!

Are you trying to figure out what to pack for two weeks in Europe? Was this packing list helpful for your trip? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

This is a great comprehensive list. It helps to prioritize what is really essential and can serve as a thorough starting point even if you want to tweak it some to meet your needs. I would add socks, belt and 1 or two costume jewelry pieces to the list.

Great list. I reviewed it against my list and they were pretty close. I have been reading your other articles and they have been most helpful. Many thanks!

This is very helpful. Thanks. I always seems to pack too much. Helen

Can most of this fit in a carry on and a personal bag?

This can be really dependent on the kind of bag, how you pack and the airline’s requirements! Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful 🙂

Thanks this was very helpful for a first time traveler 😉

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Kinda Frugal

20 Common Everyday Things in Europe Considered Luxuries in the US

Posted: March 3, 2024 | Last updated: March 21, 2024

When traveling abroad, sometimes the most surprising culture shocks come from the smallest differences—spending two hours in a cafe, taking a three-week vacation, or crossing the border for a supermarket run. No American would ever think of doing these things at home, but some Europeans would not think twice about them.

While these activities might seem commonplace for many people in Europe, they are also luxuries that some Americans can only dream of. Here is a list of some other things Americans find indulgent but most Europeans think are wholly unremarkable.

1. Freshly-Baked Bread

Many Europeans still purchase a fresh, warm loaf of bread from their local bakery every day . Unlike the pre-sliced bread found in American grocery stores, European bakeries offer a variety of affordable baked goods. These delicacies range from baguettes and ciabattas to croissants and other pastries.

2. Public Restroom Stalls

Europeans who travel to the United States share one common complaint on social media: the doors on restroom stalls. In Europe, public toilets are either individual rooms or fully enclosed stalls. There is no need to worry about massive gaps; just enjoy the luxury of complete privacy.

3. Paid Vacation Days

Workers across the European Union are legally entitled to a minimum of four weeks of paid vacation. In comparison, paid vacation time in the US varies significantly. Without federal requirements, vacation days largely depend on the employer and state laws.

The Louvre, the Prado Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Uffizi Gallery—Europe is home to some of the best museums in the world. Although many require you to purchase tickets in advance, lucky locals can usually go for free during special events or designated entry times.

5. Cheeses and Charcuterie

Ever wonder why Parmigiano Reggiano can only officially come from Italy? The European Union has regulations to protect regional products and traditions, including Italian Parmesan, French Roquefort, and Spanish Serrano Ham. Charcuterie boards in America can rarely compete with the most basic cheeses and cured meats found in European supermarkets.

6. Good Public Transport

In many parts of Europe, owning a car is entirely optional. Efficient, reliable, and affordable public transportation is available in major cities. Moreover, it is relatively easy to travel on public transport to other urban centers, smaller towns, and remote rural areas.

7. Drinking Culture

Eighteen is the legal drinking age across most of Europe, where even McDonald’s sells alcohol. Though the continent is home to some heavy drinkers, these countries have different drinking habits. Places like Spain and Italy prefer to consume small amounts daily. Others, like Ireland and Germany, tend to engage in heavier drinking but on a less frequent basis.

8. Free Higher Education

Many public European universities offer free or heavily subsidized higher education, from Bachelor’s degrees to doctorates. In some cases, students even receive payment to fund their studies. While international students are still required to pay tuition, European institutions are usually cheaper than their American counterparts.

Americans might be surprised to discover another feature of European bathrooms: bidets. More common in Southern Europe, bidets are an essential component in personal hygiene routines . They come in two forms: a classic bidet toilet or a handheld hose attachment.

10. Historical Buildings and Sites

Europe’s cities are ripe with centuries of history, evident even in their foundations. For example, the construction of Rome’s metro lines was delayed for years because excavators kept unearthing major archaeological sites in their path. Ancient coliseums, medieval castles, and Renaissance palaces provide surreal backdrops for everyday, ordinary life.

11. Food Quality

Americans were once obsessed with Mexican Coke because it contains cane sugar, not corn syrup. According to surveys in Europe, soft drinks are made with lower quantities of real sugar than their American versions. This difference is due to strict consumer protection laws, which ensure higher quality, healthier food for all European residents.

12. Affordable Healthcare

Affordable, universal healthcare is a fundamental right in most European countries. Although private health insurance exists, all citizens can access some form of subsidized care. Americans in Europe are often pleasantly surprised to discover their medical appointment is either free or moderately cheap.

13. Excellent Wine

Wine is an integral part of European cuisine, used for both cooking and drinking. A diverse selection of low-cost, excellent-quality wines are available in countries where wine is made. Forget about paying five dollars for a mediocre wine—imagine award-winning quality at less than three dollars per bottle.

14. Café Culture

Europeans cherish their café culture, where people gather to socialize, enjoy a hot drink, and indulge in delicious pastries. Americans abroad, take heed. Do not even bother asking for coffee in a to-go cup unless you’re at Starbucks.

15. Walkable Cities

European cities were designed with pedestrians and horse carriages in mind long before the advent of cars or highways. Moreover, current city planners focus on making these urban centers more eco-friendly. In practical terms, this means more sidewalks, plazas, and bikes—and much fewer cars.

16. Parental Leave

The European Union legislation establishes a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, with two weeks of compulsory leave before and after confinement and two weeks of paternity leave. Most countries surpass this bare minimum, with Germany guaranteeing up to three years of parental leave with an allowance.

17. Cheap International Travel

Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area makes Europe an ideal destination for backpackers. For European residents, the continent’s compact size and low-cost travel options make it incredibly easy to explore the many different countries and local cultures.

18. Lengthy, Leisurely Meals

Meals in Europe occur leisurely, with multiple courses and plenty of conversation. If invited for lunch in a Mediterranean country, expect to spend at least two hours at a restaurant.

19. Third Spaces

American ex-pats in Europe rate one aspect highly: the abundance of ‘third spaces.’ These are places other than the home or the workplace where people can socialize. In Europe, much of daily life happens in these third spaces, including restaurants, bars, museums, theaters, public parks, and more.

20. Drinking in Public

Americans abroad are often surprised to discover that open-container laws are not universal. Drinking in public spaces like parks, streets, and beaches, where people can enjoy beer or wine at picnics, is legal throughout most of Europe. Of course, rowdy behavior that causes disturbances has repercussions, such as a fine. Cheers to that!

16 Affordable Retirement Destinations Abroad

Retirement can be exciting for people who have worked hard and are ready to enjoy the good life. Many retirees want to make the most of their money and enjoy the rest of their life the best they can. For some, retiring abroad sounds like a fun adventure. Luckily, in some foreign locations, retirees can keep some of their hard-earned money in their bank accounts. Below are some of the best places for new retirees to settle down and enjoy their lives.

18 Life Lessons Many Wish They’d Learned Earlier in Life

As Gen X journey through the ever-changing landscapes of work, relationships, and personal growth, they’ve gained insights they wish to impart to their younger selves. These life lessons are not only reflective of their generation but also universally relevant. Let’s delve into 18 profound lessons that Gen Xers hope to share with the next generation.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Two of the world’s top 10 beaches are in Europe – but they’re not in Spain or Greece

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Two of Europe’s beaches have been crowned among the 10 best in the world, but their destinations might be rather surprising.

British tourists usually flock to Spain and Portugal for their beaches, and for good reason.

Combined, the two countries have more than 1000 Blue Flag beaches, with the Algarve in southern Portugal home to one of the densest concentrations of Blue Flag shores in Europe. 

While beaches in Portugal, Spain, Greece , Montenegro, and even England made it into the top 100, it was two unexpected contenders that ranked within the top 10.

The beaches were ranked by a team of travel experts, influencers, bloggers and journalists, after being shortlisted by Beachatlas’ AI-powered algorithm. 

All the beaches on the list were chosen not just for their beauty – although that was very much a draw – but also their nightlife, lifestyle offerings, value to their local community, diversity and inclusion, cultural significance and natural diversity. 

Europe’s best beaches

Based on the criteria, two of Europe’s beaches made the cut — one in France and one in Iceland.

Both the beaches made into the top 10, which is impressive considering they beat beaches in Thailand, Australia and California’s iconic Venice Beach. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Europe’s two best beaches…

Reynisfjara, Iceland

Reynisfjara beach , in Iceland, claimed the sixth spot on the list, thanks to its ‘surreal’ which has captured the hearts of the culture, having been featured in Game of Thrones and Vikings.

‘Reynisfjara, with its iconic black sand, is a testament to Iceland’s volcanic heart,’ reads the listing. 

‘Formed by the clash of lava from the Katla volcano and the cold North Atlantic, its shores tell a story of natural forces.’

The world famous beach, on the South Coast of Iceland, is also one of the most dangerous due to its infamous sneaker waves.

The beach, which is about a 2.5 hour drive from Reykjavik, is also the subject of folklore: The beach’s basalt columns, so the story goes, were once trolls trying to lure ships in the night, but the trolls went out too late and were turned to solid stone by the morning sun. 

• Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

Coming in at number 10 was Normandy’s famous Omaha Beach, a historic WWII landing site during the D-Day invasion by Allied forces.

Omaha beach was chosen for its rich history and peaceful shore.

‘Now peaceful, the beach still holds remnants of German bunkers, marking its storied past,” Beachatlas writes.

‘A striking stainless-steel sculpture, Les Braves, stands on the shore as a tribute to American soldiers, offering a deep dive into the events that unfolded on this significant stretch of coastline.’

The top 10 best beaches in the World:

• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
• Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, USA
• Copacabana, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
• Maya Bay, Thailand
• Reynisfjara black sand beach, Iceland
• Glass beach, California, USA
• JBR Beach, Dubai, UAE
• Skeleton Coast, Namibia

This comes after a European beach beat out the Maldives to be crowned the beach with the world’s bluest sea.

Europe dominates the list of beaches with the world’s bluest water, and one hidden gem in  Albania  has claimed the top spot.

Pasqyra Beach, around 13 minutes’ drive from the resort of Sarandë in the southwest, beat out the likes of Bondi Beach, Bora Bora and  even the Maldives  in securing the title.

It’s nicknamed ‘Mirror Beach’, thanks to its clear, turquoise water that visitors say has a ‘magical’ quality.

And the best part? You can get there for just £39 return.

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Meanwhile, nearby  Greece  occupied both second and third place, featuring seven times in the top 30, the most of any country.

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MORE : I spend £8,500 a year to live on a train

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