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Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide

Caroline Costello

Caroline Costello's travel accomplishments include surviving a 2 a.m. whitewater rafting excursion in the Canadian wilderness, successfully biking from Dusseldorf to Cologne without a map, and gaining access to a covert pizza speakeasy in New Orleans.

Caroline is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Her work has appeared on USA Today , the Boston Globe , AOL.com, MSNBC.com, ABC News, TODAY Travel, and CruiseCritic.com, among other publications.

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Before you can experience authentic Spanish tapas, piazzas in Rome, or rooftop terraces in Prague, an important to-do list stands between you and your European vacation. The logistics involved in planning a trip to Europe may seem tedious or overwhelming, but the more prepared you are, the greater your chances of a successful trip that lives up to your expectations. That’s why it’s important to do a bang-up job creating an itinerary, arranging transportation, and tackling the brass tacks before you’re off to the Continent.

The following guide explains how to plan a trip to Europe in 10 simple steps—so you can spend less time worrying about your travel arrangements and more time staring at pictures of castles and men in kilts.

Four friends sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower

1. Get your documents in order.

If you don’t have a passport, it will take at least four to six weeks from the time of application for you to receive one. Expedited services—either through the State Department or an expeditor such as Travel Visa Pro —can trim the process down to a week or so, but it will cost you an additional fee, so it’s best to take care of this well before your trip.

Already have a passport? Check its expiration date. The last thing you need is to find out your passport has expired while you’re in line at airport check-in. Keep in mind that some countries require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your trip dates.

All car rental companies require drivers to have valid licenses in their home country, so you’ll also want to check the expiration date of your license. Some car rental companies also require an international driving permit for European rentals in addition to a valid driver’s license. For U.S. citizens, these can be obtained through the American Auto Association (AAA); in Canada, try the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

Depending on length of stay, some destinations require valid visas in addition to passports; obtaining one is a complicated process that can take weeks even after you have been approved—so start early.

2. Establish a budget.

When planning a trip to Europe, establish a budget as early as possible—even before you know your destination, travel dates, or itinerary. Some destinations are generally cheaper than others, but there are ways to save everywhere: travel in the off-season, pick budget accommodations, plan a shorter trip. For example, London is an expensive city, but many travel providers and airlines offer affordable vacation packages to the city, and it’s not hard to find cheap air deals to London, especially during the winter.

Set your budget early on, and you’ll avoid any disappointment that could come from forging a fabulous itinerary, like two weeks in Switzerland during summer, and then discovering you can’t afford it. Travel budget apps such as TrabeePocket ( iOS | Android ) can help you keep track of your expenses once you start making bookings.

The Most Expensive Cities in the World

3. Pick a destination.

Now that you know how much you can spend, where do you want to go? If you’re like many travelers and you have a humongous list of places in Europe you want to visit, this could be tricky.

One strategy is to pick a particular site that’s on your must-see travel list, and plan your vacation around that. Last year I planned a trip to Ireland centered on an excursion to remote Skellig Michael Island , a UNESCO World Heritage site I’d dreamed of visiting. The excursion turned into an unforgettable two-week Emerald Isle road trip.

Another option is to pick someplace timely. Visit countries’ tourism websites and search for seasonal events like festivals or local holidays (which you may want to either avoid or join, depending on how you feel about crowds). Don’t forget to check the weather before you decide on your destination.

4. Create a rough itinerary.

So you want to go to France, eh? Don’t go ahead and buy a roundtrip flight to Paris and a hotel room—at least, not yet. Planning a European vacation takes a lot of prep work. You’ll want to sketch out a day-by-day itinerary of your perfect trip to France before you book a thing. Research sites and cities you really want to explore, and then figure out which ones you have the time and budget to get to.

Check out alternative ways to travel in Europe. If you want to see multiple countries or cities but are on a tight budget, you may want to consider a cruise (exchange rates are naught for U.S. citizens onboard American ships). If you’d rather not do the work of creating your own itinerary, continue booking a group tour with a company such as Intrepid Travel , G Adventures , Trafalgar , or Rick Steves’ Europe .

Woman standing on wall overlooking the ocean in Santorini, Greece

5. Book your airfare.

Because airfare will probably be the most expensive part of your trip, you’ll want to book it before anything else (car rental, hotel, etc.). This will allow you to be more flexible with your dates, which is a great way to save money on your flight. You can often spend less by flying on international discount airlines like Aer Lingus or Norwegian . Check multiple booking sites , including meta-search sites such as Skyscanner and traditional booking sites such as Expedia , to make sure you’re seeing a wide range of options. You can also set up fare alerts using Airfarewatchdog , SmarterTravel’s sister site, so you’ll be notified when the price of your flight drops.

Consider spicing up your trip with a layover in a different country. Icelandair has a long-running program that allows passengers flying elsewhere in Europe to take a free stopover in Reykjavik for up to seven nights.

Where to Find Premium Airfare Deals on First Class and Business Class

6. Book your accommodations.

It’s time to go back to that rough itinerary you jotted down and fill in some places to sleep. As is the case with pretty much everything you book for your trip, the earlier you make arrangements, the better—especially during summer high season.

Sure, you can just book a room at the local Hilton and be done with it. But do a bit of research and you could discover some funky lodging that’s almost as exciting as the attractions you plan to visit. Keep your eyes open for historic castles, tiny bed and breakfasts, houseboats, eco-friendly hotels, or organic farms. Budget travelers take note: Vacation rentals , homestays, farm stays, and house-swapping are accommodation options that can be shockingly affordable … or even free.

As with airfare, you should shop around on multiple hotel sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal, and read reviews from past guests to see what the experience is like. TripAdvisor , Booking.com , and Hotels.com are a few good places to start.

7. Consider travel insurance.

There are several kinds of travel insurance: trip cancellation insurance, flight cancellation insurance, medical insurance, etc. The best time to buy insurance is right after you put down the major deposits on your trip, whether that entails airfare, a package, or prepaid hotels. Once you know how much money you’ve paid upfront, you can ensure your trip if you so choose. Many airlines and travel providers sell insurance that you can purchase along with your flight or tour package. Always, always read the fine print in your policy and compare it with other travel insurance policies before you make a purchase.

Check your medical insurance coverage to see if you’re covered overseas. If not, you may want to purchase supplemental medical insurance to cover situations like the cost of transportation back home for emergency care.

Reputable travel insurance companies to consider include Allianz Travel and Seven Corners .

Travel Insurance Coverage: 18 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover

8. Book local transportation and day tours.

When in Rome, ride the Metropolitana. Find out how the locals get around the destination to which you’re traveling and act accordingly. You won’t need a car rental in places like bike-friendly Amsterdam or London with its convenient underground Tube, unless you plan to go outside the city.

A car rental is your best bet if you’re traveling to locales that can’t be easily reached by rail or plane (such as the Irish countryside). Be mentally prepared to drive in a foreign country, which can be a frightening experience when faced with incomprehensible traffic signs, narrow streets, or sheep roadblocks.

To get from city to city or country to country, examine your rail options in comparison to routes and prices offered by European discount airlines like easyJet or Ryanair . Travelers embarking on extensive travel within Europe may save money by purchasing a rail pass from Rail Europe that permits unlimited train travel within a specified region.

Check out Viator to book day tours, especially if you want to take advantage of skip-the-line options.

Couple sitting next to canal in Copenhagen, Denmark

9. Tackle last-minute logistics.

A few weeks before your departure date is the right time to start taking care of a number of key logistics: money, phone, house-sitter, pet-sitter.

Call your credit card companies to let them know you’ll be traveling abroad. While you’re at it, find out if you’re going to be charged a fee for using your card overseas. Research the locations of ATMs in your destination, especially if you’ll be relying on cash.

Does your cell phone plan allow you to make calls overseas, and if so, how much will it cost you? Many cell phone companies offer temporary international plans that you can purchase for the month you’re traveling. You might also want to consider a mobile hotspot device to keep you connected.

5 Ways to Use Your Phone GPS Without Data

Packing for Europe requires both different items and a different mindset in comparison to some other types of trips. After all, there’s no arguing that Parisians are more stylish than your typical North American tourist. Most of central and western Europe have milder climates throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter rain or a heatwave. You should pack clothing that’s easy to layer , and always include a packable raincoat or travel umbrella in your suitcase when traveling to Europe. Think about how you’ll be carrying your money —pickpocketing schemes are more common abroad, so it’s important to carry your money and personal belongings securely. When researching your European destination of choice, consider the overall climate and time of year you’ll be traveling. Then, about a week before your trip check out the forecast, mobilize a packing list , and ensure your suitcase is in working condition and meets your airline’s size restrictions.

Pro packing tip: If you’re tight on packing space, invest in a packing cube set . They do wonders, especially if you’re stopping in multiple destinations as they make repacking a breeze.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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2 Week Europe Itinerary - Barcelona Parc Guell Sunrise

2 Weeks in Europe – The Perfect Europe Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents:

2 Week Europe Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Days 1 – 3: London

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

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

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

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

House2Bof2BParliament2Bexterior_by_Laurence2BNorah255B3255D

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in London

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to Paris from London

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

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

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

Days 4 – 6: Paris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Paris

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

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

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

How to get from Paris to Barcelona

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

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

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

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

Days 7- 9: Barcelona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Barcelona

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

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

How to Get from Barcelona to Venice

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

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

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

Check times and book your flights here .

Days 10 – 11: Venice

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

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

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

Anyway, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Venice

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

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

How to Get from Venice to Rome

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

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

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

Days 12 – 14: Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exit Stairway Vatican Museums Rome_by_Laurence Norah (3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Rome

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

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

2 days in Rome - Sunrise castell d angelo rome

2 Week Europe Itinerary Map

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

2 Week Europe Itinerary Summary:

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

How to Get Around Europe

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

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

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

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

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

When to Visit Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practical Advice for Travelling in Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drinking Water

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

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

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

Walking Tours in Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saving Money in Europe

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

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

Use City Passes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book accommodation and transportation in advance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Invest in a Guidebook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use Public Transport Effectively

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find restaurant deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are 30 comments on this post

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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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Here's How to Plan Your Very First Trip to Europe, According to a Professional Traveler

Heading to Europe for the very first time? We've got some advice for you.

Whether you study abroad , backpack solo, or go with a group for your first trip to Europe, it's an experience that will change your life — and alter your perspective in all the best ways — forever. Even if you visited the continent with your parents as a kid, your first "solo" adventure to Europe as a young adult promises to reward you with rich memories. From digging into freshly baked pizza in Italy to picnicking beneath the Eiffel Tower with a still-warm baguette, it's a trip filled with experiences you'll talk about for the rest of your life.

Though I had visited Italy with my parents as a kid, my own first adventure to Europe as a young adult was in 2015. I was 21, newly married, and heartbroken at the loss of my father four months earlier. I had been studying British literature and European history in my college classes and was eager to make real-world connections to my curriculum. In preparation, my husband and I watched every Rick Steves video on YouTube and movies like Under the Tuscan Sun , Midnight in Paris , Notting Hill , and Eat, Pray, Love . The spring semester of my junior year ended, and we set off with nothing but backpacks containing a few (and I do mean a few) sets of clothes, a budget of about $100 per day, and five short weeks to see it all.

Besides opening our eyes, pushing us to our limits, and expanding our perspectives in ways that nothing else could, that trip ignited in us a shared passion for travel — and for encouraging others to do the same. Read on for tips for planning your first trip to Europe like a pro.

Get Around With a Eurail Pass

Do you need a Eurail pass to get around Europe? Maybe not, but I devoted a large chunk of our shoestring budget to it on my first trip, and I've bought one for every extended trip I've taken to Europe since then — even now that I've hit the ancient age of 28 and no longer qualify forEurail's discounted youth pricing — so that should tell you something.

Most of Europe is well connected via a vast rail network spanning the continent. A Eurail pass — available exclusively to non-Europeans — makes it hassle-free to hop between countries and even navigate regional trains. Depending on your travel plans, you can purchase passes for specific countries or regions and choose whether you need unlimited use or a set number of travel days.

Remember that once you're in Europe, hops between major cities are often surprisingly low-price (I've seen flights for as little as $6), but often a train is the best choice when you factor in time, convenience, price, and the chance to watch the world go by from your window. Splurge on first-class passes , and you'll always have a comfortable seat.

Plan Your Trip Geographically

Make a list of all your must-hit places, then look at where they fall on a map — connect the dots, and you have your route. Maybe you start in Spain and work your way east, or fly into London, take the Chunnel to Paris , and work your way down to Italy. Whatever you choose, ensure that your route makes sense geographically so you don't waste time (or money) crisscrossing the continent.

Keep Seasons in Mind

Europe is a large continent covering a variety of climates. It may seem obvious, but if you're planning a summer trip, don't expect to frolic in fields of Dutch tulips (that happens in the spring) or ski the Austrian slopes (that would be a winter thing). And as enchanting as the European Christmas markets look on Instagram, don't be disappointed when you put two and two together and realize that they'll only make it to your feed if you're going to Europe in November or December.

An Italian summer is nothing short of sweltering and ice-cold AC isn't a given, so if you're planning to cover all of Rome on foot at high noon, you may want to rethink that. (I learned this the hard way and damn near had a heat stroke.) A midday siesta is common in countries like Spain and Italy for a reason, so do as the locals do and take the summer weather into account before you overexert yourself.

Book in Advance

A PSA for type-A travelers like me: You don't have to have your entire trip planned out before leaving home. (I had a down-to-the-minute itinerary mapped out for my type-B husband and me on our first venture to Europe, and he almost left me as I dragged him from museum to walking tour to restaurant reservation and back again.) Part of the fun — especially if you have a Eurail pass — is going where the wind blows you and deciding what appeals to you upon arrival.

Pro tip: Taking a bus tour on your first day in a destination is a great way to get the lay of the land and cover a lot of ground quickly (without exhausting yourself).

Make a general timeline and book your departure flight from the USA to Europe before you leave home, but perhaps wait until you've hopped the pond to book your flight back. You may decide to stay longer in a particular country or run out of time to make it all the way to Portugal, where you originally intended to fly out of. Create a general outline, but leave some of your trip open and stay flexible.

The one thing you may want to do in advance is reserve hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs because they can fill up during the popular summer months. That's why it's helpful to have a general idea of where you'll be and when — just don't cling to your plan at the expense of a spontaneous sidetrack or two.

Marie Kondo's Simple Packing Tips Will Completely Change the Way You Travel

What to bring to europe.

Start working on your packing list a few months beforehand. What you bring will vary depending on destinations, length of trip, and your fussiness level, but there are a few non-negotiables.

Don't leave home without:

Your passport
Converters for European outlets (both UK and EU, as needed)
A credit card and/or a debit card for getting cash out of an ATM (you'll get a better rate this way than doing it through a currency-exchange counter)
COVID-era items such as your vaccine card, printed copies of your negative COVID test results (if required) , and a few self-test kits
A secure envelope to hold all of these important documents (including a few color copies of your passport) in one place
An international plan added to your phone (unless you're a T-Mobile customer)
Global Entry (not necessary, but a definite plus when you return to the USA)

You'll also find life a lot easier with the Google Translate app and the XE currency conversion app on your smartphone. Before you depart, download the countries you'll be visiting to ensure offline availability. The Been app , where you can track which countries you've visited and how much of the world you've seen, is another fun app for travelers, especially on a trip like this where you'll be checking off a lot of countries.

And a note on packing light : You'll need nothing more than a backpack and a carry-on, max. Trust me. (There are laundry rooms at every hostel and laundromats in every city.)

Where to Go on Your First Trip to Europe

If you only have time or the budget to see a few places, start with the basics . You've likely learned about major cities like London, Paris , and Rome since you can remember — now's the time to see them through your own eyes.

Once you have the must-hit places on your itinerary, plan some additional stops according to your interests. There's a lot to see in Italy outside of Rome — I'd include Venice, Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast, Florence, and the surrounding Tuscan wine country on any trip to Italy, especially for first-timers.

Maybe you've been digging into your ancestry and found that you have Hungarian heritage like I have — Budapest was a shoo-in for us this summer — or perhaps you've always dreamed of hiking the Swiss Alps, clinking glasses in a German beer hall, or soaking up the sun in the Greek Isles .

Maybe you want to visit Poland and pay your respects at Auschwitz — I consider this sobering, heart-wrenching experience a must — or try every waffle you come across in Belgium. You can do it all if you have enough time, but start by arranging a shortlist with your top priorities and then tack on additional destinations if you have space.

These are some of the best places to visit in Europe, but the best destinations for you will depend on your interests, priorities, and goals. If you're purely on "vacation" with no remote work or school obligations, two to three days in each place should suffice, but if you can't devote your full attention each day to exploring, then you'll want a little extra time in each city to do it justice.

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Planning a Trip to Europe: 30 Tips to Help You Plan a European Vacation

May 19, 2020 · In: Austria , Belgium , Bosnia & Herzegovina , Croatia , Destinations , England , Estonia , Europe , Faroe Islands , France , Germany , Greece , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Netherlands , Northern Ireland , Norway , Slovenia , Svalbard , Sweden , Switzerland

Planning a trip to Europe is incredibly exciting but it can also be a bit overwhelming. After living in Europe for 6 years I frequently get asked questions about how to plan a trip to Europe.

View of Vernazza from the hiking path in Cinque Terre along the Italian Riviera

In this comprehensive guide I will give you lots of tips on how to plan a European vacation. Everything from deciding which countries to visit, how to create an itinerary, when is the best time to go, money saving tips and more!

Creating a plan for your European travels in advance will make your trip far more enjoyable and way less stressful. So grab your pen and paper and lets start trip planning!

DON’T HAVE TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT FOR LATER!

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Table of Contents

Is Europe a Country or a Continent?

One common misconception is that Europe is a country. It is, in fact, an entire continent made up of many countries. Europeans find it hilarious when other people say that they went on summer vacation in Europe and not specify the name of the country they traveled to.

1. Where to Travel in Europe: Make a List of Your Top Choices

This is probably going to be the toughest decision to make when planning a trip to Europe. Before you even begin the planning process, you’ll want to narrow down your choices of where to go in Europe. The best way to do this is to start by making a list of about 5-7 different countries that you dream of visiting. Then choose a few different cities within those countries that you’ll want to see.

The canals of Amsterdam and the leaning row houses that line the canal are places that you can see when planning a trip to Europe

If you’re list is starting to get pretty long and you feel like it’s all over the place don’t worry. It’s completely normal to get excited and feel overwhelmed. There are so many incredible places within Europe that you’ll no doubt want to squeeze in as much as you can.

The Ponte Vecchio in Italy's city of Florence

However, the main goal of writing a list is not to create jam packed itinerary but to help with narrowing things down later. You will use this list plus a number of different factors that I will discuss to help you figure out your exact European itinerary!

If you are having a difficult time deciding on a few destinations try thinking about what kind of places and experiences you’d like to have. Are you interested in doing a city trip which would include more history, architecture, cafes & restaurants, shopping and sightseeing.

The Cathedral of Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Russia

Or are you interested in creating an itinerary that revolves around nature and outdoor adventures. Exploring waterfalls, kayaking in fjords, hiking mountains and road tripping through the countryside.

Dog sledding through snow covered trees in Northern Sweden

Maybe you’d like to combine a bit of both, city and nature? These are all important factors that will help you make your decision of where to go in Europe.

How Many Countries are There in Europe?

Let’s start by discussing how many countries does Europe have? There is a total of 51 countries within Europe. This number does not include the other territories or archipelagos that are governed by countries within Europe. Those include destinations such as the Faroe Islands, Svalbard, Gibraltar and Isle of Man just to name a few.

A small puffin on Mykines in the Faroe islands

What Countries are Part of the European Union?

There are 27 countries that are included in the European Union. These counties abide by the same rules, regulations and policies that are agreed upon unanimously by those within the member states.

These 27 countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

What are the Schengen Countries & What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Agreement was created in 1985 and is essentially a treaty where certain countries within Europe have chosen to remove their internal borders to allow free movement within what is called the Schengen Zone.

Big Ben, the London Eye and a double decker bus in London, England

There are officially 26 countries that are part of the Schengen zone. These countries are Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

What European Countries Require a Visa?

What does this mean for travelers visiting from countries not within Europe? First thing you need to do is to check whether you actually need to apply for a visa to enter Europe or the Schengen Zone. You can find a list of all the countries that require and do not require a visa here.

Visit Prosecco Road in Northern Italy on a European Vacation.

If you do need to apply for a visa you can do so by filling out the proper paperwork and applying at your local Embassy or Consulate. You can apply for a single entry visa, double entry visa or a multiple entry visa.

If you apply for a single entry visa you are allowed to visit any of the countries in the Schengen Zone during your one entry, not just one single country.

The colorful Nyhavn Street in Copenhagen, Denmark

However, be sure to guarantee that the country you are visiting is within the Schengen Zone or you could run into some issues. You can find more details about the different types of Schengen Visas, fees and validity HERE .

The best thing to do if you need a visa to visit Europe is to make an appointment with the closest embassy or consulate and discuss the details with a professional.

Make Sure You Have a Valid Passport When Planning a Trip to Europe

The most important thing that you will need to do before even booking your trip to Europe is to confirm you have a valid passport . Your passport will need to have at least 6 months validity or you could be turned away at the airport before even boarding your flight. Additionally, you will need to have at least 2 full pages in your passport that are completely free without any stamps.

A pink cafe in the Montemarte neighborhood in Paris, France

2. When is the Best Time to Go to Europe?

Now that you have created your list of the top places you want to visit in Europe you can start to narrow it down based on a number of other factors. The next step in planning your trip to Europe is deciding which time of year you will go. Are you flexible or are you locked into specific dates?

This is very important because different countries and cities are better to visit depending on the season. There may be flowers in bloom you’d like to see, a festival or event that happens once a year or maybe you’re interested in attending the Christmas Markets.

Visit Venice, Italy in February to attend the annual Carnival festival when planning a trip to Europe

You also may want to avoid the rainy season in some cities like Amsterdam or London. These are all factors that need to be considered when planning a trip to Europe.

3. Figure out your budget for a European Vacation

The third major thing to consider when planning a trip to Europe is budget. In fact, this may be the most important part of planning your European vacation once you’ve decided on a location and time frame. You’ll want to establish your budget long before you even step foot onto the European continent.

You can visit the Muckross House in Killarney, Ireland

Now the key part of setting a budget is actually sticking to it once you are in Europe. I know just how easy it is to convince yourself that you need to buy that dress or have that expensive latte because when in Rome, right?

However, doing this over and over during the duration of your stay in Europe will quickly blow your budget and probably stress you out.

When planning a trip to Europe you might want to visit the canals of Brugge, Belgium .

This is why it is important to set a budget which will include the upfront costs of the trip plus a little extra for those unexpected purchases and experiences.

How much does it cost to travel Europe?

The cost of traveling around Europe depends on a lot of different things. The destination will be one of the top deciding factors in regards to budget. Scandinavian countries are going to be more expensive than those in Eastern Europe for example.

View of the Eiffel Tower from Montemarte in Paris, France

When planning a trip to Europe consider that the popular destinations within countries like France, Italy or Spain are going to be more expensive. However, if you visit some of the lesser known spots within those same countries your expenses will be lower and you can find more budget friendly options.

A small street lined with Bicycles in Brugge, Belgium

If you are trying to decide on a destination within your budget you can start by researching how much accommodation is in that particular city. Another way is check out different restaurant menus and search for public transportation costs. This will give you a quick and relatively easy idea of the approximate amount you will spend once you are there.

How to Travel Europe on a Budget

There are a few easy ways that you can plan a trip to Europe on a budget. For starters look for accommodation that isn’t at the top of your budget.

Another way that you can cut costs is by visiting local markets or supermarkets and purchasing food or snacks there. This will save some money since dining in a restaurant is always more expensive.

Baked goods and food being served at Borough Market in London, England

In Italy for example, you can save money by standing at the bar to have your espresso or cafe. This will save you the cost, albeit small, of the coperto or cover charge that they add to the bil if you choose to sit down.

You can also save money while traveling in Europe by using the public transportation systems. Most airports have public buses, trains or underground metros to get from the terminal to the city center.

The grand canal in Venice, Italy is somewhere you can visit during a European Vacation

This will cost much less than taking a taxi or hiring a private car through your hotel. The only reason to take a taxi is if you are with a large group and the cost ends up the same once you split it.

Where to Go in Europe on a Budget

Within Europe you will find that certain countries are less expensive than others. Some of the more expensive destinations will be the big cities such as Paris, London, Amsterdam and Rome. Of course that is only a small sampling of the most popular places to visit in Europe.

Luckily, just because those particular cities are expensive it doesn’t mean that the entire country is expensive either.

A small town called Alkmaar in the Netherlands

You can easily travel around small towns or lesser known cities in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, etc on a budget. That’s not to say you can’t find accommodation within your budget in the bigger cities as well. You’ll just have to do a little more research and read the reviews carefully.

A red timbered house in the Alsace region of France is a perfect destination to add when planning a trip to Europe

The most expensive countries within Europe will be the Nordic countries, Switzerland and the UK. The Nordic countries include Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

The small fishing village of Smögen in Sweden

The cheapest countries to visit in Europe are the Eastern European countries. These typically include the top destinations like Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and many others.

The Prague Old Town Square is one of the budget friendly countries you can visit on a European vacation

Some of the mid-range countries budget wise would be France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Greece, Austria, Spain and others. While this is by no means a complete list, I hope that it helps gives some perspective on the different places you might consider visiting based on your budget.

4. Determine How Many Days You Have to Travel Around Europe

Narrowing down the actual amount of days you’ll have when planning a trip to Europe will help you decide where to go and how long to spend in each destination. This is a key part of mapping out your itinerary so make sure you know the exact number of days you have before settling on your final destinations.

Don’t Forget about Travel Time

One thing that you don’t want to forget about when creating an itinerary for your European travels is travel time. Determining how long it actually takes to get from one destination to the next is hugely important when deciding all the locations you want to visit.

The colorful Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

Keep in mind that when traveling around Europe you will spend quite a bit of time in transit if you are hopping between different countries and cities.

When you travel by plane you will have to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours early to the airport. Then you have to consider how long it will take to reach your final destination from the airport. If you travel by train the transit time could potentially be similar.

How to Travel Europe by Train

If you are planning to spend a month or more traveling around Europe then I would recommend checking out the Rail Europe Pass called Eurail . However, the pass is really only necessary if you plan to cover a lot of distance.

A windmill in Kinderdijk, the Netherlands

Therefore, if your itinerary doesn’t include a ton of country hopping than purchasing a European Rail pass is most likely an unnecessary expense.

An alternative option is to use the local train systems within each country. Booking train travel in Europe is not only easy but also safe, efficient and very convenient. You can check timetables, purchase tickets and inquire about other information online.

The colorful Nyhavn street in Copenhagen is lines with yellow, red and orange houses.

Most of the train stations have either a ticket counter and/or a kiosk where you can purchase your ticket inside the train station as well

These are a few of the common local train companies within Europe:

SNCF (French National Railway Company) in France
Trenitalia in Italy
Renfe in Spain
Deutsche Bahn in Germany
SNCB in Belgium
NS ( Nederlandse Spoorwegen) in the Netherlands
CP (Comboios de Portugal) in Portugal
ÖBB in Austria
SBB (Schweizerische BundesBahn) in Switzerland
VY (ACP Rail International) in Norway
DSB in Denmark

*This is not a complete list of all the national and regional train companies throughout Europe.

How to Travel Europe by Plane

Traveling around Europe by plane is incredibly easy and relatively inexpensive. With budget airlines like EasyJet and RyanAir you will be able to find flights to your desired destinations at a very reasonable price.

The red houses in the harbor at Smögen in Sweden

Typically the budget airlines will arrive and depart out of a smaller airport rather than the main international hub. Luckily, these airports will also have very easy public transportation to get you to the city center so it is 100% worth it to fly the budget airlines.

Remember that if you book flights with a budget airline there are no extras included. This means that you will need to purchase checked baggage, food, drinks and a few other things separately. Most of the airlines will include a small carry on bag but be sure to check the dimension and weight restrictions as they are very strict.

The windmills of Mykonos, Greece at sunset

In addition to the budget airlines, you can also book your travels through a number of main airline companies. It is worth it to check fees for both the budget airlines and the main airlines.

Sometimes you’ll be able to find that the prices are similar but with the non-budget airlines you’ll have luggage allowance and would fly into a main airport.

The colorful buildings in the Old Town Square of Warsaw, Poland

The Best Budget Airlines in Europe Include:

Transavia (mostly for flights in the Netherlands)
Norwegian Air
WOW Air (cheap flights to Iceland)

Many of these budget airlines run special deals throughout the year. Therefore, if you are planning of traveling around Europe by air I would suggest signing up for their email list. They will send you direct emails with their exclusive deals. You can always unsubscribe later!

The coastal town of Nerja, Spain is a great place to be by the water and enjoy being on the beach

The best website to use when browsing for flights within Europe is skyscanner.com . The website aggregates most of the budget airline options for you with one easy click.

You can quickly navigate through the website by selecting one way, roundtrip or multiple destinations. Another feature that I love about Skyscanner is that you can select a specific departure airport but type in ‘everywhere’ as your arrival destination. The site will then show you all the cheapest destinations for your selected dates based on your departure airport.

The Royal Mile with red phone booths in Edinburgh, Scotland

Additionally, you can select the departure and arrival airport with no specific dates. Click the month you will be traveling and the website will show you all the cheapest flights on each day within the month. Honestly, it is a great European travel planning tool and I always recommend using it!

With that being said I almost never book directly through skyscanner, instead I go directly to the airports website and book through them. If you have the time you can manually go to each of the airlines I mentioned and search their websites.

You can definitely find the best deals doing it manually since some flights and airlines might not show up on skyscanner. However, using a 3rd party website will save you a significant amount of time.

View of Stockholm, Sweden from Gamla Stan

Budget Saving Tip for Air Travel In Europe: If you are traveling roundtrip within Europe be sure to check multiple airlines for your departure and return flight. For example, I took a one way flight via Volotea for €7 from Venice to Mykonos with a return ticket through EasyJet for €23. Traveling roundtrip using different airlines saved me a ton of money.

I’ve always been able to find great deals both through skyscanner.com and by searching manually. I’ve traveled from Venice, Italy to Paris, France roundtrip for €50 once, not even kidding! I cannot stress enough the importance of checking with multiple airlines and websites to find the best deals possible.

Should You Rent a Car in Europe?

Renting a car in Europe will depend entirely on the destination that you choose. I have personally rented a car in Europe many times and found it very handy for destinations where public transportation is not easily available. Renting a car is really only necessary if you plan on driving to destinations a bit off the beaten path or you want to do a road trip style vacation.

The town of Manarola in Cinque Terre along the Italian Riviera is a place you can visit while planning a trip to Europe

During my travels I always use the rental car company Europcar . Their prices are fair and their customer service was always very good. When you rent a car you can always add additional insurance and coverage to the rental policy. I would check with your credit cards prior to renting a car to see what they cover. I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and they cover quite a bit so I never added extra insurance through the car rental company.

Take a road trip in Europe to visit places like the Dolomites in Italy

Some of the times that I’ve rented a car in Europe was to do a road trip though the Netherlands , drive around the Faroe Islands , a road trip through Southern Spain and so much more! I will also note that I previously resided in Italy for 6 years and so I used my own personal car to travel around as well. Having your own car is beneficial if you have the time and prefer to have a loose itinerary where you can add additional stops along the way.

I’ve also rented a camper van twice in Iceland to circumnavigate the country which was such a fun experience and one that I would highly recommend!

5. Create a Rough Itinerary of your European Travels

Now that you’ve narrowed down your list, determined the time when you can go and laid out your budget it’s time to create an itinerary for your trip! Use a calendar and jot down where exactly you want to be on each given day. Then dive in a bit further and start making a list of the sights you want to visit or things you want to do on each day.

The view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower from the Notre-Dame Cathedral

This will help to give you a better understanding of how much time you’ve actually allotted in a day to see and do the things you want. Be sure not to pack too many things into one day as you will end up being overwhelmed and have to skip something anyways. You will always need to take into account the time it’ll take you to move around as most of the sights aren’t right next to each other.

When creating a rough itinerary for your European travels you’ll also want to play around with the flights. While you may be set on arriving in Paris and departing out of Rome you should also check flight prices the other way around. There are times where just by switching your starting and ending point you could save hundreds of dollars!

Which brings me to my next point. Do you want to visit multiple countries during your European travels? Or do you want to stick to just one country but travel amongst multiple cities?

6. Visiting Multiple Countries or Cities on One Trip

If you have your heart set on visiting multiple countries during your trip to Europe it can actually be quite easy to arrange. The key part of the equation is to choose destinations that are geographically close to each other. This will significantly reduce travel time and allow you to make the most of each day.

View of Dubrovnik as seen from the walls in Croatia

Below are a few sample itineraries that you could use to plan your European travels strategically while still visiting multiple countries:

Northern Italy, Slovenia and Austria
The main cities of Paris, London & Amsterdam
Southern Spain and Portugal
The Netherlands & Belgium
Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia
Finland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
Stockholm, Copenhagen & Oslo
Norway (Bergen & Lofoten Islands) and the Faroe Islands

These are just a few ideas and all trips that I have personally done. If you want to visit non-neighboring countries the most efficient way to do so is to visit larger cities with easily accessible airports.

One of the main take aways about creating a multi country trip in Europe is to not over plan and plan strategically.

7. Start Booking Your Trip to Europe

Once you’ve created your rough itinerary and finally decided on the dates and destinations you’ll be visiting you can proceed with booking your trip to Europe. This is one of the most exciting parts of planning a trip to Europe and once you’ve hit purchase on those flights to can begin counting down the days till your trip!

A popular European vacation involves driving along the coast of Portugal

Book Your Airfare to Europe

A good rule of thumb is to begin checking flights at least 6 months in advance. You can book directly through an airline or use one of the websites that aggregate ton of possible flights options. I personally use Expedia because in the past they usually have the best deals for international flights plus they offer free cancellation within 24 hours. Other reputable options are Google Flights , Kiwi.com , Cheapoair.com and Kayak.com .

Girl enjoying food at the Christmas Markets in Austria

Budget Saving Tips:

If you have a VPN or IP blocker you can set it to a lower income country. Then open a new private or incognito window to check flight prices.
Another way that you can potentially save month on flights is to search on different days of the week. Be sure to use the private or incognito window on your browser.
Hopper app is something that you can use to track flight prices. On the app you will input the dates and airport codes of where you want to go and it will send you updates with changes in flight prices. It will also advise you if now is a good time to purchase or if they predict that prices will decrease.
Arrive in one city and depart from another, this is called a multi-city or open jaw option. Essentially it saves time from back tracking plus its more economical and efficient.

Book Your Accommodation in Europe

Choosing the perfect accommodation in Europe is an important part of creating your itinerary. The two main booking sites that I use are booking.com and airbnb.com . There are many other booking sites out there but I used these two exclusively during my 6 years in Europe. I’ve also used only these during my year long travels throughout Asia.

Hotel room in Amsterdam with a view of the row houses and canals

Safe to say that I trust booking.com and airbnb.com although there is always that chance that you could have a bad experience. It is extremely important to read the reviews and the small print. Find out if taxes are included or what other charges may be applied upon arrival so that you aren’t blindsided by extra fees.

You can also book directly through a hotel or guesthouse website if you prefer to do so.

Travel Tip: Stay centrally located. If you’ve found a hotel that is €20 cheaper a night but 30 minutes outside the city center you’ll end up spending the same once you’ve added in transportation costs. Plus you’ll have to add on the additional travel time which will take away from your exploration of the cityIt’s always better just to spend the little bit extra to be within the city.

Book Local Tours Within Europe

When planning a trip to Europe you might want to book a few local tours. While I’m not usually a big fan of large group or guided tours, there are a few that can be pretty fun. For example I’ve done small group bike tours in both London and Amsterdam. I’ve kayaked the Norwegian fjords near Bergen with a tour, twice! . And I’ve also done glacier hiking in Iceland , just to name a few!

In addition to adventure style tours, you can book guided tours for some historical sights you might be visiting. This would be extremely beneficial when visiting places such as Pompeii, the Colosseum and many other sights within Europe that have historical significance.

Book Tickets in Advance to Some of the Main Attractions

While not everything you do in Europe needs to be pre-booked or planned in advance there are a few places that you might want to purchase tickets for before you arrive. This is different from booking a tour as these are solely entrance tickets to some of Europe’s most popular sights.

The Astronomical clock in Prague's Old Town Square

A few places that you’ll definitely want to consider pre-booking tickets would be to climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris , visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and the Vatican. Of course there are many other places that you would benefit from pre-purchasing you ticket.

Additionally, some sights may offer discounts if you purchase online. Follow the instructions of obtaining either a printed or electronic ticket and come prepared with all necessary documentation.

8. Must Haves for European Travel

Now that you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and tours it is time to start thinking about what to pack for your trip to Europe. There are some things that you’ll want to take care of prior to your trip so getting organized a few weeks out is key.

The colorful houses of Positano located along the Amalfi Coast in Italy

What to Pack When Traveling to Europe

Deciding what to pack for a trip to Europe or anywhere in general is usually one of my least favorite things to do before a trip. It is so hard to remember all the essential things that you may need and often times you end up overpacking. Just remember that if you forget to pack something you will be able to find it easily in Europe once you arrive.

View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo in Italy

One of the main things you’ll want to purchase and pack is a universal plug adaptor. These adaptors come in super handy when traveling around Europe as the plugs aren’t always the same in each country.

Another key thing that you’ll want to check is if your appliances (hair dryer, straightener, curling iron, etc) are dual voltage. In Europe they use 22 volts while in America they use 110 volts. If you check your appliance and it says “110-220 volts” then you will be just fine. If you want to use a 110 volt appliance in Europe or any country which uses 220 volts then you will need to purchase a travel converter which is different than a travel plus adaptor.

Be sure to pack all of your daily medications as well as some additional medications that you may need. I always pack some cold medicine, sinus & allergy medication, stomach medication and headache medication. The reason is that you never know when you might feel sick and you don’t want to be out searching for medication in those instances. I also recommend packing a small first aid kit with some additional bandaids.

The Sacré-Cœur in the Montemarte neighborhood in Paris, France

Figuring out how to dress for travel in Europe can be one of the most challenging parts of packing up your suitcase. After living in Italy for 6 years and traveling extensively around Europe I can tell you that wearing neutral colors is the best way to not stand out as a tourist.

By all means pack whatever you’d like but if you are like me and prefer to blend in, then I would leave the sports team t-shirts and neon colored athletic tops at home.

I also recommend that you pack a light sweater during the summer months for cooler nights. Additionally, be sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes since you will probably doing a lot of walking around the cities.

Get a Small Amount of Euro Cash from Your Bank

Only get a small amount of euro cash out from your local bank at home if that is an option. And by small I mean no more than €200. Once you arrive in Europe you won’t have a problem finding an ATM to withdraw euros. Plus the exchange rate will be way better than your bank back home.

The leaning tower of Pisa in Italy can be seen on a European vacation

Additionally, most places in Europe will take debit or credit cards so there shouldn’t be any problems. You can even purchase your train tickets via credit card through their machines.

Also, be sure to call your bank or go online and put a travel alert on all the cards you will use while in Europe. This way they won’t get immediately flagged as fraud and you won’t have to make an international call to unlock your credit card.

International Phone plan or get a SIM card when you arrive

Since we are all connected through our phones you’ll most likely want to have some kind of internet connection while traveling throughout Europe. Most cell phone providers offer an international phone plan option which you can add as an extra service. Those fews however can really add up depending on how long you’ll be traveling.

An alternative to adding an international plan to your phone is to purchase a SIM card in the country where you are traveling. Keep in mind that this will only work if your phone is UNLOCKED. Most phones in the states are locked while they are under contract with your phone company. The phone will be unlocked if you have completely paid it off.

The blue colored building of Catherine's Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

During the time I was traveling through Europe I was living in Italy. Therefore I had a SIM card from the Italian internet provider called TIM. Through TIM I was able to purchase a SIM card and then add money to my phone as needed for internet or minutes. TIM also has an inexpensive plan which you can purchase allowing you to use a certain amount of minutes and data in other countries.

You can easily do the same with any European country that you are visiting. If you purchase a SIM card I recommend getting around 8-10 GB of internet usage and adding some minutes in case of an emergency.

View of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro from the old castle walls

While wifi is widely available in most European countries it is not always advisable to rely on that for your main source of connection.

Download the free app WhatsApp. You can use your current phone number to send messages or make phone calls off of wifi or data.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an absolute must when planning a trip abroad. There are plenty of different companies out there offering a variety of plans to fit your individual needs. Make sure you do your research and decide which plan best suits you and your travels.

View of Fjällbacka in Sweden from the road leading into town.

You can also purchase plans that cover travel costs if you have to cancel for an emergencies. One of the companies that I can recommend is Safety Wing . They have great customer service and offer packages as low as $37 for 4 weeks of coverage.

As always when purchasing travel insurance make sure you thoroughly read the coverage details and fine print.

Download an Offline Map

Whenever I know that I am heading to a new destination I always download an offline map. For the majority of my travels I use Google Maps. However, there have been plenty of times where the data on my phone switches to no service and Google Maps stops working. Therefore an offline map can really save you in these moments!

Riomaggiore is one of the 5 lands of Cinque Terre in Italy. When planning a trip to Europe many people come to Italy

An offline map is also super handy if you are traveling to Europe for a short amount of time and are only relying on wifi. The offline map that I use and have used for years is Maps.me . It is a free, downloadable app that you can get on an iPhone or android.

You can save space on your phone by only downloading the cities that you need and then off load them when you are done. Even when you off load the destination Maps.me will still save all your pinned locations so you can always re-download again later.

Get a Guidebook and a Paper Map of the Destination You are Visiting in Europe

In a world that revolves around technology, we have become dependent on using our phones for just about everything we do. Before your trip to Europe you’ll probably have downloaded that offline map and pinned a bunch of must see places on it. You’ll create lists on your phone of tips and tricks to remember when traveling around and you’ll probably have saved some blog posts to read later.

The pink and green exterior of the Duomo in Florence, Italy

However, if you have the space in your luggage I would highly recommend packing a paper guidebook. Or at the very least a paper map of the destination you are visiting. You never know when your phone (and your power bank) may run out of battery and you don’t want to be stranded without your map.

The best thing to do is pack a back up paper map and jot down your must see list, places to eat and the address & phone number of where you are staying. This will help out so much if you happen to run into any issues while abroad!

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May 30, 2020 at 11:21 am

Love this in-depth guide! Thank you for sharing all this info 🙂

June 2, 2020 at 3:49 am

Thank you so much! I am so glad that you found it helpful!

May 30, 2020 at 12:44 pm

A trip through Europe is such an amazing experience! Some of my favorite countries in the world are in Europe like Italy and Greece. <3

June 2, 2020 at 3:50 am

Yes, I completely agree! Those are some of my favorite as well! Even after living in Italy for 6 years I would love to go back and spend more time there!

May 30, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Haha I’m one of those Europeans that find it hilarious that non-Europeans say they went to Europe… or don’t know that it’s a continent!! This is such a great guide though, I really need to explore more European countries. There’s so many incredible places to visit!

June 2, 2020 at 3:51 am

Thank you Sophie! It is really funny, isn’t it! And yes, Europe has so many wonderful and unique destinations that I would also love to go back and explore even more!

May 30, 2020 at 4:35 pm

Haha it’s so funny to think that many people are thinking about Europe as a country. You post has so many useful information, it will be so helpful for a first timer in Europe!

June 2, 2020 at 3:52 am

Thank you Kriszti! I’m so glad that you found the information useful and feel that it would be helpful for someone traveling to Europe!

May 31, 2020 at 5:28 am

Thank you for sharing such a detailed, useful post to help anyone plan out their next epic European holiday! There really are so many factors to take into consideration when planning and your article covers everything! I’ll be bookmarking this one for later 🙂

June 2, 2020 at 3:43 am

Thank you so much Ann Kelly! It’s great to hear that you found the post useful!

May 31, 2020 at 6:56 am

This is a very comprehensive and useful guide. I definitely will keep it handy.

Thank you so much! Hope it is helpful for the next time you go to Europe!

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blue domes of oia santorini, one of the best places to visit when traveling to europe for the first time

Your 13-Step Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time

There is absolutely nothing like traveling to Europe for the first time–and we want to help make your experience as magical as possible!

It has been about a decade since our very first trip to Europe, and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

The thrill of the plane touching down in Paris , the confusion of taking the RER B train into the city, and the absolute electricity that shot through my veins as we exited the train stop and I marveled at the real-life version of Saint-Germain-des-Prés unfolding before my eyes (I swear, actual church bells were going off)–I remember it all.

I remember the next trip, too, where we upped the stakes: instead of a week in Paris, we spent 2.5 weeks exploring Krakow , Budapest , Plitvice Lakes National Park , Zadar , Dublin , and the Cliffs of Moher .

… and then we quit our jobs to travel the world , and we’ve only gotten more obsessed with traveling Europe since.

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

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.

In the decade since that first trip to Paris, we’ve thrown ourselves into exploring the world, traveling full-time for 4+ years, visiting 50+ countries (including most countries in Europe), and even living in Portugal along the way.

One of my absolute favorite parts of my job, though, is to help people–primarily Americans like myself–plan their first trip to Europe.

Because here’s the thing: neither my husband Jeremy nor I ever had a passport or left the USA until we were adults.

We taught ourselves how to travel Europe and the world at large from scratch, and I remember the fear we felt and the mistakes we made along the way almost as well as I remember the beauty of that first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.

If you find yourself with a major case of European wanderlust and a dizzying array of questions about how to turn those travel dreams into your actual first trip to Europe, this checklist is for you.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to traveling to Europe for the first time!

Table of Contents

Ready to Plan Your First Europe Trip?

Our top 2 tips for visiting europe for the first time, planning your first trip to europe: your 13-step checklist, faq about traveling to europe for the first time.

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

Helping people plan trips is our passion and purpose here on Our Escape Clause.

Once you read this step-by-step checklist for planning your first trip to Europe, we’d love to help you continue to plan your travels in more detail!

We have around a dozen general Europe travel guides on our website, including everything from suggested Europe travel itineraries to where to find the most magical Christmas markets , plus literally hundreds of posts on specific European destinations!

We’ll link relevant blog posts throughout this Europe travel guide, but if you’re curious about our coverage of any particular place, you can use the search bar in the top right corner of the site (or on the pop-out menu if you’re reading on your phone) to see what we’ve written.

You can also check out our destinations page to browse by country!

Postcard view of Plitvice Lakes Croatia showing lake and waterfalls seen from above in a vertical image

We have a lot to say when it comes to Europe travel tips ( here are 75 of our best ones ), but specifically for travelers visiting Europe for the first time, there are 2 pieces of advice we’d give above all others.

First, resist the urge to overcrowd your itinerary.

I go into this more below, but believe us, we absolutely relate: I still have to fight this urge with every trip we take!

However, moving around constantly is a surefire way to end up overwhelmed, exhausted, and not getting to appreciate all of the magnificent places you’re seeing.

Best Views in Prague: View from Old Tower Bridge

Second, know that throwing down money and committing to finally taking the trip of your dreams is often the hardest part–once you board the plane, everything gets easier.

I vividly remember how nervous we were to book our first (and second, and third) trips abroad.

For 2 people who had never even had passports until they were adults, we had a lot to learn!

But at the same time–I’m so, so, so glad we took the plunge, and you will be too.

After all, millions of people travel to foreign countries each year, and there’s absolutely no reason that you can’t be among them.

You’ve got this!

Now onto the details…

kate storm standing on the edge of the island san giorgio maggiore

Step 1: Get inspired and brainstorm where you want to go.

Without a doubt, the first step to planning a trip to Europe is brainstorming all of the places you want to visit!

If you’re anything like us, odds are high that the list is longer than what you could rationally accomplish in a decade, let alone on a single vacation, but it never hurts to dream!

Whether you want to road trip Tuscany , wander the streets of Paris , marvel at the Alhambra in Spain, hike on a glacier in Iceland, stroll along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland , or something radically different, pay attention to what calls to you the most.

There are no wrong answers when deciding which destinations are most interesting to you!

kate storm and jeremy storm on a glacier tour iceland

Step 2: Check visa requirements for Europe.

While most readers of this blog post, such as Americans like us and other people from non-European, strong-passport countries like Canada and Australia, will likely not need a visa to take their dream trip to Europe, it’s always best to triple-check!

(And, in a post-2020 world, we all know more than ever that expectations can change quickly.)

As you research what you need to travel to Europe, you’ll likely come across many references to the Schengen Area .

These are the 26 European countries that share open borders with each other.

kate storm standing in front of 3 blue domes on Santorini, Honeymoon in Santorini

Americans and many others can visit these countries for up to 90 days out of any 180 without a visa.

In the future, the ETIAS system –essentially an e-visa procured by filling out paperwork online before traveling, which will cost a nominal 7 Euro–will come into effect for the Schengen Area.

ETIAS is currently slated to begin operating sometime in 2024, though the starting date has been pushed back several times.

Other countries–like the UK, Montenegro, and Romania, for example–are not part of this system, but if you come from a country with a strong passport, you likely won’t need a visa there either.

A few nearby places that might be on your radar, like Turkey , require an e-visa for Americans to enter.

kate storm in cascais portugal on a day trip from lisbon

Step 3: Shop for flights (and be as flexible as possible).

Once you have a list of your most-wanted travel destinations and have confirmed you’re clear to travel, it’s time to shop for your flights to Europe!

We recommend being as flexible as possible during this process, either with your travel dates, your destinations, or ideally, both.

Flight prices and routes can vary dramatically depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going, which is one reason why we don’t recommend finalizing your Europe itinerary until you have your flights purchased (more on that below).

Ideally, you’ll want to start and end your first Europe trip in a major airport hub.

This doesn’t necessarily need to be the same hub, though!

Ryanair plane parked on the tarmac with people boarding--you have to be extra careful to pack all your in flight essentials when taking a budget flight

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 during our first multi-country trip to Europe!

As far as airports go, for those of you coming from the USA (or anywhere in North America, really), you’ll want to potentially check ticket prices for London, Madrid , Dublin, Paris , Lisbon , Frankfurt, Amsterdam , and Milan .

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

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm in gardens of Madrid Royal Palace, an excellent stop on any 3 day Madrid itinerary

Step 4: Narrow down your itinerary for your first Europe trip.

Now that you’ve scored a great flight deal on the “bookends” of your trip, it’s time to fill in the rest of your itinerary for traveling Europe for the first time!

As we mentioned above, the biggest challenge here for most travelers is to not bite off more than they can chew and travel too fast.

Trust me, we understand the temptation–I still have to trim destinations from every. single. trip. that we plan, because my overwhelming desire to do it all fights with logic every step of the way.

I promise, though, you will have a much better trip if you slow it down.

Ideally, allow at least 2 full days (typically not including days you travel to or from the destination, though there are exceptions) to each “base” or city.

Staying in one place for 3 or 4 days is even better, and will give you time for a day trip or two.

kate storm and ranger storm in menerbes luberon valley france

We have several suggested Europe itineraries outlined here , and can highly recommend all of them!

However, there are truly infinite possibilities when it comes to structuring your first Europe trip.

When it comes to deciding exactly which of your dream destinations make the cut, we recommend letting geography be the tiebreaker.

For example, if you’re trying to decide whether to visit Amsterdam or Budapest on a trip where you fly into Paris, Amsterdam is the clear winner.

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

If you fly into Vienna instead of Paris, though… Budapest it is!

Other factors to keep in mind when narrowing down your itinerary include seasonality/weather and your budget.

Using Google Flights and searching the general term “Europe” in the “Where To?” box can be a great way to find unexpected flight deals!

(Don’t forget to play around with the map, zooming in and out on different regions–you might be surprised at what deals you find).

Best Things to Do in Budapest: Imre Nagy Statue

Step 5: Finalize your budget for traveling to Europe for the first time.

Now that you know exactly when your trip to Europe is happening and where you are going, it’s time to finalize your travel budget!

We recommend taking the total amount you hope to spend in Europe, subtracting any splurges or major expenses you know are coming (a pricey tour, some clothes shopping, etc.), and then dividing the remaining amount by the number of days you’ll be traveling in Europe.

Voila–you have your daily Europe travel budget!

This is the number you should try to stay under each day when you add up the amount you spend on food, activities, lodging, and intra-city transportation.

We have used this simple strategy to budget our trips for years and detail it more thoroughly in our travel budgeting guide .

kate storm in front of igrejo do carmo azulejos, one of the best places to visit in porto in a day

Step 6: Book some of your accommodation.

Once you have your plane tickets, a plan for where you’re going, and a budget set, it’s time to decide where to sleep!

We offer specific hotel suggestions in the vast majority of our destination-specific travel guides, but generally speaking, you’ll want to look for something well-reviewed (we aim for an 8.0 rating or better on Booking.com ) in a central location.

Also, keep an eye out for air conditioning and/or heating as the weather demands–those things are not a guarantee in all areas!

A very general rule to keep in mind when booking hotels?

The smaller the destination, the earlier you will want to book.

Somewhere like Cinque Terre simply doesn’t have as much lodging available as it does people who want to visit, while places like Paris are big enough to absorb their travelers in spite of their popularity.

Photo of skyline of Vernazza when approaching from Corniglia: making sure to see this view is one of our Cinque Terre tips!

As a result, tiny, popular places are where we tend to book our accommodation the earliest.

Of course, if you’re headed somewhere for a big event or festival–say Oktoberfest in Munich or Christmas markets in Salzburg –you’ll want to book ASAP.

We find virtually all of our accommodation (short-term apartment rentals included) via Booking.com these days.

If we get stuck, we may occasionally check Airbnb too, but as the years have gone by, prices and guest expectations have both increased dramatically, so we find ourselves using it much less than we once did.

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm on a balcony overlooking matera on a southern italy itinerary

Step 7: Figure out your inter-city (or country) transportation.

When it comes to traveling between each of your destinations during your vacation in Europe, you might find that you come up with quite a mix of methods!

Trains are our favorite way to travel in Europe–they’re simple, comfortable, safe, and extremely convenient for visiting most major cities (there are caveats to this, in places like the Balkans).

We would only recommend renting a car if you’re visiting the countryside somewhere.

Bled Island in the center of Lake Bled in Slovenia, a must-see during a Slovenia road trip itinerary

If your itinerary is a more typical first-timer’s route and sticks to major cities–something like London-Paris-Amsterdam–then a car is absolutely unnecessary.

Buses are our least favorite method, as they tend to be slow and uncomfortable, but are undoubtedly the cheapest.

Flights are by far and away the best option for extreme distances, but are cumbersome and tend to eat up an entire day.

And, finally: if you’re visiting Europe in the summer , don’t forget about ferries!

jeremy storm and ranger storm standing in front of the sea in otranto italy, ranger in a backpack

Step 8: Book some of your bucket-list travel experiences in Europe.

While simply existing in a gorgeous new destination is a bucket-list travel experience in and of itself, booking some unique tours and attractions can help make your trip even more memorable!

From touring the Colosseum at night to eating our way through Athens on an incredible food tour to snorkeling between 2 tectonic plates in Iceland, we have never been sorry to splurge on a memorable experience abroad.

(And yes, we paid our way on each of those tours–we don’t accept sponsored trips or tell anyone that we’re bloggers while there.)

kate storm overlooking the colosseum after hours

Booking your experiences in advance goes beyond the small group tours, though: skip-the-line tickets for major attractions like the Arc de Triomphe , Vatican Museums , and Sagrada Familia are so beneficial that I cannot sing their praises enough.

We never show up to a major attraction without booking tickets in advance these days (and it’s even more important in a post-2020 world).

We book our skip-the-line tickets and many of our tours through Get Your Guide .

For bespoke, small-group tours that go above and beyond the “normal” experience, we love Take Walks .

interior of the sagrada familia in barcelona spain, an amazing destination when traveling to europe for the first time

Step 9: Learn a little bit of the local language(s).

If you’re staying firmly on the tourist trail on your trip to Europe, you won’t necessarily need to speak any of the local language(s) to travel there.

… But you will almost certainly encounter some monolingual Europeans, and either way, it will definitely enhance your experience in the country to know a tiny bit of their language.

Simple phrases like hello, goodbye, please, thank you, you’re welcome, do you speak English, and the numbers 1-10 can go a long way!

If you’d like to go a bit further, learning to order in restaurants and read menus is both helpful and efficient.

In addition to being fun and practical to learn, it’s one of the conversations that you’re likely to have repeatedly enough during your travels that the phrases will potentially stick with you until long after your trip is over.

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

Step 10: Make a packing list (and shop!).

Packing can often be one of the most unexpectedly stressful parts of getting ready for a trip, and even more so for your very first European vacation!

We have full suggested packing lists for Europe in spring , summer , winter , and fall , which go into far more detail than I have room for here.

Our absolute biggest advice for packing for Europe, though, is not to stress too much about it: just about anything you could possibly forget will be available there too!

For now, here are a few essentials that we absolutely recommend adding to your list:

Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik: Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm on Dubrovnik city walls

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

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

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.

Jeremy Storm carrying a pacsafe backpack and wearing a gray jacket, looking out over Conor Pass in Ireland

Portable USB Charger — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re sightseeing: add a portable charger to your packing list for Europe.

Basic Medication — Some people prefer to buy medication for basic headaches, fevers, and stomach aches as needed, but who wants to deal with language barriers when they’re sick?

I personally learned this lesson the hard way on our very first trip to Europe, and have never hopped continents without my own supply since.

grote markt in bruges belgium, a fun stop for your first time traveling europe

Step 11: Purchase travel insurance.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before jetting off to Europe!

While Europe is generally a perfectly safe place to travel, the reality is that traveling in general opens you up to vulnerabilities that you simply don’t have at home.

If you miss a plane or train, have your luggage get lost, get pickpocketed, or worse, get injured, you’ll be glad that you have insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is when purchased in advance (especially as compared to the price of plane tickets!), it’s well worth the investment.

Consider checking inclusions and prices with Safety Wing for your first trip to Europe.

kate storm in a navy blue dress in front of the marsaxlokk harbor, one of the best places to visit in malta

Step 12: Plan for your arrival.

The penultimate step of planning a trip to Europe is as simple as it is important: make an arrival plan.

When you arrive, you’re undoubtedly going to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and probably a bit jetlagged, too!

No matter how many times we step foot in a new country, it never stops being a tiny bit stressful, simply because there are a lot of variables at play in the first few hours of arriving somewhere new.

ranger storm overlooking toledo spain on his first vacation in europe

Make life easier on yourself by thinking ahead!

When learning how to travel to Europe, set aside time to figure out your exact steps for what to do after the plane lands.

That means knowing exactly how far away your hotel is, how you’ll get there from the airport (train, bus, rental car, taxi?).

If you’ll be traveling by taxi, look up what a reasonable price is at your destination and/or if there’s a set fare from the airport to the city center (in major cities, there often is).

Though it’s not strictly necessary, if you’d like to make arriving in Europe for the first time extra easy on yourself, consider treating yourself to an airport transfer when you arrive (like tours, you can often book these on Get Your Guide ).

Options like this one in Rome and this one in Paris can be a great way to make sure your very first Europe trip starts off on the right foot.

Kate Storm wearing a brown coat and blue backpack, looking up at a departures board in an airport. Her purse holds some of her long haul flight essentials!

Step 13: Have an amazing first trip to Europe!

Once you’ve done the planning… then it’s time for the fun part!

Enjoy every step of your first trip to Europe, from the confusing parts to the magical ones–and yes, both will probably end up with a prominent place in your memories.

If you’re anything like us, the odds are high that your first experience of traveling in Europe won’t be your last.

Once you start… it’s hard to stop.

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

Every day, I wake up to emails from readers planning a trip to Europe.

I love answering emails (and yes, I will probably answer yours!), but there are definitely some frequently asked questions that come up often enough that they deserve a blanket response here.

These are some of the most common FAQs we see about traveling in Europe!

kate storm and jeremy storm sitting on a ledge overlooking cesky krumlov in winter

What’s the easiest way to get Euros and other currency?

The answer to this question has a significant caveat: be sure to check foreign transaction fees and ATM fees with your bank before leaving and let your financial institutions know that you’ll be abroad.

However, generally speaking, by far the easiest way to acquire a new currency when traveling in Europe is to simply withdraw money from the ATM when you arrive.

It has been years since we’ve done anything else, anywhere in the world!

Pena Palace in Sintra, an excellent day trip from Lisbon Portugal

When you’re at the ATM, be sure to opt to have the transaction go through in the currency you’re receiving (ie, Euros), not your home currency (ie, USD).

Your bank’s conversion rate will undoubtedly be better than the ATM’s!

Also, avoid Euronet-branded ATMs like the plague: they’re infamous for their extremely high fees.

Instead, look for an ATM operated by a local bank.

How should I get from city to city in Europe?

This depends entirely on your itinerary, but here’s a very short, very general answer.

Trains are the most comfortable, and often the most expensive.

Buses are the least comfortable, frequently take the longest, and are generally the cheapest.

Rental cars have their place–there are some truly phenomenal road trips in Europe –but rarely make sense for first-time travelers, who tend to bounce between major cities that are well-connected by rail.

kate storm boarding a train to sintra from lisbon portugal

Flights are the most cumbersome, as they burn time dealing with things like security and getting to and from airports located outside of city centers, and simply aren’t comfortable.

However, flights can be surprisingly affordable compared to trains and are obviously the fastest option for covering very long distances.

When traveling Europe for the first time, we recommend traveling by train wherever it makes sense, and filling in the other options as necessary ( here’s our full guide to train travel in Europe ).

Our first multi-country trip to Europe included an overnight train, a daytime train, 2 rental cars, and a flight–in other words, you can definitely mix and match!

Kate Storm waiting for a train on a platform in Luxembourg, as part of a travel Europe by train adventure across Europe

How can I use my phone in Europe?

If your phone is unlocked, the cheapest and easiest way to use your phone in Europe is to buy a local SIM card.

You can either do that on the ground once you land (there’s almost always a selection of helpful kiosks near the airport exit) or if you’d prefer not to worry about it once you arrive, you can buy one online before you go or even try out an eSIM card.

If your phone is not unlocked, or you just hate the idea of changing your SIM card, check with your carrier and see what they offer as far as international plans go.

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

Will I need an adaptor for my electronics?

Most likely, yes!

Luckily, adaptors 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 adaptors as well.

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland with O'Brien's Tower visible on the left and the Stack visible on the right

Do I need to be worried about pickpockets?

I wouldn’t go so far as the use the word “worried”, but aware, yes.

Pickpockets are a problem around the world in places where there are crowds, and that includes major European cities.

Barcelona, Rome, Paris, and Naples are examples of places that are particularly prone to pickpockets.

Watch your belongings carefully, especially near particularly crowded tourist attractions and in and around transportation hubs like train stations, and you will most likely be fine.

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

Very generally speaking, the closer to a world-famous landmark you are, the higher the risk of getting pickpocketed is in that place.

We have never been pickpocketed, but it does happen, even to experienced travelers.

We don’t choose to use a money belt anymore, and pickpockets certainly know about them, but if you would like another layer of protection, they’re an option (we used this one when we first started traveling).

An anti-theft day bag that can be locked and/or attached to a chair can help too, and we carry one everywhere ( we love this one ).

busy spanish steps with fountain in foreground as seen when traveling rome italy

How severe 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 that you are planning to visit during your first European vacation, 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 trip will likely take place–generally speak some English.

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

Can I drink the tap water in Europe?

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!

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

How far in advance should I book my trip?

For plane tickets, we recommend booking your trip 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 central European cities during the Christmas markets, you’ll want to book your hotels as far in advance as you can commit to them as well.

kate storm and jeremy storm holding mugs of gluhwein in one of the christmas markets in bavaria munich germany

What’s your favorite country in Europe?

We get asked this all the time, and the answer is: we couldn’t possibly choose!

We definitely have a very special love for Italy –we’ve spent more time there than any other country outside the USA, traveled the country from north to south, know the travel scene there very intimately, and will continue to visit extensively for the rest of our lives.

And no, we haven’t discounted the possibility of living there one day, either!

However, simply naming Italy as our favorite would discount so much.

Like, for example, how much we adore hiking amongst the Alps in Switzerland, or waking up in picturesque bed and breakfasts in Ireland .

cows in ireland at sunset in the summer, a great first timers destination when traveling to europe for the first time

It skips over the joy of wandering through the art museums of Paris , admiring the rocky coastline of the western Algarve in Portugal, and jumping into the Adriatic Sea in Croatia .

Simply naming one favorite doesn’t leave room for sharing just how incredible it is to marvel at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, or devour Greek salads on Santorini … or so much more than I could include in this list.

And really, the answer to the question behind the question is this: as long as it’s somewhere that you’re desperate to visit, and you plan your trip well, it doesn’t really matter where you decide to go on your first trip to Europe.

Traveling to Europe for the first time is a magnificent and potentially (in our case, definitely) life-altering experience, and there are no wrong answers.

4 photos of europe: french castle, cinque terre, greek beach, woman sightseeing. black and red text reads "how to plan your first europe trip"

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.

2 thoughts on “Your 13-Step Guide to Traveling to Europe for the First Time”

Your blog is SO informative! Planning my first ever trip to Europe (Scotland in particular) and all the info you have is super helpful! :)

So glad to help, and I hope you have a fantastic trip to Scotland!

England , Europe , France , Greece , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Scotland , Travel

20 one-week europe trip itinerary ideas.

Wondering where to spend one week in Europe? These 20 ideas for your Europe trip will help you decide how to maximize your time.

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How to Choose the Best One Week Itinerary for a Europe Trip: 20 Europe Itinerary Ideas

If you’re like most people and getting time off work or kids out of school is challenging, you may only be able to manage one week of vacation. Europe is a great destination to go for one week, simply because of the cultural diversity in such a small geographic area.

The small size, proximity, and ease of transportation between many of the countries in Europe make it a good choice for a culturally rich one week holiday. If you’ve only got one week in Europe, and really want to maximize your time, but you’re wondering where to go in Europe, here are 20 perfect one-week Europe travel itineraries.

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If you're heading to Europe and only have one week to enjoy it, try one of these 20 one week European itineraries that will help you make the most of your time. #Europe #Itinerary #Vacation

Before You go to Europe

Europe is an amazing destination, especially if you pick any of these awesome itineraries, but before leaving there are a few things you should consider when planning your Europe trip:

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Before you go to Europe, be sure you follow my 50 travel tips for Europe. You can find those here.

And the winter months are generally cold in most European countries, especially in the north.That doesn’t mean you should avoid those times, it just depends on your tolerance for crowds and your preference in weather.

WHAT TO PACK FOR EUROPE: What you pack for Europe will highly depend on what time of year you go and where you decide to go. This packing guide for Europe will ensure you have the essentials.
GETTING AROUND: Getting around Europe can be a little daunting, but if you do some research before you go, you’ll be just fine. Transportation in every country in Europe is a little different. I’ve linked many of my articles with helpful advice below like How to Survive Train Travel in Italy and Driving in Scotland . Some itineraries will require you to go by train, car, plane or boat. Travel around Europe doesn’t have to be scary if you learn what to do ahead of time.

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

What to do in Europe for One Week: 20 European Vacation Ideas for Your Europe Trip

These are my best one week vacations in Europe. Taking a multi city European vacation can be a great way to experience several different cultures on one continent. I know that one week in Europe isn’t a lot of time, so I’ve picked cities that are either close in proximity or a quick and cheap flight between each other.

I’ve also tried to choose each Europe travel itinerary with a mix of classic sites and unique destinations. There are so many cool places to visit in Europe that are still undiscovered. Hopefully, some of these locations will be new to you and you’ll be able to discover a new European favorite!

Here's a Short Cut

1 | Amalfi Coast + Rome

This is one of my very favorite European vacation destinations. There are hundreds of choices for stunning history and scenery when you visit Italy, but this Amalfi Coast and Rome itinerary gives you the best of both worlds. Rome is one of the top places to visit in Europe and offers history around every corner…literally, while on the Amalfi Coast you will be overwhelmed by breathtaking ocean views.

Spend several days in Rome, then head south to the Amalfi Coast via Naples and spend a few more relaxing on the beach and driving the coast. It’s one of the best European beach vacations you can take! Amalfi is also one of the most popular Europe vacation spots during the month of August, so you may want to take that into consideration when planning your trip.

Check out these other 5 amazing itineraries for Italy. Italy is one of the best countries to visit in Europe due to its size and variety of landscapes, cultures, and attractions.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Rome

GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Getting from Rome to Amalfi is easy. Take the train from Rome to Naples, from there take the bus to Sorrento. There are many tour buses that travel along the coast, or you can rent a car and do the driving yourself.

WHERE TO STAY Rome | Amalfi RESOURCES How to Spend One Day in Rome Family Guide to Rome How to Spend 2 Days in Naples How to Survive Train Travel in Italy The Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy Tips for Renting a Car in Europe i Heart Italy

If you’re looking for a European vacation with a lot of history and class, this is it! I can’t even count the number of times that I have done the Paris/London combo. I’ve done it with kids, as a couple, as a girls’ trip, and as a field trip. No joke! And every time I go, it’s like completely different cities. You can follow completely different options for London and Paris itineraries and have an amazing time no matter what you choose. In my opinion, these are two of the best cities to visit in Europe as they offer a huge amount of culture, food, and entertainment bang for your buck!

When I plan our family trip to Europe each year, I make sure to always include both Paris and London. These are two of my favorite places in all of Europe. They are popular for good reason. Both Paris and London are so vast and diverse that you can have a new experience each time you visit. The best part about visiting these two cities is that they are very easy to travel between with the help of the Eurostar. It’s a quick journey from the heart of one city to the next that requires no airports, no flying, and no hassle. Note: You will need a passport or visa to travel between England and France and you will need to go through customs before boarding the Eurostar.

I’ve created an easy-to-use day-by-day itinerary for Paris and London so that you can show up and enjoy your trip.

GETTING THERE: Fly into London or Paris GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Take the Eurostar

WHERE TO STAY Paris | London

RESOURCES Paris Walking Guide Paris with Kids Foods You Must Try in Paris Paris Neighborhood Guide How to Use the Paris Bike System London Travel Guide Perfect London Itinerary London with Kids Christmas in London Paddington’s Guide to London How to Use the Paris Bike System

If you’re looking for a European vacation with wild nature and rural beauty, this option is a winner. While both of these spectacular islands really deserve their own week (or weeks really), a trip combining the two is possible, thanks to affordable flights between Iceland and Ireland. A good route would be Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, combined with the west of Ireland including Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and the Cliffs of Moher. These countries are some of the best places to go in Europe if you love majestic natural beauty.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Iceland as its one of the cheapest ways to get to Europe. GETTING BETWEN COUNTRIES: From Iceland , take a quick flight to Ireland. Dublin , Belfast , Cork, or Shannon Airports are usually where you’ll find the best deals.

WHERE TO STAY Ireland | Iceland

RESOURCES Iceland on a Budget Bucket List Things to do in Iceland Iconic Things to do in Dublin Day Trips from Dublin What to do in Killarney Perfect Ireland Itinerary Ireland with Kids Ireland Packing List

This one-week European itinerary includes two of my favorite cities in Europe! Heidelberg, Germany, known for its ancient castle and walkable downtown is a perfect companion to Strasbourg, France only an hour and a half away, in the Alsace region of France, known for its impressive cathedral and half-timber houses. These towns are particularly spectacular during the Christmas season and some of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe. This will be the best Europe itinerary for those looking to spend time in provincial looking towns!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Frankfurt, Germany GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Drive for 1.5 hours or take the train for 1.5 hours.

WHERE TO STAY Heidelberg | Strasbourg

RESOURCES Best European Christmas Markets European Christmas Market Treats What to do in Strasbourg What to do in Heidelberg, Germany What to do in Strasbourg, France

If you want to spend your Europen vacation wandering charming streets and feeling like you’re in a fairytale, this is it. Basel, Switzerland holds a special place in my heart and is often an overlooked town. Only a quick 45-minute train ride from the popular and iconic Colmar, France, Basel offers a unique culture that only a town on the border of three countries can. Basel is especially fun during Herbstmesse, the local Autumn Fair when the city literally turns into a fair! Combine these two beautiful cities for a one-of-a-kind holiday.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Basel or Zurich GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 45 minutes or Train 30 minutes

WHERE TO STAY Colmar | Basel

RESOURCES What to do in Basel Guide to Colmar, France

No European vacation list would be complete without including the unimaginable beauty of the Swiss Alps. Switzerland is a wonderland of natural beauty for the outdoor enthusiast or even anyone who has a remote interest in pretty scenery! It’s one of the best countries in Europe for those who love outdoor activity and natural beauty. It’s just jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

For such a small country, there is so much to see and with two of Switzerland most breathtaking areas just a few hours from each other, it’s worth visiting both of them. These areas offer pristine lakes, ancient gorges, colossal mountains, and a vast array of cultural activities.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Zurich, Switzerland GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Train to Lucerne, Train to Interlaken

WHERE TO STAY Interlaken | Lucerne

RESOURCES Switzerland Itinerary Swiss Food Guide Switzerland Packing List 24 Hours in Zurich What to do in Interlaken What to do in Lucerne

If you’d like your Europe trip to have a good mix of beach and mountain time, this is the perfect combination. Lake Como is probably one of my top favorite places on the planet. It is totally magical and peaceful, and I’ve written about it multiple times and helped friends and family plan trips there. Don’t skip Lake Como on your next trip to Italy. One of my favorite parts of Lake Como is its proximity to the Swiss border. You can actually hike over the borer and into Switzerland! But if you’d rather not hike, hop in the car and take a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland, home of the famous towering mountain, Matterhorn.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Milan, Italy GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 3 hours to Zermatt or take a 4 hour Train ride from Milan

WHERE TO STAY Lake Como | Zermatt

RESOURCES Guide to Lake Como Boating Lake Como Guide to Zermatt Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy i Heart Italy

This is a European vacation full of charm, but also a healthy dose of history and reality. A Paris-Normandy itinerary of Europe combines all the glamor and romance of the city of light with the charm, history, and beauty of Northern France. Spend several days in Paris, taking several day trips, including the impressive floating Mont Saint Michel. This area is one of the best places to visit in Europe for history lovers.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Paris GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 3 hours

WHERE TO STAY Paris | Normandy

RESOURCES Paris Itinerary Paris Walking Guide Paris with Kids Foods You Must Try in Paris Paris Neighbgorhood Guide Guide to Normandy Guide to Visiting Mont Saint Michel France with Kids

Two naturally and culturally beautiful countries are just a short and cheap flight apart and a great combination for a one-week European itinerary, although both countries could take weeks to explore on their own. Spend a few days in Iceland, then take a cheap hopper flight and explore the mystical highlands of Scotland.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Reykjavik GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Fly into Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, or Aberdeen

WHERE TO STAY Iceland | Scotland

RESOURCES Iceland on a Budget Scotland Itinerary What to do in Inverness What to do on the Isle of Skye Scotland Packing List

Some of my favorite Italian destinations, Venice and Lake Como, both built on water, are ideal locations for aquatic enthusiasts. Taking a ride on a gondola in Venice is one of the best things to do in Europe! Take the Vaporetto (water bus) in Venice, then take a short drive or train ride to Lake Como and enjoy boating and relaxing on the beach in one of the adorable villages lining the lake.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Venice or Milan GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 3.5 hours by car or 10 hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Venice | Lake Como

RESOURCES Guide to Lake Como Boating Lake Como Surviving Train Travel in Italy Guide to Venice Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy i Heart Italy

If you’re interested in cheap Europe trips, the gorgeous Ionian islands of Greece are one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Naturally and culturally diverse, affordable, and downright beautiful, Kefalonia and Corfu make great choices for one week in Europe.

Explore ancient ruins, relax on pristine beaches with locals, and dine, affordably, like a Greek god. If you’re travelling Europe on a budget, this is a great option and Greece is one of the best places to visit in Europe in summer if you’re looking for gorgeous beaches at affordable prices.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Kefalonia from London on Ryanair GETTING BETWEEN ISLANDS: Take a ferry between the Ionian Islands from Greek Ferries

WHERE TO STAY Kefalonia | Corfu

RESOURCES Guide to Kefalonia Greece The Ionian Islands The Best Beaches on Corfu What to Wear in Greece Guide to Athens

Two countries on one island? Yep! Take a visit to Ireland AND Northern Ireland. Two countries that are very similar, but also very different. Explore the entire island with this perfect itinerary.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Dublin or any airport in Ireland GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Rent a Car. Driving in Ireland can be tricky and slow, but worth the views and the adventure.

WHERE TO STAY Ireland | Northern Ireland

RESOURCES The Best Places to Visit in Ireland Perfect Ireland Itinerary Ireland with Kids What to do in Killarney Scotland and Ireland Itinerary Ireland Packing List

Scotland is one country that should really be given an entire week. You could definitely say that about any destination, but for a relatively small country, but it has so much to offer that you could spend years here and not see it all.

For one week in Scotland, I recommend visiting Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, including the Isle of Skye. Read here for an entire Scotland Itinerary, here for Edinburgh , here for Inverness and the Highlands , and here for the Isle of Skye.

GETTING THERE: Flying into Edinburgh is usually the cheapest option. GETTING BETWEN AREAS: It’s best to rent a car or hire a driver or tour company. Be sure to read my guide to driving in Scotland.

WHERE TO STAY Ediburgh | Inverness | Isle of Skye

RESOURCES Perfect Scotland Itinerary What to do in Edinburgh What to do in Inverness What to do on the Isle of Skye Scotland Packing List

What could be more charming than a week spent in these “poor provincial towns.” Ok, so they’re definitely not poor or provincial, but you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Belle’s hometown from Beauty and the Beast .

The ancient half-timber homes built along scenic rivers provide a feast for the eyes, while the patisseries, boulangeries, shops, and restaurants provide a feast for the tongue. Split your time between these two idyllic towns and enjoy a peaceful trip back in time.

If you visit Colmar or Strasbourg during Christmas, these towns will be even more magical! Strasbourg is known as “The Capital of Christmas” and both towns have incredible Christmas markets and decorations!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Zurich GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: 30 minutes by train or 1 hour by car

WHERE TO STAY Colmar | Strasbourg

RESOURCES 24 Hours in Zurich Guide to Colmar Guide to Strasbourg The Most Magical European Christmas Markets Must-Have European Christmas Market Treats

Divide your time between the ancient and modern city of light and the historic Loire Valley , home to magnificent palaces, stunning gardens, and green pastures. This one-week itinerary is the perfect balance between city and country life and will provide you with a mix of excitement, peace, and romance. It can be hard to squeeze everything you want into one week European itineraries, but this is a must!

Be sure to map out the castles and palaces you want to see along the way. Our favorite is Chenonceau ! Don’t miss it!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Paris GETTING AROUND: Rent a car and drive two hours to the Loire Valley

WHERE TO STAY Loire Valley | Paris

RESOURCES Walking Guide to Paris Paris with Kids Day Trips from Paris Foods You Must Try in Paris Guide to the Loire Valley 15 Affordable Castles You Can Stay In

This London and Cotswolds Itinerary provides the best of both British worlds, encompassing both the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s oldest and largest cities and the peace and tranquility of the quaint cottage speckled Cotswolds.

As much as I love London (it’s my favorite city), I do get tired of the crowds and the constant noise. It is so refreshing to get into the countryside and have a change of scenery during your time in London. The Cotswolds are a fairytale-like dream trip. Be sure to grab cream tea every chance you get!

GETTING THERE: Fly into one of three London Airports GETTING AROUND: Rent a car and explore the whole Cotswolds area

WHERE TO STAY London | Cotswolds

RESOURCES London Travel Guide Complete Guide to London Perfect London Itinerary London with Kids Paddington’s Guide to London Christmas in London Guide to the Cotswolds

I call this itinerary the best of Northern Italy. Italy is huge and has so much to offer geographically and culturally, but one of my favorite parts of Italy is the train system. The trains in Italy allow for easy access to most major sites, but it can be slightly confusing, so be sure to read this guide to train travel in Italy before you go. Getting between Florence and Cinque Terre is simple with the right knowledge.

The great thing about this itinerary is that you will get to see a big city full of culture, history, and art, and also spend time swimming at the beach and on a boat soaking up rays in in the Liguerian Sea. Read here for Florence, here for Cinque Terre, here for Trains in Italy.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Florence GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Two hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Cinque Terre | Florence

RESOURCES Guide to Cinque Terre Guide to Florence How to Survive Train Travel in Italy Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy

I think Prague and Vienna might be some of the most underrated cities in Europe, and they are worth dedicating an entire week to. Stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and cultural activities abound in these cities that are just a few hours apart.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna or Prague GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 3-hour drive or 4-hour train ride

WHERE TO STAY Prague | Vienna

RESOURCES One Day in Prague What to do in Vienna

If you’re looking for cheap European vacations, the farther east you go, the cheaper it generally gets. These are two cities that had never really been on my bucket list, and to be honest, I had never even heard of Bratislava, which is in Slovakia by the way! Both cities are charming and culturally rich. They are especially festive and beautiful around Christmas time.

Bratislava is on the way between Budapest and Vienna (you can even cycle between Budapest and Vienna ) and Budapest and Prague, so if you’re thinking of doing a combination of any of those cities, it’s a great stop.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Budapest GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 2 hours by car, 2.5 hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Budapest | Bratislava

RESOURCES What to do in Budapest European Christmas Markets What to do in Bratislava

These incredible destinations in Italy are not well known, but that is part of the appeal. I would say they are a good option for a cheaper and less crowded alternative to the Florence and Cinque Terre itinerary.

Lucca is a walled city in Tuscany offering stunning architecture and culture with great family fun activities such as riding bikes along the top of the medieval wall around the city. Sardinia is a heavenly island, just a ferry ride away full of breathtaking beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals. Known as one of the five blue zones in the world- places in the world where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth-Sardinia will make you feel younger and more alive just by visiting.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Rome or Florence GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a Ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia

WHERE TO STAY Lucca | Sardinia

RESOURCES One Day in Rome What to do in Lucca Sardinia Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy What to Wear in Italy

Portugal is a beautiful country full of diverse landscapes, amazing beaches, and cultural city centers. Lisbon is a stunning city and the Algarve region in the south of Portugal offers sunny beaches with world-famous surfing. There are some really cheap flights to Lisbon from the US right now and you can either drive, train, bus, or fly to the Algarve easily. As a southern European country, Portugal is a great choice for a winter destination. We were there last January and could still get in the water. There are many towns to choose from in the Algarve and they are all equally unique and beautiful.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Lisbon GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a plane, car, or bus to the Algarve.

The Perfect Portugal Itinerary

This one week in Europe spent in Austria is a dream. Combining the culture of Vienna and Salzburg with the picturesque feel of Hallstatt, it’s sure to satisfy any traveler. In my opinion, this is a great winter destination if you don’t mind the cold. Vienna and Salzburg have several amazing Christmas markets and Hallstatt is simply a dream to see in the snow!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a train to Salzburg (2.5 hours). A great way to see Hallstatt is to take a day trip from Salzburg.

Hallstatt Day Trip

European Christmas Markets

Christmas Market Treats

If you’re into coastal towns, walled cities, and breathtaking scenery, this combination is for you. The Dalmation Coast is absolutely stunning. The bordering country of Montenegro is really the hidden gem of Europe, offering the same draw as Croatia, but with far fewer tourists. I recommend going during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to be able to enjoy warmer weather with fewer crowds.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Dubrovnik, Croatia GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a Day Trip to Montenegro

Two of the most underrated cities in Europe if you ask me, Budapest and Bratislava are both cities that offer an amazing array of culture and also incredible food. If you’re up for the cold weather, these cities all have incredible Christmas markets and stunning decorations around the holidays. These cities are also all connected by rail so you can easily navigate between them.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna or Budapest GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take the train between each city. Bratislava would be a good day trip from Vienna.

25 | Berlin + Prague

If you love history and architecture, then these two cities will captivate you! Split your time between the two, rent a car and take a road trip between them to enjoy some beautiful scenery.

GETTING THERE: Fly into either Berlin or Prague, whichever airport is cheaper. GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Rent a car and take a road trip between Berlin and Prague.

Whichever Europe Itinerary you choose, you’re guaranteed to love it. You can definitely see so much of Europe in a week and you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Just remember to relax and enjoy and also remember that this probably won’t be the last Europe trip of your lifetime.

Not the Trip You Need?

Not exactly the trip you’re looking for? Don’t worry, I also offer custom trip planning by request for many destinations! Learn more here.

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my resource page for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

Wanderlust Crew

9 thoughts on “ 20 one-week europe trip itinerary ideas ”.

Hi there, My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary next March and would love to go somewhere in Europe for a week. I have only been to Italy (over 20 years ago) and he’s never been. I’m a bit overwhelmed by even trying to figure out where to go. Can you help? Thanks! Hannah

Hi Hannah. I can definitely help! I’ve got several Italy Itinerary ideas for Italy here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/10-days-in-italy/ I also do custom trip planning, specifically for Italy, if you’re interested in that, you can find more info here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/custom-travel-planning/ Italy will be so much fun! One of my favorite places on earth! xo Vanessa

Very helpful! Thank you. We are planning a one year stay & this helped with our itinerary tremendously.

Oh that sounds amazing! You’ll see so much!

Great ideas! We hope we’ll be able to travel to Europe again soon!

Thanks so much! Me too! Going as soon as it’s safe!!

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

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From Paris to Rome: The Ultimate Europe Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: May 15, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

From Paris to Rome: Unlocking Europe's Best-Kept Secrets in 4 Weeks

Quick View 4 week Europe Itinerary

Itinerary for europe trip week 1: spain and portugal.

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

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

Spend 3 Days Exploring Madrid , Its Museums and Nightlife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take An Overnight Train To Lisbon, Portugal

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

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

Spend 3 Days Exploring Lisbon’s Historic Neighborhoods And Landmarks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these options!

Ten To Go Hostel

La Cocotera Boutique Hostel & Coworking

Betica Hotel Rural

5ª Vigia

Europe Itinerary Week 2: France and Italy

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

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

Take A Train From Porto To Paris, France

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

Spend 3 Days Exploring Paris’s Iconic Landmarks And Museums

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

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

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

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

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

Take An Overnight Train To Venice, Italy

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

Spend 2 Days Exploring Venice’s Canals And Architecture

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

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

Take A Train To Florence, Italy

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

Spend 2 Days Exploring Florence’s Art Museums And Churches

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

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

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

Enzo Hotels Reims Tinqueux by Kyriad Direct

Hotel Elysees Opera

Glamour Suite Cagliari

Hotel Mondschein

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

Europe Trip Itinerary Week 3: Italy And Greece

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

Take A Train To Rome, Italy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take A Train Or Flight To Athens, Greece

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take A Ferry To Santorini, Greece

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Delina Mountain Resort

Eagles Nest

Calistus Mykonos

Best Europe Itinerary Week 4: Greece and Germany

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

Take A Ferry Or Flight To Mykonos, Greece

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

Spend 2 Days Exploring Mykonos’s Party Scene And Beaches

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

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

Take A Flight To Berlin, Germany

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

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

Spend 3 Days Exploring Berlin’s Museums And History

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

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

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

Take A Day Trip To Potsdam Or Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roomingtons Laichingen Alb

Das Hotel Ostseeblick

BrombachSeeZeit

Map of Accommodation in Europe

Europe travel guide planning.

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Europe?

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

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

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

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

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

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

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

🚗 Where can I book rental cars or private transportation?

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

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

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

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

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

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

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

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

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Final Thoughts On This One Month Europe Itinerary

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

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

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Europe Trip Planner

Euroventure specialises in multi-city europe trips – specifically interrail and eurail adventures., check out our resources and tools below to help you plan your european escape.

It can be really overwhelming trying to plan your Europe trip. There are a ton of things to work out, research and eventually book. That’s why we offer as many resources and services as possible. From planning tools and rail trip advice, to fully guided tours , we can help you plan your ultimate Europe trip on your terms.

Use our interactive Europe Trip Planner tool to create your own route.

Use our Europe trip planner map to create your own self-guided route, including any major European destinations – plus some further afield including Russia and China!

The map tool is interactive and super easy to use; you can make a plan without any obligation to book your trip with us. We’ll then send you over our best ideas for your route, plus a price including all your trains and accommodation. If you like the idea of having your multi-destination trip planned for you, you can book it within minutes! If not, no problem – you can still use the planner.

Not sure which destinations to visit? Get some inspiration with our destination guide !

Planning a trip to Europe but need some inspiration? Take a look at our self-guided itineraries.

Choose the route you like the best, and we’ll plan your Europe trip. You travel on your own, or with friends, but we’ll organise everything and send it all to you in a handy travel pack. We can also book activities, attractions and excursions for you. All you have to arrange is a flight to and from your start/finish point, plus your travel insurance (which you can sort through our partners here ) and spending money. Find out roughly how much spending money to take .

Wherever we can, we use trains to get from A to B. They’re the most sustainable, sociable and convenient way to get around – and we’ve got deals with all the main providers plus a ton of expert knowledge! Read more about travelling Europe by train – or check out our comparison of different ways to travel Europe for more inspiration. Scroll down for Europe trip itineraries from 1 – 8 weeks or longer!

If you prefer to travel with likeminded backpackers, why not join one of our small group trips across Europe: Find out more.

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How to Plan a Trip to Europe (2-Week Europe Itinerary)

If you’ve been wanting to visit Europe for a while, you’re probably super excited to begin planning your trip and building your Europe itinerary. In this post, we’re going to show you how to plan a trip to Europe that you’ll never forget!

We know from experience that planning a trip to Europe can be quite overwhelming because there are so many places to go and things to see. You want to make sure you add everything possible to your Europe itinerary. Believe me, we understand how important travel planning is!

We’ve been traveling around Europe for more than 10 years. We now spend at least 2 weekends per month traveling in Europe. That’s why we’ve prepared this Europe trip planner for you.

If you have at least 10 days to spend in Europe, this itinerary will cover all the top spots you must see. Do keep in mind that traveling in Europe can be expensive. You also have to be very wise in your planning to make everything fit together perfectly.

You can fly between cities cheaply if you plan it right. Or you can plan to travel with the Eurail Pass, though this option will take longer.

Let’s get your dream European vacation started. Here’s how to plan a trip to Europe, and see as much as humanly possible in 10-14 days.

Quick. Check these necessities off your prep list!

Travel insurance : Travelex has reliable coverage at a reasonable price. You can search for the insurance you need on their website, and filing a claim is easy.
The right luggage can make or break your trip. These hard-sided suitcases come in all different sizes, with spinner wheels and TSA-approved lock.
Renting a car? Discover Cars helps you search and compare offers from all the top companies. Don’t forget to check if you need an International Drivers License.

Table of Contents

Where to Go in Europe

Europe is full of history, bustling cities, incredible sights, unique places to stay , and – my favorite – amazing food! There are a good number of tourist destinations that just about anyone planning a trip to Europe would want to include in the itinerary.

But, obviously, with just 10-14 days in Europe, there’s no way you can cover them all. We’ve chosen the top destinations that we feel you can fit comfortably into 10+ days.

Planning for Europe? Here’s more…

How to Plan a 2-Week Trip to Europe

Ultimate Summer Europe Packing Guide

11 Charming Small Towns & Cities in Europe

Here are the top destinations we recommend visiting in 10+ days in Western Europe: London (I’m still considering this Europe even if it’s no longer in the EU), Paris , Venice , Rome , Berlin , and Amsterdam .

We love all of these cities for different reasons as you’ll see below, but if you can’t fit them all in, you might need to decide between them. For instance, if you’re wondering if should I visit Paris or Rome , consider aspects like cost, activities, and your own personal interest in those activities.

If you have additional time, you could add Munich , Barcelona , Dublin , and/or Edinburgh . We also suggest checking out some of the more charming and small towns in Europe . Or maybe you’re into history – there are so many great medieval towns to visit .

You might want to take a look at this post with 50 of the best street food destinations in Europe before you decide where to go. There are quite a few that would persuade me.

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Western Europe

There are really two perfectly acceptable ways to take a vacation in Europe. Either way can be quite rewarding, but it depends greatly on your travel style how much time you want to put into planning, and what trips you are looking to book for.

Option 1: Book a pre-planned guided tour

A guided tour is the easiest option, by far. While Europe is very easy to get around for travelers, it can be difficult to figure out how to get from place to place, and very tedious trying to decide what to do in each location.

A pre-planned tour won’t give you the same freedom to do what you want, but it is completely planned out for you and you will always have a guide along to help you with anything you need.

Option 2: Plan your own trip

Planning your own self-guided tour of Europe gives you ultimate freedom to choose what you want to do and when. You can go to the places you want, without a group to tag along with.

The drawbacks are that you have to plan it all out yourself, which can be daunting. Check out these additional Europe travel tips to help with your planning.

We will give you the options for both below, including a pre-planned tour we highly recommend and a 14-day self-guided itinerary to follow.

Guided Tour of Europe

If you want to try a guided tour, I recommend a Classic Europe 14-day tour.

This tour is run by Expat Explore Travel and includes everything except International airfare, extra excursions that aren’t in the tour itinerary, and personal incidentals.

» See more information about the Classic Europe tour .

The 14-day itinerary includes:

Start in Amsterdam
Drive through Brussels for a quick stop en route to Paris
Visit Burgundy and the breath-taking Swiss Alps
In Italy , see Pisa, Tuscany, Florence, Rome, and Venice
Travel into Munich and Bavaria in Germany , then to Nuremberg and Berlin
Head back to Amsterdam

There are other Europe tour options with varying destinations. Check out the website to see all options with this tour operator .

Self-Guided Tour of Europe – Plan Your Own Travel Itinerary

With a good plan of action, your 2-week Europe trip will run smoothly and provide you with a comprehensive overview including some of the main countries in Western Europe.

If this schedule seems too ambitious for just a 10 day Europe trip, you can always extend your stay in the cities that interest you most and decide not to visit others.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s entirely up to you.

Day 1-2: London

Arrive in London . Take the Heathrow Express from the airport to your hotel.

You’ll want to stay in West London for easy access to all the top sights. London is very walkable. To get around to all the sights in a day or two, you’ll want to get your walking shoes on.

You can take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour if you’re not up for the walking. For foodies, we highly recommend spending some time doing any of these fun foodie activities in London .

The city is one of the best for restaurants in the world. If you want to take a day trip from London, we suggest Stonehenge , Bath , or Windsor . They’re all very close by and offer a fantastic experience.

In London, be sure to see these sights:

(You can purchase tickets in advance for these activities. These links are affiliate links to activities we’ve done and recommend.)

Tower of London (with the Crown Jewels)
Tower Bridge Experience
Shakespeare Globe
Churchill War Rooms
Westminster Abbey & Big Ben
View from the Shard
Kensington Palace
Kew Gardens

How to Spend One Day in London

Things to Do in Windsor: A Perfect Day Trip From London

21 Fun Foodie Things to Do in London

Where to Stay in London: We recommend the Trafalgar St James by Hilton . It’s in a historic building in a really prime location. The hotel and rooms are designed in art deco and the rooms are really spacious and bright. ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor .

Day 3-5: Paris

Travel to Paris on the Eurostar train . The journey takes just 2 hours from St. Pancras Train Station.

Don’t forget to take a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine with you to enjoy on the train. There are so many things to do in Paris . In only two days, you can cover a lot of ground. You can do a few of these great foodie activities , see the top sights on a walking tour, or join this fun gourmet bus tour for a multi-course meal on a double decker tour bus.

You’ll want to either plan on walking a lot, or acquaint yourself with the Paris Metro map and take short trips in between sights. You can also take the Paris hop of hop off bus to get between sights.

Check out our 3-day Paris itinerary that will help you plan what to see.

In Paris, be sure to see these sights:

Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame (closed for renovations)
Seine River Cruise
Luxembourg Gardens
Arch d’Triomphe
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Louvre Museum
Sacre Coeur & Montmartre

How to Spend One Day in Paris

3-Day Paris Itinerary for First Timers

9 Fun Foodie Things to Do in Paris

Where to Stay in Paris: The best location to stay in Paris is 6th Arrondissement. It is the Latin Quarter. The heart of Paris. And it’s the best location for tourist who are planning to see everything. Here are 8 top hotels with an Eiffel Tower view . We recommend the boutique 4-star Hotel Parc Saint Severin . The rooms are larger than most in Paris and they’re nicely refurbished. Plus it’s a really great location. The metro is really close. ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.

Day 5-7: Venice

Venice is just one of those places you have to visit at least once in your life. It’s an incredibly enchanting city, with so much character that you feel a little like you’re floating around in a Disney movie.

The views across the Grand Canal are so beautiful, and the narrow alleys can lead you to get lost in a city of charm. Everywhere you turn is another incredible view, and a gondola floating by in the distance. It’s one of a kind.

With so many great things to do in Venice, you really need to set up a good itinerary before you leave, to make sure you fit everything in.

Check out our shortcut guide to all the best parts of Venice, which will help you plan. Definitely make time for a Venice food tour .

The food in Venice is great, if you know where to look. And you can check out our YouTube video for the top 10 things to do in Venice , if you need more ideas.

You can pre-book some of the activities. I would definitely pre-book the activities below, so you don’t miss out.

Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Eat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
Legendary Venice St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace

Essential Travel Guide to Venice, Italy [Infographic]

Top Foods to Try on a Venice Food Tour

Guide to the Best Wine Regions in Italy

Where to Stay in Venice:

Ai Patrizi di Venezia If you’re staying for 3+ nights, I highly recommend this apartment. It’s in the perfect location, is incredibly comfortable and clean, and has a kitchenette. We sometimes prefer an apartment to a hotel so we’re not being bothered by housekeeping. This place is a gem. | Read Reviews or Book a Stay Hotel Londra Palace If you’d rather stay in a hotel because you like the extra amenities, then Hotel Londra Palace is a great choice. It’s in a very good location, only 5 min walk from St. Mark’s Square, with free wifi and a restaurant. Some rooms have a balcony and an incredible view. | Read Reviews or Book a Stay

Day 8-10: Rome

Coliseum in Rome - how to plan a trip to europe

Rome is a city that will capture your heart the moment you arrive. It’s amazing to see so much history packed into one place, and so much of it is scattered right in the middle of a modern city. There’s really no where else like it. Plus the food. You have to go on a food tour and witness it first hand.

If you’re planning a trip, we’ve got you covered with our shortcut travel guide to Rome : an informative and helpful infographic that will give you a quick peek at all the top things you should plan to do in Rome. Here’s our 3-day itinerary to help plan it all out.

Top things to put on your itinerary:

The Colosseum : This monumental amphitheater is one of the most recognized symbols of Rome, offering a peek into the world of ancient Roman gladiators. Try to book a guided tour to get the full historical context.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill : Located near the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and judicial center of ancient Rome. The Palatine Hill, according to Roman mythology, is where the city was founded by Romulus.
Pantheon : This best-preserved monument from the Roman Empire is a marvel of architectural design, with its impressive dome and the oculus at its center.
Vatican City : Here, you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s renowned frescoes. Be sure to dress modestly as a sign of respect.
Trevi Fountain : Throw a coin into this iconic fountain to ensure your return to Rome. It’s beautiful during the day, but consider a visit at night when it’s lit up.
Piazza Navona : This square is home to Bernini’s famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), as well as various artists, musicians, and street performers.
Spanish Steps : Climbing these steps from Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti offers a wonderful view. The nearby shopping district is a must for fashion enthusiasts.

PRO TIP: Skip the line tickets are necessary in Rome, especially during high season. You won’t waste time waiting in huge lines.

Eating Europe’s Twilight Trastevere Tour (We loved this tour! Read about it here .)
Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour (definitely worth it)
Colosseum and Ancient Rome Small-Group Tour

What To Do in Rome in 3 Days

Essential Travel Guide to Rome, Italy [+Infographic]

Eat Like a Local on a Rome Food Tour

Where to Stay in Rome

The best location in Rome depends on what you want to accomplish during your stay, but it’s always best to be centrally located so you can walk to all of the main attractions.

Two great choices in the affordable luxury range are The Inn at the Spanish Steps (with a gorgeous roof-top pool) and Il Palazzetto . We also really enjoyed staying at Nerva Boutique Hotel in the popular Rione i Monti area.

Day 10-12: Berlin

Berlin is a very modern city with a good art scene, many museums, great food options, and cultural/historical things to see and do. It’s a sprawling city so you’ll want to be ready for public transportation.

There are a few Berlin attractions and sights you don’t want to miss like these we’ve listed here:

Brandenburg Gate : This iconic symbol of Berlin was once a symbol of division during the Cold War, but now stands for German unity and is a must-see.
Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie : No visit to Berlin is complete without learning about its Cold War history. The Memorial provides an insightful look into the era of the city’s division.
Reichstag Building : The seat of the German Parliament, the building’s glass dome offers a panoramic view of the city. It’s a good idea to register in advance for a visit.
Museum Island : Home to five world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. The latter houses the bust of Nefertiti, an ancient Egyptian queen.
Alexanderplatz and TV Tower : A large public square and transport hub in the central Mitte district, featuring the iconic TV Tower (Fernsehturm) which provides excellent views over the city.
Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe) : A poignant, powerful monument to one of history’s darkest times.

The best way to see all of these sights is on this Discover Berlin half-day walking tour . The tour is really inexpensive and is the best way to learn the historical and cultural past of Germany, while see the top sights.

Foodies will also want to check out Markethalle Neun , an indoor market with international food vendors, especially on Street Food Thursdays! Also plan for a beer tour and a Berlin food tour in order to taste the best parts of the city!

Essential Travel Guide to Berlin, Germany [Updated 2024]

Berlin is a city that holds a certain mystery, due to its interesting history that forever changed the world. ...

Where to Stay in Berlin

One of my favorite hotels is the Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection . It’s located right in the center of the city, conveniently located for transportation, so you can easily get around to the top sights. There’s a bar, restaurant, and really comfortable rooms. ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor .

Day 12-14: Amsterdam

As a tourist, you’ll likely find Amsterdam to be a very welcoming and fun place to explore. The canals and old cobblestone streets make it the quintessential European city, and it’s just so easy to get around. Read our full guide to 3-days in Amsterdam for the full rundown.

The many activities in Amsterdam include history, art and food. I think a good plan to tackle the city includes a bit of walking tour, interspersed with stops to try the local food and drinks.

Be sure to try bitterballen, poffertjes, and frites (which you can get with dozens of different sauces), along with all the cheese. There are dozens of different canal cruises you can take that are often paired with cheese, beer, wine or even pizza.

For drinks, we recommend stopping at some of the beer bars , like Proeflokaal Arendsnest and Beer Temple, as well as the top cocktail bars like Tales & Spirits and Flying Dutchman. And don’t forget to sample the genever at Proeflokaal ‘t Kelkje, one of the best places in Amsterdam to taste genever!

Here are a few links to our favorite tours and activities in Amsterdam so you can purchase your tickets in advance:

Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat
Skip-the-line Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum Guided Combo Tour – Private Tour

Eat like a local in Amsterdam with Eating Europe Food Tours – there are 5 tours available:

Jordaan Food Tour
Jordaan Food & Canals Tour
Amsterdam at Twilight Food Tour
Food Tour in Haarlem
A Taste of Life in Haarlem

Essential Travel Guide to Amsterdam [Updated for 2024]

Where to Find the Best Beer in Amsterdam

Where to stay in Amsterdam

We like staying near Dam Square in central Amsterdam. It’s fun and lively, close to or within easy walking distance of many of the top attractions, and easily accessible for public transportation.

Radisson Blu – This is a nicely-decorated 4-star hotel located directly on a canal near Rembrandt Square. Great place to stay. Read Reviews on Trip Advisor

Tips for Planning a Trip to Europe

Best time to go to europe.

When you decide to go to Europe should be based on what type of experience you want to have. A lot of people make it a priority to go to Europe in the summer because that’s when they take vacation, or when the kids are out of school.

However, everyone else is doing the same thing. That means July-August is high season and there are a lot of visitors. Attractions are packed, lines are long, prices are high, and it can be really hot outside.

The best weather in Europe can be found from late March to early June and from late September to early December. This is considered the shoulder season in Europe and there will be less people and lower prices.

We prefer to travel during these times because it’s just so much easier. And the nicer weather makes all the difference.

We especially caution against traveling in Italy in August. It is one of the hottest months and the weather can be a real hindrance to your happiness.

Getting to Europe

Many top airlines from around the world have direct flights into London. It’s probably one of the easiest cities to get into.

Check Skyscanner for great deals on airfare. We prefer to fly into London for the ease of it all, but you can skip London and fly directly into Paris, if you wish.

Also keep in mind that airfare is lower on the shoulder and off season than it is during the summer. (See this article for more on how to find great airfare ).

We also recommend flying into one city and out of another, so you don’t waste some of your holiday time flying back to the starting point. Using the multi-city option on Skyscanner , you should be able to find this option without the fares getting to high.

Getting Around Europe

When planning your Europe itinerary, keep in mind the distance between each destination. Europe seems small, but it takes a while to get between destinations. In most cases, you’ll need at least a half day to get between locations, more if taking the train.

Once you arrive in Europe, you can either fly or take the train between cities. We prefer to take early morning or late night flights, to avoid burning active hours in our destination.

Flying is relatively cheap on budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet . We fly with them all the time.

There are fees for any extras you add, and checking luggage can be expensive, so do be mindful of that.

See here for an idea of what it costs and the flight times for each of the legs in our itinerary:

London to Paris: $50
Paris to Venice: $85
Venice to Rome: $70
Rome to Berlin: $95
Berlin to Amsterdam: $70

Via Train – Eurail Pass

Another way to travel around Europe in by train. You can purchase individual train tickets for each journey you wish to take. That will help you mix and match, if you want to fly between some cities and take the train between others.

However, a more economical way to go by train is with a Eurail Pass. The price of the Eurail Pass varies depending on your needs. They range from $250 to over $1000. For the itinerary we laid out in this post, you would need a 5 days within 1 month pass, which costs $326 (updated 2019).

This allows you to travel on any 5 days over a period of a month. There’s also a 7 days in one month pass for $388, if you think you’d like to tack on another destination. These passes entitle you to travel on specific trains only.

You can’t just show up and get on any train, but you don’t need reservations except for the high-speed and overnight trains (which also require an extra fee). They’re only for non-European travelers. And they can only be used for the class of service booked.

Travel Documents – Schengen Area

Always verify the entry requirements and travel documents needed for each specific country you are trip planning for as requirements can vary. You can check with the embassies or consulates of the countries you’ll be visiting or use official government travel websites for the most accurate and current information.

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries may have different requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific entry requirements for the countries you plan to visit.

Depending on your nationality and the specific European countries you plan to visit, you may or may not need a visa. Citizens of the United States can generally enter the Schengen Area (a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders) for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer or visit countries outside the Schengen Area, you may need additional visas.

Tipping in Europe

Yes, you do need to tip in Europe. However, it’s not at the custom level of the U.S. There are some key differences.

First of all, 10% is the norm for tipping in a nice restaurant. You can give more if you had a stellar experience, but that’s more like 12%. Not 20%. In a cafe or deli, just round up your bill to the nearest dollar. If it was €3.80, leave the .20 cents as a tip.

In pubs in London and bars in Europe, tipping isn’t expected on small amounts.

Whatever you do, always check the bill for a service charge. There are MANY places throughout Europe now that charge a set service fee and include it in the bill. This is often 10 or 12%. If this fee has been added to your bill, there is no need to tip.

Eating in Europe

Since you’ll be visiting many different countries while in Europe, the food will be very diverse. You will have the best overall experience if you’re willing to try all the foods you come across and have an open mind that you mind really like something you’ve never tried before.

In London, you should have a Sunday roast , Fish and Chips , a Steak & Ale pie . See our foodie guide to London for more.
In Paris, are you daring enough to try frog’s legs or escargot ? Definitely make room for crepes and a Croque Monsieur . See our foodie guide to Paris for more.
In Italy, you’ll find an unimaginable array of pasta dishes , pizza, dried meats, and cheeses. Berlin has a very international food scene. It’s not just Schnitzel and sausage anymore.
And in Amsterdam, you must try the frites , the bitterballen and the Poffertjes (pancakes).

In every city, there is now a food tour taking place. We always recommend going on a food tour first thing when you arrive because it gives you a very good overview of the foods you should look out for and where to find them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $5000 enough for a trip to europe.

With careful planning and budgeting, $5000 can allow you to have an enjoyable and fulfilling trip to Europe. However, the amount of money you need for a trip to Europe can vary widely depending on several factors, including the duration of your trip, the countries you plan to visit, your travel style, and the activities you want to experience.

How early should I plan my Europe trip?

Starting to plan your Europe trip 6 months in advance is a good timeframe, especially if your trip involves multiple destinations, is during the peak season, or requires visas. This allows you to also get your accommodation booked in advance. However, if your trip is relatively simple and during the off-peak season, you might be able to start planning 3 months before your travel dates.

What’s the best time to visit Italy?

Italy is a year-round destination, but many people prefer the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds in Italy are generally smaller at this time of year.

21 Most Charming Small Towns & Cities in Europe

8 Unique Places to Stay in Europe & UK

21 Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe

Now you know how to plan a trip to Europe, and we’ve given you a 2-week itinerary to follow. What are you waiting for? Whether you take a guided tour or do this Europe 2-week itinerary on your own, I am certain you will find it to be the most exciting and rewarding trip you’ll ever take.

Europe is fascinating and full of surprises. Let us know how your trip to Europe turns out!

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

18 Best Wine Regions in Europe for Wine Lovers

Like this post? Why not save it to your Pinterest board ?

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

15 thoughts on “ How to Plan a Trip to Europe (2-Week Europe Itinerary) ”

A great two-week itinerary for those looking to see the capital cities of Europe Laura – and totally agree with the London food choices! We are heading to the UK early next month and the Sunday roast and fish and chips ( with curry sauce) are high on our agenda;) Also an afternoon tea with clotted cream! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this thorough article. Shelley x

I always love a good cream tea!

I am planning on visiting Europe – more like a backpacking trip. And believe, I probably have read all the possible articles about “How to Self Organize Europe Trip” and this is the first article which covered everything I needed to know in a simple and minimal way. I couldn’t thank you enough, Laura. Really helpful!!!!!

Glad you found it useful, Sneha. Enjoy your trip.

This is awesome, thank you ❤️

Thank you for ALL of this great information. I’m in the beginning stages of planning a vacation for my family of 6. We will fly out of JFK – probably late June 2023 and we would like to visit: London, Paris, Venice, (Rome maybe) and Barcelona. Does the order of countries make sense? And know we would do train from Paris to Venice – but what would you suggest for the rest of the trip as far as traveling between countries? Thank you!

Hi Jill. That trip route sounds good. You can actually do all trains, if you don’t mind overnight travel, to save time. I would likely take the Eurostar from London to Paris, fly to Venice, train to Rome, and flight to Barcelona. You can easily get low-cost airline flights between all of those places.

Hi Laura, do you know whether the flight from Paris to Venice would be very busy? We definitely want to hit up London, Amsterdam, Paris and Italy (Venice/Florence/Rome) but felt that 14 days was ambitious for us. We also were hoping to avoid flights as much as possible due to the mass flying and worry it might take forever at the airport during August/September.

Hi Linda. The flight from Paris to Venice is likely always full, but it’s not a bad experience. We fly these routes all the time. You could also take the train! If you want to take a slower journey and actually cover it well, I would recommend 3 weeks for that trip. It is quite ambitious to do it in 2 weeks, but most people don’t have that much vacation time.

Hi and thank you so much for sharing all of this information! I am planning a summer trip for next year and am just researching to get a jump start on things and saving up!

I have a question…is there a way to add in the Almafi coast in this itinerary easily? What would you suggest as far as when you would add that? Before or after Venice…etc. and how many days would you recommend there? I was planning to do a boat day there.

Hi Cassandra. We were just in the Amalfi coast! You’ll love it. If you have time, I would suggest doing this itinerary the opposite way – starting in London and ending in Naples. Then you can visit the Amalfi coast and travel home from Naples.

Thanks so much for the in-depth wonderful article you turned out here .God Bless You

Hi there! This is really helpful!! I’m just confused, and trying to follow the map you post at the top. Just underneath your header “Self-Guided Tour of Europe – Plan Your Own Travel Itinerary”, there’s a map with a travel route posted. But that map does not match up with the route that is detailed below. The map appears to start in London and go to Paris, and them double-back to Amsterdam. But in the written itinerary, you talk about going from Paris to Venice, but this is not shown as the route on the map, and there’s no mention of how to get from Paris to Venice. Just trying to figure out if I follow what’s posted on the map, or what is outline in the written itinerary?? THANK YOU!!!

Hi Sherry. It looks like Amsterdam just got inserted in the wrong place on the map. I’ve updated it to be last instead of 3rd. Although if you wanted to fly into London and out of Rome, you could still put Amsterdam 3rd in the itinerary.

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37 Things You Need For Your Europe Packing List: What To Pack For A Trip In Europe

I’m about to share with you the ultimate rundown of 37 things you need for your Europe packing list. Trust me, after countless trips across the continent and living in Europe for over 20 years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what to pack for a trip in Europe.

Whether you’re gearing up for a summer trip, a spring getaway, or planning to catch the beautiful fall foliage, I’ve got you covered with all the international travel essentials you’ll need.

1. Passport

Photo Cred Brianna r on Unsplash passport 1

This one’s obvious, but it’s so important it bears repeating. Your passport is the most crucial item on your Europe packing list. Make sure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. I always keep mine in a secure, waterproof pouch.

2. Travel Insurance Documents

Better safe than sorry, right? While we all hope our trips go smoothly, it’s wise to be prepared. I always print out a copy of my travel insurance details and keep it with my passport. It’s also a good idea to have a digital copy stored in your email.

3. Credit and Debit Cards

Photo Credit Nick Noel on Unsplash Passport

Inform your bank of your travel plans before you leave to avoid any issues with your cards abroad. I usually bring two credit cards and a debit card, keeping them in separate places for added security.

Remember, many places in Europe prefer cash, so don’t rely solely on cards.

4. Some Cash in Local Currency

It’s always good to have some cash on hand for small purchases, tips, or places that don’t accept cards. I usually get a small amount before I leave home and then use ATMs once I arrive for better exchange rates.

5. Versatile Tops

Alright, let’s start with the basics. When it comes to tops, think versatility. I always pack a mix of 5-7 shirts that can be easily layered and mixed-and-matched.

For a summer trip, I’ll throw in some linen or breathable tees and a couple of light long-sleeves for those cooler evenings. If you’re heading out in spring or fall, pack a few more long-sleeve options.

Trust me, being able to layer up or down is key when you’re dealing with Europe’s sometimes unpredictable weather.

6. Comfortable Bottoms

Next up on our Europe packing list: bottoms. I typically bring 3-4 pairs, including a trusty pair of jeans, a nice linen pants, a couple of comfortable shorts for warmer days, and maybe a skirt or 3 dresses.

Remember, you’ll be doing a ton of walking, so comfort is crucial. I once made the mistake of bringing only skinny jeans on a summer trip to Rome – let’s just say it wasn’t my most comfortable experience!

7. Lightweight Jacket

This is an absolute must-have for your European packing list, especially if you’re planning a spring or fall trip. I always pack a water-resistant jacket that can be easily stuffed into my day backpack.

It’s saved me from unexpected showers more times than I can count, whether I was strolling through London in the spring or hiking in the Scottish Highlands in the fall.

8. Comfortable Walking Shoes

Listen up, because this is important: do not skimp on good walking shoes! European cities are beautiful, but they’re often full of cobblestone streets and hills. Your feet will thank you for including a reliable, well-broken-in pair of walking shoes to add to your packing list for Europe.

I learned this lesson the hard way during my first 2 week trip to Europe when I thought fashion trumped function. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t!

9. Dressy Outfit

While comfort is key for daytime exploring, it’s a good idea to pack one nice outfit for evenings out or special occasions. Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, especially for dinner or a show at the theater, so having something a bit fancier will help you blend in.

10. Undergarments and Socks

This might seem obvious, but pack enough underwear and socks for your entire trip, plus a few extras. For a 2-week trip in Europe or longer, I recommend quick-dry options. They’re easy to wash in your hotel sink and will dry overnight, which is super handy if you’re trying to pack light.

11. Pajamas

Don’t forget something comfortable to sleep in! I always pack a light pair of pajamas or a sleep shirt. They don’t take up much space and trust me, after a long day of sightseeing, you’ll appreciate having some cozy sleepwear to change into.

12. Day Backpack

A small, comfortable backpack is one of those vacation essentials you’ll use every single day. It’s perfect for carrying your water bottle, camera, jacket, and any souvenirs you pick up along the way.

I prefer one with multiple compartments to keep things organized and a padded back for comfort during long days of exploration.

13. Cross-body Bag

For evenings out or when you want to carry less, a secure cross-body bag is perfect. It keeps your hands free and your belongings safe.

I always bring one that’s big enough to fit my phone, wallet, and a small camera, but small enough to not be cumbersome during dinner or while enjoying a night out in Madrid.

14. Sun Hat

Don’t underestimate the European sun, especially if you’re on a summer trip! A good sun hat will protect your face and neck while you’re out exploring.

I love a wide-brimmed straw hat for those sunny days wandering through lavender fields in Provence or lounging on the beaches of the Greek Islands.

15. Sunglasses

Another must-have for any season in Europe. Whether you’re skiing in the Alps or island-hopping in Croatia, a good pair of sunglasses is essential. They protect your eyes and let’s be honest, they’re great for hiding jet lag on those first few days!

A lightweight scarf is one of the most versatile items on your Europe packing list. It can dress up an outfit, keep you warm on chilly evenings, or even serve as an impromptu picnic blanket. I never travel to Europe without one, especially for fall trips when the weather can be a bit unpredictable.

17. Travel-sized Toiletries

Save space in your luggage by packing travel-sized versions of your essential toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer – you know the drill. European airports often have stricter regulations than TSA, so be mindful of this when packing your carry-on.

Pro tip: if you’re staying in hotels , you can often skip packing shampoo and body wash, but I always bring my own conditioner and face wash.

18. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Dental hygiene doesn’t take a vacation! Pack your regular toothbrush or invest in a travel-sized one. Don’t forget the toothpaste – while you can buy it in Europe, it’s easier to bring your own favorite brand.

19. Deodorant

Trust me, after a long day of exploring cobblestone streets and climbing cathedral towers, you’ll be glad you remembered this. Stick deodorants are my go-to for travel as they won’t leak in your bag.

20. Sunscreen

Protect your skin, regardless of the season. European summers can be intense, but even in spring and fall, you’ll want sun protection.

I always pack a facial sunscreen and a body sunscreen, because no one wants to deal with a sunburn while trying to enjoy the beauty of Europe.

21. Medications

Don’t forget any prescription medications you take regularly. It’s also a good idea to bring some basic over-the-counter remedies like pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and motion sickness pills.

You never know when you might need them, and while you can find pharmacies in Europe, it’s easier to have your preferred brands on hand.

22. Smartphone

In today’s world, your smartphone is one of the most essential international travel essentials. Use it for navigation, translation, taking photos, and staying connected with loved ones back home.

Just don’t forget to check with your provider about international plans before you go!

While your phone can take great photos, if you’re into photography, you might want to bring a dedicated camera. Europe is incredibly photogenic, from the stunning architecture to the beautiful landscapes. I never regret bringing my camera, even if it takes up a bit more space in my backpack.

24. Universal Power Adapter

This is crucial for keeping your devices charged. European outlets are different from those in the US, so make sure you have an adapter that works in all the countries you plan to visit. I prefer one with USB ports for easy phone charging.

25. Portable Charger

Never run out of battery while on the go. A portable charger has saved me countless times, whether I was using my phone for navigation or wanted to take just one more photo of the Eiffel Tower at sunset. It’s a must-have for long days of sightseeing.

26. Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste. Many European cities have public water fountains where you can refill your bottle for free. I love my insulated bottle that keeps water cold all day, even under the hot Mediterranean sun.

27. Travel Pillow

For comfortable naps on trains or planes, a good travel pillow is a lifesaver. I prefer an inflatable one to save space in my backpack. It’s especially useful if you’re planning any overnight train journeys – a popular and fun way to cover long distances in Europe.

28. Eye Mask and Earplugs

These can be absolute lifesavers in noisy hostels or on overnight trains. They take up virtually no space in your bag but can make a huge difference in the quality of your sleep.

Trust me, when you’re trying to beat jet lag or rest up for another day of adventures, you’ll be glad you packed these.

29. Travel Umbrella

Be prepared for unexpected showers, especially during spring and fall trips. A compact travel umbrella doesn’t take up much space but can save the day when you’re caught in a sudden downpour.

I’ve used mine everywhere from misty walks in the English countryside to surprise storms in sunny Barcelona.

30. Packing Cubes

If you haven’t used packing cubes before, prepare for them to change your travel game. They’re absolute lifesavers for organizing your luggage, especially for a 1 month trip in Europe.

I use different colors for different categories of clothing, making it easy to find what I need without unpacking everything.

31. Laundry Bag

Keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones with a simple laundry bag. I use a lightweight, washable one that I can just throw in with my clothes when I do laundry. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in keeping your suitcase organized.

32. Travel Guidebook

In the age of smartphones, you might think guidebooks are obsolete, but I still love having a physical book to flip through.

It’s great for planning on the go, doesn’t require charging, and can be a fun souvenir after your trip. Plus, it’s handy when your phone battery dies or you don’t have Wi-Fi.

33. Language Phrasebook

Showing effort to speak the local language goes a long way in making connections and showing respect. A small phrasebook with key words and phrases in the languages of the countries you’re visiting can be incredibly useful.

I’ve found locals really appreciate it when you try to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words!

34. Portable Wi-Fi Device

If you need constant internet access, consider renting a portable Wi-Fi device. It’s been a game-changer for me, especially when navigating new cities or trying to post those Instagram-worthy shots in real-time.

Just make sure to check the coverage for the countries you’re visiting.

35. Travel Journal

There’s something special about putting pen to paper to document your adventures and memories. I love looking back at my travel journals, filled with ticket stubs, sketches, and thoughts from my trips. It’s a much more personal souvenir than photos alone.

36. Reusable Shopping Bag

Many European countries charge for plastic bags, so bring your own. A foldable, reusable shopping bag takes up almost no space but comes in handy for grocery runs, carrying souvenirs, or even as an extra day bag.

I’ve used mine countless times, from impromptu picnics in Paris to beach days in Greece.

37. Travel Locks

Keep your belongings secure in hostels or while in transit with a couple of small travel locks. They’re especially useful if you’re staying in hostels or using luggage storage facilities. Just remember to use TSA-approved locks if you’re checking your bag on flights.

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Orlando, FL

This Stunning European-Inspired Village In Ohio Is Perfect For Family Day Trips

By: Author Jasper Miller

Posted on September 5, 2024

Wander through charming streets lined with Tudor-style buildings and feel transported to a quaint European village, right in the heart of Ohio .

Mariemont, a picturesque community just outside Cincinnati, offers an enchanting mix of historic architecture, lush parks, and inviting eateries.

Families will love the peaceful atmosphere and unique experiences that make it ideal for a memorable day trip.

Whether you’re exploring scenic walking paths or indulging in local treats, there’s something delightful for everyone.

Ready to discover why this storybook village should be your next family adventure?

Walking through Mariemont is like stepping into a real-life storybook, where every corner reveals a piece of its 1920s charm.

Thanks to careful preservation, the village keeps looking like it’s straight out of a classic film set.

The architectural style is a delightful nod to the English garden city principles, making you feel like you’ve somehow wandered into a quaint English village without the need for a passport or a bad British accent.

This charming village owes its existence to Mary Emery, a philanthropist with a vision.

She dreamed up a community where people could live in harmony with nature, and boy, did she deliver!

The tree-lined streets and picturesque parks are so serene, you might start questioning your city lifestyle choices.

You’ll find yourself strolling through these streets, half expecting to bump into Mary herself, perhaps offering you a cup of tea and a slice of her harmonious vision.

The Mariemont Inn stands as a testament to the village’s commitment to preserving its heritage.

This historic hotel, styled after an English country inn, offers cozy, well-appointed rooms that make for a perfect weekend getaway.

Step inside, and you might think you’re in a quaint village in the Cotswolds.

The inn combines old-world charm with modern amenities, making it a comfortable yet unique place to stay.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Mariemont offers numerous parks and walking trails.

The Mariemont Preservation Foundation has done an incredible job maintaining these green spaces, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to have a picnic, go for a jog, or simply relax under a tree, you’ll find the perfect spot in one of the village’s many parks.

Not to be missed is the Bell Tower, an iconic landmark that offers stunning views of the village and its surroundings.

It’s a fantastic spot for family photos, so don’t forget your camera.

Foodies will find plenty to love in Mariemont as well.

The village boasts a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants.

One must-visit spot is the National Exemplar, located inside the Mariemont Inn.

This restaurant offers a delightful menu featuring both classic American dishes and European-inspired cuisine.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a sumptuous lunch, or an elegant dinner, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds.

Related: This Historic Small Town in Ohio is the Perfect Day Trip for Families

Related: This Small Town in Ohio is One of the Most Relaxed, Stress-Free Spots in the Midwest

Related: This Small Town in Ohio has More Historic Wonders than any Other Place in the State

If you’re craving something sweet, stop by Graeter’s Ice Cream, a beloved local institution.

Their handcrafted ice cream is made using a traditional French pot process, resulting in a rich, creamy treat that’s hard to resist.

With a variety of flavors to choose from, everyone in the family is sure to find their new favorite.

Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the unique boutiques and specialty shops scattered throughout the village.

From local crafts and artisanal goods to high-end fashion and home decor, there’s something for every taste and budget.

The village’s pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon browsing and shopping.

Art lovers will appreciate the Mariemont Theatre, an independent cinema that showcases a mix of mainstream and arthouse films.

The theater’s charming, old-world ambiance adds to the overall experience, making it a great place to catch a movie after a day of exploring.

Don’t forget to check their schedule for special events and screenings.

Mariemont also hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.

From seasonal festivals and farmers markets to outdoor concerts and holiday celebrations, there’s always something happening in the village.

These events provide a great opportunity to mingle with locals and experience the village’s vibrant community spirit.

For those interested in history, the Mariemont Preservation Foundation offers guided tours that delve into the village’s rich past.

Learn about Mary Emery’s vision, the village’s unique planning and development, and the efforts to preserve its historic charm.

These tours are both educational and entertaining, making them a great activity for families and history buffs alike.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the village’s proximity to several golf courses and recreational facilities.

Whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking to try something new, you’ll find plenty of options to keep you active and entertained.

The scenic surroundings and well-maintained facilities make for an enjoyable day out on the greens.

Mariemont’s sense of community is palpable from the moment you arrive.

Residents take immense pride in their village, and their warmth and hospitality are evident in every interaction.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a weekend , you’ll feel like a welcomed guest in this charming community.

Accessibility is another highlight of Mariemont.

Located just a short drive from Cincinnati , the village is easy to reach by car.

For those relying on public transportation, several bus routes connect Mariemont to surrounding areas, ensuring a smooth and convenient trip.

Mariemont’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern conveniences makes it a unique and appealing destination.

From the charming architecture and lush parks to the delightful dining and shopping options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, Mariemont’s timeless charm and welcoming atmosphere are sure to leave a lasting impression.

For more information on events, accommodations, and dining options, be sure to visit the village’s website .

Use this map to plan your visit and discover all that Mariemont has to offer.

Where : Mariemont, OH 45227

So, what are you waiting for?

Gather the family, pack a picnic, and head to Mariemont for a day of fun, relaxation, and discovery.

How soon can you start planning your trip?

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You can take bags on, which are checked by security, and take as many photos as you like. On a clear day, you can see as far as Scotland 😉. Keep your places to visit, flight/hotel reservations, and day-by-day itineraries for your trip to Europe in our web and mobile app vacation planner.
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1. Get your documents in order.

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2 Weeks in Europe – The Perfect Europe Itinerary

2 Week Europe Itinerary

Days 1 – 3: London

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Days 4 – 6: Paris

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Days 7- 9: Barcelona

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