Two weeks in Europe is enough time to fall completely in love with the continent — but only if you plan it right. This guide gives you everything you need: a flagship day-by-day route covering Europe’s greatest hits, plus 10 alternative two-week itineraries grouped by region — one for every kind of traveler.
We are Anda and Laszlo, both born and raised in Europe, which means we know things no guidebook will tell you. Like which “must-see” cities are actually worth two days versus two hours, where the train pass pays for itself and where it doesn’t, and why most itineraries try to cram in twice as much as they should. After 35+ years of professional travel writing across more than 30 European countries, we’ve built this 2 weeks in Europe itinerary around what actually works for first-timers, not what looks good on paper. So, if you are planning a trip to Europe and need some itinerary ideas for your vacation you have come to the right place.
Fourteen days may sound like a long trip, but not on this incredibly diverse continent. With so many attractions, sights to see and cultures to experience, your 2 weeks vacation in Europe will go by in the blink of an eye! Therefore, in this guide we’ll walk you through the perfect first-timer itinerary day-by-day, plus 10 carefully crafted alternative routes — one for every kind of traveler.
QUICK ANSWER
The best 2 weeks in Europe itinerary for first-timers covers six iconic cities: London → Paris →Amsterdam → Lucerne → Florence or Rome → Vienna. Travel by train and budget airlines. Allow 2–3 days per city. See the full day-by-day below, plus 10 alternative routes for repeat visitors, food lovers, families, and road-trippers.
Table of Contents
The Perfect 2 Weeks in Europe Itinerary: Day by Day
This is the itinerary we would plan for a friend visiting Europe for the first time. It hits the iconic cities, has manageable distances, uses Europe’s best train routes, and ends in Vienna, which is a big hub for international flights.
Day 1–2: London 🇬🇧
Fly to London from your country of origin. London is a big hub for international flights.
Where to stay: Covent Garden or South Kensington for first-timers
Don’t miss: Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, a walk along the South Bank from Tower Bridge to the London Eye, an afternoon tea
Best diner: Borough Market for lunch on Day 2
London is the easiest gateway for North American travelers: direct flights from almost every major US and Canadian airport, and English makes everything simpler on Day 1. Two days is enough to hit the headline sights without exhausting yourself before the rest of the trip.
Day 3–4: Paris 🇫🇷
Travel to Paris: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord on the morning of Day 3. Journey time is just over 2 hours.
Where to stay: Le Marais (4th arr.) or Saint-Germain (6th arr.)
Don’t miss: The Louvre (Day 3 morning), Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, sunset at Trocadéro for the Eiffel Tower
Best dinner: A bistro in Le Marais on your first night
Paris in two days means making peace with the fact that you’ll have to come back. Pick three to four sights you really care about — for most first-timers, that’s the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower at sunset, Notre-Dame, and a long walk through Le Marais — and skip the rest.
Day 5–6: Amsterdam 🇳🇱
Travel to Amsterdam: Direct Thalys train Paris-Amsterdam in 3.5 hours. Book in advance for the best fares.
Where to stay: Jordaan or Canal Ring
Don’t miss: A canal boat tour, the Anne Frank House (book weeks in advance!), the Van Gogh Museum, an evening walk through the Red Light District (it’s safer and more historic than its reputation suggests)
Best dinner: Indonesian “rijsttafel” — a Dutch tradition you won’t find easily back home
Amsterdam works perfectly here as a contrast to Paris — flat, walkable, intimate, and intensely visual. Rent bikes on Day 6 and use them like a local.
Day 7–8: Lucerne, Switzerland 🇨🇭
Travel to Lucerne: This is your one long travel day. Take the morning train Amsterdam → Frankfurt → Basel → Lucerne (about 8 hours), or fly Amsterdam to Zurich and take the 45-minute train to Lucerne.
Where to stay: Old Town near the Chapel Bridge
Don’t miss: Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi by cogwheel train, the Lion Monument, a slow morning along the lakefront
Best dinner: Traditional fondue in the Old Town
Adding Switzerland is the move that elevates this itinerary. After three big cities, Lucerne gives you mountains, lakes, and a slower pace day, exactly when you need it. If you want, take a half-day excursion to Mount Pilatus or the Jungfrau region.
Day 9–10: Florence, Italy 🇮🇹
Travel to Florence: Take the scenic Gotthard Panorama Expressthrough the Alps to Lugano, then the EuroCity train to Milan, then onward to Florence. Total ~7 hours, but one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. Or fly Zurich-Florence in 1.5 hours.
Where to stay: Centro Storico, near the Duomo
Don’t miss: The Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, a sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, the Boboli Gardens
Best dinner: A trattoria in Oltrarno (across the river)
Florence is small enough to walk everywhere, dense enough that every corner has a Renaissance masterpiece. Don’t try to add Pisa as a side trip — save it for next time.
Day 11–13: Rome 🇮🇹
Travel to Rome: Direct Frecciarossa high-speed train in 1.5 hours.
Where to stay: Centro Storico (near the Pantheon) or Trastevere
Don’t miss: The Colosseum and Roman Forum (book skip-the-line tickets weeks ahead), Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, an evening walk through Trastevere, the Pantheon at night
Best dinner: Carbonara in Trastevere on your last evening
Three days in Rome is the minimum. The city rewards walkers — almost every street has a Roman ruin, a baroque church, or a perfect espresso bar.
Day 14: Vienna 🇦🇹 (Departure)
Travel to Vienna: Fly Rome to Vienna (2 hours) on the evening of Day 13 or morning of Day 14.
Use Vienna as your departure city. Spend the morning walking the Ring boulevard, visiting Schönbrunn Palace, or the Belvedere for Klimt’s The Kiss. Have one final Sachertorte at Café Sacher. Then fly home from Vienna International — direct flights to most North American hubs.
Why end in Vienna and not Rome? Open-jaw flights (fly into London, fly home from Vienna) usually cost the same as round-trip and save you a full day of backtracking. Always book open-jaw for European trips.
READ NEXT: Riding the Cogwheel Train to Jungfraujoch – a Complete Guide
10 Suggested Itineraries for a 2-Week Trip to Europe
Not everyone wants the classic first-timer route and if this is your first time in Europe, you probably have quite a few places on your Europe bucket list. But without knowing anything about you or your interests, I can only give you basic, generic advice. Below are 10 alternative itineraries grouped by region. We’ve tested them personally over decades of travel through Europe, so you can choose any combination from this list.
Western Europe Suggested Routes
• London, Paris, and Amsterdam (Slow Pace)
These three cities have more than enough to keep you engaged for two full weeks at a relaxed pace. You can easily spend the entire fortnight in Paris if you were to visit all its amazing churches and museums.
London, Amsterdam, and Paris are among Europe’s greatest cities and enjoy perennial popularity, despite the many problems they have been facing lately. We think they are worth seeing at least once, even though they are always crowded.
You have excellent direct flights, trains, and bus connections between all three.
Suggested split: 5 days London → 5 days Paris → 4 days Amsterdam.
• Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona
All these Iberian cities are packed with culture, culinary delights, and incredible landscapes. They are easy to reach from most major airports around the world.
Although you could easily spend two weeks in Spain alone, visiting other historical places like Toledo or Córdoba, we suggest including Portugal in your European itinerary as well. Lisbon, the capital, is not only very romantic and cultured, but also quite inexpensive compared to its Spanish neighbors.
Suggested split: 4 days Lisbon → 4 days Madrid → 6 days Barcelona (with day trips to Girona or Sitges). And while in Lisbon, you can book this private walking tour of the highlights of Lisbon and enjoy the history of this city.
There are overnight trains between Lisbon and Madrid that run daily, departing at 11:34 p.m. and arriving in Madrid at 8:40 a.m. Direct trains also connect Madrid to Barcelona in 2.5 hours. And while in Madrid, you can also take a short day trip to Toledo, or to Cordoba, which are also amazing cities to visit from Madrid.
• Rome, Florence, and Venice (Italy in Depth)
These are three of Italy’s most captivating and rewarding cities. If you like archeology, you’ll love Rome. Florence and Venice are also charming cities, although quite different. If you prefer to spend your time in one single country, this combination is one of the best 2-week trip itineraries to Europe.
Italy has a wealth of archeological sites, most of which are concentrated in relatively compact areas. These three cities also have excellent train, bus, and plane connections.
Suggested split: 5 days Rome → 4 days Florence (with a day in Tuscany) → 5 days Venice (with day trips to Verona or Burano).
• Sicily Deep Dive (One Country, One Island)
Sicily alone can fill 2 weeks. It has so many archeological sites and beautiful towns that you won’t get bored if you choose to spend your entire European vacation on this island.
Palermo alone can easily justify a 7-day itinerary. You have good bus connections between cities, but Sicily is best explored by car. You can also extend your trip to nearby Malta if you have an extra few days.
Suggested split: Palermo (3 days) → Monreale (day trip from Palermo) → Cefalù (1 day) → Agrigento (Valley of the Temples (1 day) → Ragusa and Modica (1 day) → Syracusa (2 days) → Taormina (3 days) → Mt. Etna (1 day) → Catania (2 days). Keep in mind that if you have a car, you can add many other beautiful towns in Sicily to your list!
READ NEXT: Visit Sicily by Car – How Difficult is to Drive in Sicily?
Central Europe Routes
The countries of Central Europe are becoming increasingly popular. Thirty years ago, cities like Prague, Budapest, Dresden, and Wrocław were largely unknown to the world traveler. After the fall of communism, Central Europe experienced a strong cultural and tourist revival.
• Prague, Vienna, and Budapest (The Imperial Triangle)
These three capitals have it all: beautiful architecture, fascinating history, packed concert calendars, and delicious food. For those who want to tour Central Europe, this trip itinerary is perfect.
Traveling by rail is the best way to go between these three, as distances are relatively short. You can buy tickets at the station right before the train is scheduled to depart.
Suggested split: 3 days Prague → 5 days Vienna → 6 days Budapest.
READ NEXT: Budapest Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
• Berlin, Dresden, and Wrocław (Off-the-Beaten-Path)
Combining the cosmopolitan Berlin with the phoenix-city of Dresden and the picturesque Wrocław will give you a great understanding of what makes this part of Europe so fascinating. You have direct trains between all these cities.
Suggested split: 6 days Berlin → 4 days Dresden → 4 days Wrocław.
• Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, Milan (Alps + Italian Lakes)
You can never go wrong with Switzerland and northern Italy. Cities like Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, and Milan have stunning scenery, art museums, old cathedrals, historic palaces, and more charm than you can imagine. They are not very large, so 2–3 days in each is enough.
The best way to move between these cities is by rail. Switzerland is famous for its top-of-the-line panoramic trains, so you can travel from Lucerne to Lugano aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express. You can also take the same route on a non-panoramic train if you want to avoid the mandatory reservation fee.
Suggested split: 3 days Zurich → 3 days Lucerne → 3 days Lugano → 5 days Milan (with day trips to Lake Como and Bergamo).
READ NEXT: 10 Days in Switzerland by Scenic Trains
Northern Europe Routes
• Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen (Scandinavian Capitals)
These three cities are definitely in a league of their own. Although they can’t compete with Rome’s historic sites or with the charm of Paris, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm have stunning architecture, world-class museums, and some of the best shopping and dining in Europe.
If you plan to spend your 2 weeks in Northern Europe during the summer months, this trip itinerary is your best bet. While the rest of Europe is boiling hot, Northern Europe enjoys much cooler temperatures and longer days.
Suggested split: 4 days Oslo → 5 days Stockholm → 5 days Copenhagen.
READ NEXT: 7 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Stockholm
• Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius (The Baltic Capitals)
We can’t mention Northern Europe without including a tour of the Baltic capitals. The Baltic States — Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania — weren’t even on the map when Anda was growing up. But like many other European countries that lived in the shadow of the Soviet Union until the 1990s, they have enjoyed a true renaissance.
If you want to travel somewhere your friends haven’t even heard of, visit the Baltic capitals. They are also among the cheapest countries to visit in Europe.
Suggested split: 5 days Tallinn → 4 days Riga → 5 days Vilnius. Buses between the three are excellent and inexpensive (Lux Express).
South-Eastern Europe Routes
The Balkan Peninsula is the most culturally diverse region in Europe. Bordered by the Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, and Black Seas, the Balkan countries are stunningly beautiful and still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism.
• Athens, Istanbul, Bucharest (Three Worlds in Two Weeks)
If you plan your itinerary around these three cities, you could spend 4 days in Athens, 3 days in Istanbul, and 7 days in Bucharest. Or you can choose to spend your entire 2 weeks on a road trip through one country.
Last year we took a road trip through the Peloponnese — one of the less-explored parts of Greece, but so beautiful it surprised us. It has plenty of beach towns, some of which are nicer and more sophisticated than the famous Greek islands, like Nafplio.
The best way to travel between these three countries is by plane. Between Istanbul and Athens you can use Pegasus Airlines (a budget carrier), and between Istanbul and Bucharest, Turkish Airlines.
• Ljubljana, Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor (The Adriatic Road Trip)
These four cities will take you through three of the most beautiful countries in the Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. The best way to travel between them is by car or bus, as there are no train connections between Split and Dubrovnik.
For those who want to rent a car to drive through the Balkans, we recommend a 14-day Balkan road trip itinerary. With a car, you can extend your itinerary to other points of interest in the region — like Mostar in Bosnia or Lake Bled in Slovenia.
Suggested split: 3 days Ljubljana → 4 days Split → 4 days Dubrovnik → 3 days Kotor (with a day in Mostar).
How to Get Around During 2 Weeks in Europe
After three decades of traveling Europe, we can tell you that the right transport choice can make or break your trip.
Train
Train travel is the best option for most 2-week European trips, especially through Western and Central Europe. The rail network is extremely developed and reliable. Key options:
- Eurostar — London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam (fast, comfortable)
- Thalys / TGV / ICE — high-speed trains across France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands
- Frecciarossa / Italo — Italian high-speed trains (Rome ↔ Florence in 1.5 hours)
- Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) — the most beautiful and punctual rail network in the world
Eurail Pass: If you’re hopping between 5+ cities, a Eurail Pass can save money. For shorter itineraries (3–4 cities), point-to-point tickets booked in advance are usually cheaper.
Budget Airlines
For longer distances or routes without good rail connections (London → Athens, Amsterdam → Lisbon, Rome → Vienna), budget airlines are essential. The best ones:
- Ryanair — cheapest, most routes, but strict baggage rules
- EasyJet — slightly more comfortable, good for UK/Western Europe
- Wizz Air — best for Eastern Europe routes
- Vueling — best for Spain and the Mediterranean
You can fly across Europe for €30–€60 one-way if you book 2–3 months ahead. Always check baggage allowances; budget airlines charge significant extra fees for checked or oversized bags.
Car
Rent a car only if you’re traveling outside major cities — through Tuscany, the Scottish Highlands, the Peloponnese, the Balkan coast, or rural Romania. We use Discover Cars for our European rentals.
In cities, a car is a liability. None of these European cities were built with cars in mind, so the roads are crowded and full of restrictions.
Bus
For budget travelers, FlixBus covers most of Western and Central Europe at very low prices (sometimes €5 between cities). Slower than trains but reliable.
Ferries
If your itinerary includes Greek islands, Croatian islands, or crossings between Italy and Sicily/Sardinia, ferries are part of the journey. We use Direct Ferries for booking.
How to Plan Your Trip: Smart, First-Timer Tips
Being born and raised in Europe, we always get asked the same two questions: when is the best time to go and what is the best itinerary for a first trip. Our answer is always the same: it depends on what you want to do and how much time you have.
If this is your first time in Europe and all you have is 14 days, here are a few things to consider:
Keep Your Travel Plans Simple
Most first-time visitors to Europe are determined to see as much as possible. Keep in mind that Europe is a big and diverse continent. There is a lot to see everywhere you go. Fitting all your bucket-listed locations into a 2-week trip is nearly impossible.
Start with the Most Popular Cities
Your first trip to Europe is not the time to go off the beaten path. Stick to the big cities, even though they are more crowded. Major European cities have it all: world-class museums, beautiful architecture, great restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Besides, they are major transportation hubs and cheaper to fly into and out of.
Choose Places Close to Each Other
The closest major European cities are at least two hours apart, whether by car, train, or plane. Transit between cities takes at least half a day when you factor in checking out of one hotel and into the next. You won’t be able to do much sightseeing on travel days.
Plan to Spend at Least 2–3 Days in Each City
While it is possible to cover six or seven countries in 14 days, it is not practical. Just running between destinations doesn’t mean you actually visited them. In order to see at least the major sights, you need a minimum of 2–3 days per city.
Book an Open-Jaw Ticket
If you are touring a specific region or doing a multi-destination trip, you’ll save time and money by flying into one city and out of another. Open-jaw tickets are often the same price as round-trip tickets and they save you a full travel day.
Pack Smart
We have a complete packing guide for Europe, based on three decades of European travel.
READ NEXT: The Complete Europe Packing List — From Two Europeans
Visit at the Right Time
The best time to visit Europe is generally late spring (May–June) or early fall (September–October). For a complete breakdown by region,
READ NEXT: The Best Time to Travel to Europe — Month-by-Month Guide
Practical Tips for Your 2 Weeks in Europe
Book Accommodations in the City Center
Hotel rates are higher in the center, but it’s worth paying extra if you can afford it. You’ll save time and transportation costs.
Use Hotel Alternatives
Beyond hotels, Airbnb and VRBO can offer better value, especially for stays of 4+ nights. For a unique experience, look at agriturismos in Italy, paradores in Spain, or boutique B&Bs throughout Europe.
Don’t Exchange Money at the Airport
Airports, train stations, and tourist areas have the worst exchange rates. Use ATMs in the city for the best rates, and notify your bank before traveling. Most European cities widely accept contactless cards (Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap-to-pay).
Use Public Transportation
Driving in European cities is an expensive complication. Most cities have excellent metro/tram/bus networks. Buy a multi-day transport pass on Day 1 — it almost always pays for itself.
Travel Off-Season
Summers in Europe can be brutal: big crowds, expensive accommodations, hot temperatures, and crowded transportation. The best time to visit is fall (September–October) or spring (April–May). December is also magical for Christmas markets in Central Europe.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
We can’t stress this enough. Many old European cities are still paved with cobblestones that are very rough on your feet. Bring the most comfortable walking shoes you own — leave the dress shoes at home unless you’re going to the opera.
Get Acquainted with European Lifestyle
Most travelers expect to encounter cultural differences, yet are caught off guard when they happen. Things like later dinner hours, smaller portions, less ice in drinks, less air conditioning, and a more leisurely pace are normal. Embrace them — they’re part of why you came.
If you are interested in finding out more about cultural differences, I have two interesting articles that you might find useful.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE: Things to Know About Romanians Before You Travel to Romania
What You Should Know About Hungarians Before You Visit Hungary
Frequently Asked Questions
Realistically, 3–5 countries. More than that and you spend most of your trip in transit. For a meaningful first visit, we recommend 4 countries with 3 days in each major city.
Two weeks is enough to fall in love with Europe and pick which region to come back to next time. It’s not enough to “see Europe” — but no amount of time really is.
Most North American passport holders don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days. However, starting in 2026, the ETIAS travel authorization is required for visits to Schengen Area countries. It’s a simple online application costing €7, valid for 3 years.
January, February, and early March
Budget travelers: $2,500–$3,500 per person (hostels, budget meals, public transport)
Mid-range: $4,500–$6,500 per person (3-star hotels, mix of dining out and casual meals, mix of trains and budget flights)
Luxury: $9,000+ per person.
These exclude international airfare, which typically runs $700–$1,500 round-trip from North America.
Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air for long distances. FlixBus for shorter, slower routes. Trains are mid-priced but the most pleasant and scenic option.
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. We’ve written a complete Month-by-Month Guide to the Best Time to Visit Europe.
It depends on your itinerary. If you only plan to visit only big cities, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car. Traffic and parking are the two main deterrents. Public transportation on the other hand is good almost every European city, is faster, and is cheap. But if you plan to do a road trip through Sicily, Tuscany, or the Balkans, then renting a car is a good idea.
In major cities and tourist areas, no — English is widely spoken. In rural areas and small towns, less so. Download Google Translate (with offline languages) and learn the basics: hello, please, thank you, how much, where is.
Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, one nicer outfit for an evening out, a refillable water bottle (Europe’s tap water is excellent), a universal adapter (Type C/F for most of continental Europe, Type G for the UK), and a crossbody bag. We have a complete packing guide here.
Yes, very safe. The biggest risks are pickpocketing in tourist areas (Paris, Rome, Barcelona). Therefore, I strongly advise to keep valuables in front pockets, carry a crossbody bag, and stay aware in crowds. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
Final Thoughts
This guide is a complete resource for visiting Europe independently. However, if you prefer an organized tour, there are plenty of excellent options to choose from. Our personal style is to travel independently rather than in organized groups, but we recognize that travel is an individual experience that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Therefore, there’s no right or wrong way to travel as long as you are having fun.
We hope these itineraries gave you the framework you needed to plan your 2 weeks in Europe. And if you fall in love with a place — and you will — make a plan to return and explore it more in-depth. Two weeks is just the beginning. This continent will keep calling you back for the rest of your life. I promise you!
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Visiting the Neuschwanstein – the Dream Castle of a Mad King
Amina
Waaaaahhh what a great adventure, I have always wanted to visit Europe. These are really good itineraries.
Vipin Singh
Greetings from Singapore Anda. I am an avid traveler but have only done Asia so far. I am planning my first Europe trip in this upcoming June, mid month. I have circled down to 4 cities that iam keen on going to. But now, after reading much online, i figured that it will be more ideal to include just 3 cities in my itinerary. I had London, Paris, Rome, Spain (Madrid/Barcelo) in mind initially. I am looking for advice to reduce one city if needed for this trip. I have 13 days to spend (including arrival date to London in the morning before 7am. And excluding departure date) Appreciate your reply.
Anda
Since this is your first trip to Europe, I’d go to London, Paris and Rome. I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Chetan Sahu
Planning my dream 2-week European adventure, and this guide is a goldmine of itinerary ideas! From the iconic cities to hidden gems, it’s packed with invaluable tips for an unforgettable trip. So, which European journey will I embark on? The possibilities are endless!
Chandra Bdr Gurung
Excellent advice for those who are first-time visitors. This blog really impressed me. Europe has some really interesting sites to visit.
Ana Delos Santos
Hi, this is really helpful for 1st time Travelers in Europe. Just want to also ask you, for a 2 week Europe Trip, what do you advise to those traveling with Kids that wanted to visit countries in Europe with an Entry and Exit point from the Philippines? Thanks for the possible response. God bless you.
Anda
I am not aware that coming from the Philippines (with or without kids) may pose any problem for entering any country in Europe. However, if you want further more detailed information you should check the respective country’s entry requirements. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
basil swamy
Looking for Europe tour starting from India, for honeymoon would like to explore Europe.
Places need to cover
Norway
Amsterdam
Brussels
Paris
Switzerland
Pissa
Florence
Rome
Venice
Travel dates will be 9Jun to 29Jun
It should be not very expensive , reasonable place to stay either good apartment or good Hotel
You can suggest if some needs to be cut short or some other place.
Do not want any museum or historical place to cover.
It should be main and popular area only.
Anda
I’m sorry, but I am not a travel agent, Basil. You can use my post for reference in order build your own itinerary.
Rick Coen
Great guide – but overwhelming!! My wife and I are taking our first trip to Europe next year – a long kid- and COVID- delayed 20th/25th/30th anniversary! – and want to make the most of our 3 weeks. But you just listed 31 must-see cities, and suggested 3-4 days per city!! 🙂
My wife wants to “see the highlights” – if we never can come back, what should we make sure we see? I think we’d probably be best served by a managed tour, but maybe I can cobble together something with even hand-holding? 🙂 Advice would be *so* appreciated!
Anda
Hi Rick,
Thanks for reading my guide. I have indeed 31 must-see cities in Europe, but those are 10 independent itineraries and each one of them is for two weeks. If you want to spend 3 weeks in Europe you definitely won’t be able to include all those places in your itinerary. I can give you a few suggestions for a 3-week itinerary, but planning the trip in detail will require a lot of effort from your part.
You’ll need to research each destination and decide what you’d like to see once you get there, book hotels, check timetables for trains and busses, or maybe rent a car in some places, etc. Since I don’t know anything about your travel style, I can’t tell you whether to attempt this trip on your own, or book a guided tour. Many people prefer to be care-free when they travel and just sit back and enjoy. We like to travel independently and do our own planning, but I can assure you it’s not easy. One other option would be to book local guided tours in each country, but travel independently between countries.This way you’ll have more control over what countries you may want to visit.
In regards to the “highlights” of Europe, there are so many! But regardless of what you choose, you shouldn’t include more than 4 countries in 3 weeks because you’ll have to account for the days you loose when moving from one place to another. Here are my suggestions. My first choice for Europe would be Italy, France and Spain. They are rich in culture and architecture and have gorgeous scenery. My second choice is Portugal, Switzerland and Croatia. Not as culturally rich as Italy, or France, but surely breathtakingly beautiful. If you are looking for less expensive destinations, Central and Eastern European countries are more budget friendly (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania).
I hope this helps. I have lots of European destination on my blog in case you want to do some further reading. And remember: no matter what country you choose, you’ll love Europe!
Carrie
Hi there Anda!
Me and my are planning eloping and then honeymooning to Europe. Neither of us have been and I have family in the Sicily area. I originally wanted to go to Hawaii as I am an avid beach lover and have been to many in search of the most beautiful beach. My finance enjoys the beach, but is definitely more of a historian. So, I would like to encompass a little of both. We plan on late September or sometime in October….14 days. What are your thoughts? Do you think we should use a travel agent? Thanks so much!
Carrie
Anda
Hi Carrie,
September-October is a great time of year for visiting Italy and I think Sicily is a wonderful choice if you like beaches. It has plenty of historic sites, so it’s the best of both worlds: history and beaches. I have a lot of information about Sicily on this blog, so for further reading you can go under Destinations > Europe > Italy > Sicily and read more. I also have a very informative post about driving in Sicily, should you decide to rent a car for your trip.
I don’t believe you need a travel agent to design your itinerary or make reservations for you. At the bottom of my home page there are some links that you can use to check out prices. I also have a Resource Page if you need more information on car rental and lodging. And if you need more itinerary ideas, read this post: https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/10-days-in-italy-itinerary/. It includes 4 itinerary ideas for Italy to choose from. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.
Umiko
This is very informative. My husband and I have been to several countries in Europe, but not our son. He wants to go to Germany, and I think with more than 2 weeks travel time that we will have, a visit to several cities in Central Europe will make sense to us. My friend in Zurich will be happy to take us around.
Anda
Hope you’ll get to visit Germany, Umiko. I have relatives in Münich and go to Germany quite often.
Marielle
Hi Anda, I have to say, this is a great itinerary for first time travelers. I’ve been living in Europe for almost 2 years now but I still have not seen most of the places in this list and I would consider myself a “first time traveler” to most of these destinations. It gave me tons of ideas though once we finally get to travel again and I love your pctures.
Anda
Thanks, Marielle.
I love Croatia
Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!
Anda
Thanks, Karlo.
Christine
Hi Anda!
Thank you for all of your articles and tips! I’m trying to soak everything in while planning for a 2-week trip next August 2021. I know you said August is the worst time to go to Europe but I am to be a part of a bridal entourage early that month and have no leeway in that regard – hoping to make the best of it! What are your suggestions for 3 first time Europe travelers to make the MOST of our time but with about three days locked in at London for the ceremony? I was thinking of coming a week before the festivities and staying a week after, putting the wedding in the middle of the two weeks – if that makes sense. Please help!
Thank you so much,
Christine
Anda
Hi Christine,
A wedding in London sounds like a great reason to visit Europe. The good news is that London is not so hot in August as other cities in Europe. Here are my recommendations for you:
1. I would get the wedding out of the way and then go on with my travel plans. Or leave it for the end of the trip, but not place it in the middle.
2. I would avoid big, crowded cities (like Paris or Rome) where the asphalt radiates even more heat in summer. Keep in mind that many of the buildings in Europe don’t have air conditioning, so there is very little relief from the heat.
3. Rather than big cities, I would visit places that have a breeze, or have access to the Mediterranean, or the Adriatic Sea. My personal favorites for summer are the French Riviera (Nice, Monaco, Cannes), Italy (the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily), Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast (Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, etc.) Italy, France and Croatia seem like good options for you since they are also close to England.
4. Other great countries to visit in August are: Austria, Switzerland and Germany. For instance, you could spend 1-2 days in Vienna, then go to Salzburg and use it as a base for wonderful day trips in the Alps. Or stay 2 days in Zurich and do a Switzerland itinerary. You can also do a combination of countries, but I wouldn’t visit more than two considering that you already have London on your list.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions. I’m sure your trip is going to be great!
cheryl
Hi: A friend and I would like to visit somewhere in Europe for 2 or so weeks, and stay in a smaller village and “live” like a local. Yet, also be close enough to other places or countries to take day trips via public transportation. Any suggestions?
Anda
Your friend could stay for instance in one of the many villages on the French Riviera (like Ezé Village) which are close to Nice,and visit the the entire coast in two weeks. Or perhaps stay in one of the villages in Tuscany, which are close to Florence, and many other fascinating places in Italy.
RAJEEV JAIN
Hi Anda,
Me & my wife wants to cover Europe in 20-30 days. Just for your information I had travelled to Italy & covered Rome, Florence, Venice & Milan. I want to cover other countries & beautiful cities of Europe. Can you suggest best time & an itinerary to visit except July/August when the weather is pleasant & one can travel in budget.
Anda
Hi Rajeev, late September to early October is a great time to travel to Europe. So is spring, late April to early June. As for an itinerary, you can cover a lot of territory in a month in Europe. I would suggest visiting some of the countries in the Balkans (Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia).I have a complete itinerary for the Balkans on my blog, if you are interested. Also, you could visit the Baltic countries (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia) and Sweden. Eastern European countries like Hungary and Romania are also good choice for a fall visit. Hope this helps.
Mitos Soria
Dear Anda,
Hello, me my friend will be traveling to Europe in August 2020 ( I know not a good time to go there) for the first time. We have 2 weeks to go to cities we prefer. And that is Italy and Paris. We are in for outlet shopping, visit museum and architectures. Can you recommend us a place to go to met our preferences? And if we would add one more country what would that be? By the way we are flying from Manila.
Thank you very much.
Anda
Hi Mitos, even though August it’s kind of hot in Europe, I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun. Especially if you plan to go shopping, hahaha! Paris and Rome are great places to shop and so is Milan and London. I also like shopping in Vienna, where they have a big pedestrian area (the Graben) lined up with stores. All these cities have magnificent architecture, old churches and palaces that you can visit. Prices are a little higher in Europe than they are in Asia or the US, but I love shopping there just the same. They have so much trendier clothing stores than we do. My favorite one is Massimo Dutti, you should check it out.
SHYAMSUNDER GAIKWAD
Hi Anda, Me and my wife plan to travel to Europe for about 10 to 14 days(depends) from the first week of August’2020 (After my sons final semester Exams). Flight ticket are yet to be booked. This would be our first trip to Europe. We plan to cover Europe in six visits, this would be our first. Both of have past our half century mark and have taken a sabbatical. Could you please suggest us an Itinerary? Is August a good time to travel
Anda
Hi Shyamsunder, August is one of the worst times to go to Europe: it’s hot, it’s expensive and it’s crowded. I know you may be bound to your son’s vacation time, so if August is the only time you have available, I would suggest going to Northern Europe. You can visit Sweden, Norway, and the Baltic countries (Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia). Either that, or choose to spend your entire vacation in southern Italy, in places close to the sea (Capri, Positano, Cinque Terre, or Sicily).
Sandra
Thanks for your insight and prompt response. Travel planning can be overwhelming and your site has been extremely helpful. The more I dig into options and different itiniraries my gut keeps saying to stick with Italy and you helped confirm this even more! Another thought was to combine a 7n cruise but again my gut (and hubby) prefers a land based trip. So sticking with Italy it seems just 3 cities maybe better (based on your suggestion) with day trips mixed in…Venice, Rome & Florence. Initial plan was for Cique Terre which maybe too much. The idea of Lake Cumo is a really good one! Now need to explore those logistics!
Anda Galffy
Glad I could be of help, Sandra. Just one last note: keep in mind that Rome is a big city, rich in history and archeological sites. You will need at least 4-5 days to explore it properly. Have a wonderful trip.
Sandra
Hi Anda, Just found your site and love the information. We are late in planning our 20th anniversary trip to Italy in May. We have 16 days so 14 nights exculuding travel. This is our first time to Europe (other than Greece) in a very long time. Initial thoughts are fly into Venice 2n, Florence, 4n, Cinque Terre 4n, Rome 4n – Now second guessing about all Italy (which I know is all good) but maybe adding Amsterdam or another city and subtracting days from Italy. Any thoughts input appreciated!
Anda Galffy
Hi Sandra, first of all congratulations on your 20th anniversary! Italy is a great choice to mark this important event in your life and I’m sure this will be a trip to remember. My personal opinion is that Italy has so much to offer that it’s not a good idea to add Amsterdam to the mix. The two-week European itineraries I recommend in my post are for people who want to get a feel of Europe and explore some of the big cities. I think you’ll be better off spending all your time in Italy and exploring as much as you can there. Instead of Amsterdam, you could go to Lake Como, for instance. It’s a very romantic destination for an anniversary.
Karen
Anda
So glad I found your site. I’m in the beginning stages of planning a trip for late 2020 (Christmas time) for my husband and myself. I think you’ve helped me decide on Italy. Christmas is the only time he has vacation so we’re locked in to that time of year. We’d both like to see Pompeii, so I was thinking Naples to Rome and ending up in Venice. We have 2 weeks, so I think we could take our time and stop if we’d like to see something along the way. What do you think about going to Italy this time of year? Are trains reliable in winter? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Karen
Anda Galffy
Hi karen,
Italy is actually a great choice for winter, particularly in December when you’ll have the Christmas markets everywhere. Prices may be still pretty high because of the Holidays, but there will definitely be less crowds. You may expect colder weather in Northern Italy (Rome and Venice), but the Amalfi Coast (Pompeii and Naples) will be beautiful. I don’t think you’ll have any issues with the trains. It doesn’t snow often in northern Italy and even if does, the weather doesn’t impact public transportation. I think you’ll enjoy Italy tremendously! It’s a great place to visit. You may want to check this post as well if you are traveling to Rome: https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/best-areas-to-stay-in-rome/
cybele ryan
Anda what wonderful information. My husband and I planning a trip to Europe in mid May for two weeks. Thinking about flying into Switzerland or Austria, dipping down into Italy then on to Slovenia and Croatia. We are told Slovenia is very similar to Italy. We could stay in Slovenia and train over to Venice for the day, avoiding crowds ect. Any ideas? take the train, rent a car?Thank you!
Cybele
Anda Galffy
Train is probably better for the day trip. Besides, in Venice you won’t have any need for the car.
Brenda
Hullo Anda, your article literally saved my life. I have read it twice and sucked in as much of your advice so thank you.
I am black and I was wondering if you have any specific advice for a black travelers in Europe. What is the general reception for black africans in Europe?
I may be overthinking it, but I am worried that it may be negative.
Your honest thoughts will be appreciated.
thanks.
Anda Galffy
Hi Brenda,
I’m truly happy that my article was of help to you. I don’t think you have any reason to worry about traveling to Europe as a black person. As far as I know, Europeans are quite open and welcoming to any race and nationality. I think you’ll have a wonderful time there.
Satya
Hi Anda,
Thankyou for the suggestions. We are planning to visit Europe from US for two weeks from April 24 to May 9 . Our itenrary idea is to arrive in Paris > Milan > Venice > Cinque terra> Florence > Rome . While at florence we planned to visit Pisa for half day Will this be aggressive or Do-able? Can you please suggest on how many days each city require to explore? Thanks in Advance
Anda Galffy
Hi Satya,
What you are listing here looks like a very busy itinerary. All these cities are loaded with attractions. Besides, you need time for transportation between the different destinations and time to check in and out from the hotels. Rome and Paris require at least 3 days each. Milan you can probably do in a day, but for Florence, Venice and Cinque Terre you’ll also need a minimum of two days. My suggestion would be to leave Paris for another time and concentrate on Italy.
Satya
Thank you Anda
Satya
Hi Anda,
Thankyou for the detailed itenenaries. We are planning for Europe trip during last week of April for two weeks. Our plan is to arrive in Paris and depart back from Rome. So planning for Paris> Fly to Milan> Venice> Cinque terra > Florence> Rome . Is this agressive or Doable? Do you recommend driving from Milan to Rome for this trip? Can you help me with how many days we will needing to explore these places? Appriciete your help on this.
Ali
Hi Anda,
I am planning a trip with my wife and 2 kids (3 & 9) to visit Europe in Mid-June. we are planning to spend 14 days and planning to land in Paris then train to Zurich > Interlaken (might add Zermatt if time permits) > Venice > Florence > Rome. Does this sound doable in 14 days? Any tips and recommendations? Should we get the Euro Rail Pass or buying individual trip will be better and cheaper option?
Thanks.
Anda Galffy
Hi Ali, your plan sounds great for two young adults who can move fast. However, with two kids in tow and using public transportation (not having your own car) this sounds like a very busy itinerary. You need a minimum of 3 days in the big cities like Rome and Paris. As for Zurich, Venice and Florence, you could probably spend only 2 days in each city. But even if you do that, you’ll be left with only two days, which is not enough time if you want to squeeze in Zermatt and Interlaken. I understand you are planning to use Rome as your departure city, but exploring it with a 3-year old will be very difficult. Rome is huge and truly overwhelming, even for adults. I would suggest spending more time in Switzerland instead, which is a friendlier place for small children. You can buy a pass for the scenic trains and go from Zurich to Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, St.Moritz, Engadin and maybe cross over to Lake Como in Italy. The Glacier Express is a fantastic train and goes from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Your kids are going to love the train rides. I wrote a few posts about our train trip through Switzerland, in case you need more information.
Agnes Jia
Hi, my husband and I have plan 13 days trip 11 nights for travel to Barcelona, Switzerland, Munich and Amsterdam. The 1st arrival destination has decided is Barcelona as we want to catch the football match. 2nd destination we not sure want to start from Amsterdam, Munich and end in Switzerland or vice versa. Is it possible to squeeze Milan or Paris in between by the way?
Anda Galffy
You can easily squeeze one day in Milan on your itinerary, Agnes. I wrote a post about how to spend a day in Milan, in case you are interested you can check it here: https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/one-day-on-the-streets-of-milan/. From Barcelona you can go to Milan, then to Switzerland, Munich and Amsterdam. Not sure exactly what means of transportation you intend to use in Europe, but it makes sense to do it this way rather than jump from Spain all the way to the Netherlands. In regards to Paris, I would leave it for another trip. There is too much to see there to be able to squeeze it into this itinerary. You’ll need at least 3 days for it, while Milan can be done in one day.
Reva
Hi Anda.. Greetings from Malaysia.!! Great advice for first time traveller to europe. Me and my friends planning to come over to europe in may next year. We are having some difficulties choosing places to visit as europe is super big and all the places look so beautiful. We will be landing in amsterdam. I would love to go paris,london n also swiss. And we have only two weeks to cover and we have no idea where to start. Super confussed. First time in europe.! Thank you.
Anda Galffy
Hi Reva. Since you land in Amsterdam you could probably do Amsterdam, Paris and London. You need to spend at least 3 days in each of these cities in order to see at least the main points of interest. You probably have time to see one city in Switzerland as well. I would recommend Lucerne, since it’s a smaller one and can be done in about two days. Hope this helps.
jackie
Great suggestions! Planning a trip next June ( I know, I know), your suggestions are great.
Anda Galffy
I’m glad if you found my suggestions useful. Thanks, Jackie.
vb
Anda, thank you for the very informative article. Loved going through it and your detailed responses to the questions below.
I and my wife are planning to travel in August(2nd and 3rd week). We have zeroed in on France(only Paris) and Italy. I know the temperature will be on the higher side, but I guess should be a breeze considering we are from India 🙂 (or are we way off the mark?)
What according to you are good destinations to include in the itinerary in Italy, beyond Rome, Venice, and Florence)?
Anda Galffy
Hi VB, since your trip to Europe in in full summer, I would suggest a couple of destinations closer to the water. In Italy you can add Cinque Terre and maybe Lake Como. Both of them absolutely spectacular. In France, just about an hour away by plane you can go to he French Riviera. The coast is much cooler and absolutely spectacular. You have places like Nice, Monaco, Cann, Antibes, plus the many perched villages along the coast that are absolutely a dream to visit. Hope this helps.
Michael
I was trying to plan a 20th anniversary trip for myself and my wife in July, 2020. I was planning on just doing a Western trip visiting London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin but now I’m worried it’s going to be too hot. We already live in Charleston, South Carolina (US) which is miserably hot in the summer so we always try to find cooler places to go.
I was thinking of this route because there are now direct flights from CHS to London and I get employee discounts at Hilton properties (about $50 USD/night). There are hotels all within 1.5 miles of the train station in each of those cities so this would be most economical.
I would rather visit Northern Europe because of the cooler weather and because my family immigrated from Sweden. However,, there are no Hilton properties in any of the Scandavian cities except Stockholm.
I’m just wondering if you think it is worth it to spend a lot more to visit Northern Europe or just battle the heat and crowds to visit Western Europe.
Anda Galffy
Hi Michael, Europe is very hot and humid in summer, as you already know. I would rather spend a little more and go to countries like Norway, Sweden or the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). I believe there is a Hilton in Riga as well, if I am not wrong). However, you may want to look into Airbnb as an alternative if you can’t find a Hilton. Most of the time they are way cheaper than a hotel and you get much more for your money.
Kayla
This is a great guide! I’ve been searching everywhere for ideas on how to go about a European trip. I’ve never been so I wasn’t sure where to start.
Is it possible to do a trip with London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Florence, and Venice? What would be the beat way to do that?
Anda Galffy
Squeezing 7 cities of this size into a 2 weeks trip seems too much to me. I would recommend keeping it at 4, at the most. You will spend too much time on the road and too little time visiting the sites. Florence and Amsterdam could be done in about 4 days, if you just want to rush by, but the other cities requires way more time for proper visiting. I would not advise you to add more than at the most 5 cities to your itinerary, unless you have more than just 2 weeks.
Nick
Hello Anda,
This article is very informative and useful as I am planning a graduation gift for my girlfriend this summer. She’s a mechanical engineer and loves architecture, but has never been to Europe. I do plan on 2 weeks, give or take a few days. Do to the traveling being in June (not the best time), where would you recommend going? Regarding weather, locations, travel season, etc. I’ve only been to France but was there for wine industry. I’m fine with traveling by train or by car as I have done both. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your time!
Anda Galffy
Hi Nick, I’m glad you found my post useful and informative. Summers in Europe may be very hot, so I would recommend you go to Northern Europe, where the weather is much cooler. And if your girlfriend loves architecture, she will have a blast visiting cities like Stockholm and Riga. I would recommend the Baltic countries and Sweden. You don’t need to drive there. You can fly between the cities for very little money.
Stacey
Hi, Anda. I’m taking my daughter to Europe in May. Got a great R/T flight into (and out of) Barcelona. We will be there 2 weeks, and I’d like to add 3 other cities. She really wants to go to Florence (but not Rome??♀️). We plan to book a rail pass and Air BnBs. Any recs for our 3 must-see cities. She’s 20 and has never been to Europe.
Anda Galffy
Hi Stacy, Barcelona is a very exciting destination for young people. I’m sure your daughter will love it. You’ll have to decide how many countries you want to include in your two weeks trip. You have quite a few choices in Spain, if you decide to stay only there. You can spend 3 days in Barcelona, then go towards the west and Visit Madrid (3 days), Toledo (a day trip from Madrid), Granada and Sevilla. From there you can fly back to Barcelona. Or you can spend a few days in Barcelona, then go to Paris, Milan and Florence. The second option includes 3 countries, but it will give your daughter a taste of some of the most impressive cities in Europe. Hope this helps.
Rhea
I will be visiting Europe for two weeks in may and would like to know what do you suggest we could see as we will arrive in Rome and depart from Paris.
Anda Galffy
Hi Rhea,
May is one of the best times to visit Europe. The weather is just perfect and the tourist season is not in full swing yet. Since I don’t know you and your interests, I would make some suggestions based on my own taste and experience. Both Rome and Paris are very big cities and you might want to allow yourself at least 3 days in each one of them. They are packed with attractions, ranging from historic sites and landmarks, to museums, art galleries, parks and restaurants. In Rome you might want to concentrate on the historic center (including the Vatican) and allow yourself a little time to simply wander the streets and admire the beautiful architecture. I wrote a post about the best areas to stay in Rome that will give you an idea about what attractions are in the different parts of the city (https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/best-areas-to-stay-in-rome/). While you are in Italy, you might also want to include Florence and Milan in your itinerary. Florence is not very big and it quite easy to explore (great for art galleries and museums). You could spend 2 days in Florence and one day in Milan (https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/?s=one+day+in+milan). From Milan you could go to Switzerland and maybe take a scenic train trip through Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne).Or you may go directly to France and visit Marseille, Lyon and then Paris. If this is your first time in Europe I would suggest keeping it simple. Probably just Italy and France would be enough. For Paris, you might want to refer to this post that will give you an idea about what you can see in 3 days: https://travelnotesandbeyond.com/?s=3+days+in+paris. I hope this helps and I hope you’ll come back with some great memories from your trip to Europe.
Parul
Hi Anda
Me and my husband are planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks in early May 2019.
As of now we are planning to visit Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Greece. Could you please suggest if its doable also if its the good time to visit these places.
P.S : We will be visiting Europe for the first time and we are more inclined towards scenic and natural beauty , could you please suggest more affordable options.
Many Thanks !
Parul
Anda Galffy
Hi Parul,
Europe is beautiful at any time of year, but particularly in spring. Vienna, Budapest and Prague are very close to each other so can move easily from one to the next (either by train or by car). Trains are very affordable in Europe, especially if you buy a pass. I suggest spending 3 days in each one of these cities to at least get a taste of what they have to offer. You could leave Greece for last, as you will need to take a plane to get there. In regards to affordability, Europe in generally expensive. However, you will find Budapest (and Greece) more affordable overall. For lodging I use Airbnb or VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner), as I get more for my money. Hope this helps.
Vaibhav Jain
Hey, thanks for this informative and detailed info about getting around in Europe.. every word made sense to me.. I just want a small suggestion from you.. I am solo traveller and will be starting my itinerary as “Prague (2n)-Copenhagen (4N)-Budapest (2N)- Barcelona (3N)- Amsterdam (2N)” in total of about 13 N starting from 13 th March 2019..
My question is : I want to add another city between my trip from Copenhagen to Budapest as I think 4 Nights will be too boring in there.. so can you please suggest which place to add in for 1 N ???
I am getting some real good deals for Brussels, Berlin, Milan… for Ryan Sir & Easy jet from Copenhagen..
please enlighten me for this as I am super confused ???
Thanks in anticipation ….
Anda Galffy
Your itinerary seems pretty busy for 13 days. All these cities you selected make wonderful destinations in themselves. You could easily spend 13 days in each one of them and still have plenty to see and do. My suggestion would be to spend 3 nights in Prague or in Budapest, rather than trying to squeeze in another city into the itinerary. Europe is packed with attractions and if you were to spend any less than 3 days in a big city you’ll be rushing too much. However, if you want by all means to include another city, you can try Milan. You can just concentrate on visiting the Duomo and the area around it and that would be enough for one day. Hope this helps.
Michaael
Hi Anda,
My family has a two week planned trip to Europe and I am having difficulty picking a third location to visit in addition to London & Paris. I am glad I came across your website which is full of good ideas. I could use some help picking a third city and places to stay. One of my challenges for the trip is traveling around Christmas which I understand the trains close.
Some of the other questions I have are:
How long is it recommended to be at an airport before a flight between cities like London & Amsterdam? Is taking a train recommended even though it takes twice as long.
Where are the best areas to stay in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Ghent?
We would like to rent an apartment in each city.
We arrive at 6:15am on 12/21 in Gatwick and leave on 1/3 in the evening out of Heathrow. What might be the best itinirary taking into account Christmas and New Years?
Thanks,
Michael
Anda Galffy
Hi Michael, I’m afraid I can’t make any specific recommendation in any of these cities. We usually stay in Airbnb apartments when we don’t stay with friends or relatives in Europe.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)
You are so right, Anda – Two weeks in Europe will fly by! We love your itinerary ideas though. Two weeks is such a short time for so many great places to see and enjoy, but these really help make the most of the time. Can’t wait to get back and explore more!
Jennifer Melroy
I love exploring northern Europe. The cities have a charm that the rest of the continent lacks. I can’t explain it, but they do. I always feel like they are more welcoming as a city. Plus Stolkhom has the best museums to visit.
Suruchi Mittal
That is a complete exhaustive guide on Europe. I liked the way how you have divided the itinerary and it is going to be super helpful while we plan up our trip. The 2 weeks really seems like a less time now, for Europe.
Cynthia | Adventuring Woman
You’ve covered all the important things! I agree that Paris, Amsterdam and London should be #1. I really want to do Vienna, Prague and Budapest. Also the Balkan itineraries. So true that it’s best to spend time really experiencing a place, rather than running around between them.
Dabik
These are good itineraries for those who want a quick glimpse of certain areas of Europe. Im not sure on the Nordic ones, I think I need a bank loan for that one. 😀 I found after exploring much of Europe, to see better history, buildings, parks, scenery etc, is to get away from the cities and find the true heart of each country. However, first timers, these are good plans BUT make sure you come back for some more European fun 🙂
Anda Galffy
One visit to Europe is never enough, Dabik.
Medha
Although I agree with you to start with the more popular cities in your first ever trip to Europe and to make sure that all the cities you’re visiting are geographically close to each other (and you’ve grouped them out perfectly), I also think that visiting only the bigger cities in countries like Switzerland, Austria, Greece don’t give you a real flavour of what the country is about. For example- going to Athens and not Santorini would be something I’d not recommend at all! Or going to Zurich and Lucerne but not Interlaken. Having said that, if one wants to focus only on the bigger cities and not venture to the smaller towns and villages, then these itineraries make perfect sense!
Anda Galffy
Of course, Medha. Visiting only the bigger cities will barely touch the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. These itineraries are intended for first time visitors to Europe and it is implied the subsequent visits would be necessary to really get the feel of many of these countries.
Christina Pfeiffer
Your itineraries certainly highlight the diversity of Europe. There are so many different countries to visit it’s hard to choose! One of the things I love about Europe is that no matter where you go, there’s history, culture and cobblestone streets to discover. Hmm, I think I’m due for another trip to Europe soon!
Anda Galffy
That is so true, Christina. I love everything about Europe!
Ruth
I am a big fan of itineraries! I have created several I want to follow. Sometimes, an itinerary does not work for one particular year but then it is feasible later. From your list, I want to do Northern Europe and the Berlin-Dresden-Wroclaw. I am with you on staying 3-4 days on a city. I do not like to rush places.
Anda Galffy
Planning is part of the fun when you travel, isn’t it?
Marvi
I love your recommendations! I’d love to go and visit Europe one day and this guide will come in very handy. Indeed 2 weeks is such a short time to see the entire continent, but good to know that you can still see as much as long you plan well (especially considering the geographical location and transportation availability).
Anda Galffy
I didn’t realize you haven’t been in Europe, Marvi. Hope you’ll get there soon. You’ll love Europe, I promise!
Jill Chapman
I haven’t been to Europe for five years so I am very excited to be heading there this fall. Great tips – we’ve already used a few – booked hotels in the city center or air bnb’s and are traveling off-season a bit but I hope to utilize more when I’m there.
Anda Galffy
I hope you are going to have a great trip, Jill.
Wendy Maes
Great idea’s, even for a European. We need to discover more things close to home.
Anda Galffy
Well, if you live in Europe you probably have visited all these places, Wendy.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
What a useful post. I think those of us who travel frequently forget that there is a lot of basic stuff we just take for granted.
Anda Galffy
So true, Lyn.
Anisa
I have spent quite a bit of time in Europe but I still have so much to see. I would love to do your Balkans roadtrip, I haven’t been to that area yet.
Anda Galffy
The Balkans make one of the best European itineraries, Anisa. You should definitely do that road trip.
Sara
These are all great ideas. Isn’t it such a gift to be able to spend two weeks exploring?? We love to spend 3 days in cities so we know where we want to return… I also love to pair big cities with smaller towns, too. It’s a great to experience both sides of the coin in the same country. I would love to do your Balkan itinerary! Those places all just look beautiful!
Anda Galffy
I love exploring smaller cities too, Sara. However, for first time visitors it’s always better to start with the more popular sites.
Emese
Great tips for first-time visitors, especially if you have only two weeks. I wish I’ve been to all the destinations you covered … if we could only travel when I was still living in the middle of it ;).
Anda Galffy
Yep, I hear you! I have the same frustration, Emese.
Kimberly
Great advice for first time travelers! We did a similar trip, to your first itinerary, when we went to Europe the first time. Ours was London, Paris, Munich, and Amsterdam. I have to agree that giving yourself 3-4 days in each place is ideal. I ended up feeling like I didn’t see much in London, because we were only there for two days of our trip. Thankfully, we were able to return to London for a longer period later.
Tomas Novak
As I live in Prague – kind of a center of Europe. It’s pretty easy for me to do this short trips and I think I visited more than half of this cities. I like how you group them in smaller trips by three. I just have to visit the Baltic states and Balkan… hopefully next year. Thanks for your tips
Anda Galffy
It’s much easier to do these trips when you live in Europe, Thomas. The challenge is for people who travel there from far away.
California Globetrotter
What a great itinerary you’ve put together, Anda! You’ve hit up all the best cities and I also recommend 3-4 days in each city!
Anda Galffy
I’m glad you agree with me, Lolo. Now that you live in Europe it’s much easier for you to see all these other smaller cities on week-end trips.
Rhonda Albom
I think two weeks is a great intro and taster for Europe. Europe is addictive and by the end of those two weeks you’ll already be planning on which areas you want to concentrate on for your next visit. I agree that you should spend three to four days in each city in order to get comfortable and enjoy the feel of the city.
Anda Galffy
Hahaha, you are so right that traveling to Europe becomes addictive. Everybody I know wants to return there to see more.
Priscilla Willis
Great tips, Anda. Your suggested Itineraries are perfect – it’s difficult to fully experience a destination when you try to do and see too much!
Anda Galffy
Good to hear from you, Priscilla. I know you just came back from a trip to Europe. Hope it was fun.
Anda Galffy
Good to hear from you, Priscilla. I know you just came back from Europe. Hope you enjoyed your trip.
Rich
Anda looking for a 14 day itinerary first time in Europe. This is for my 25 Anniversary. Looking to bring my 3 daughters ages 25/22/20. Also looking to invite my in laws 65/72. My wife is first generation born in the states from Hungary. My 72 year old father in-law has a bad ankle is there scooters to rent or would it be a pain in the butt to travel everywhere with it. Also ball Parker cost per person along with either plane or rail tickets to hop around
Anda
Hi Rich,
This looks like a multi-generational reunion and a great celebration. Since your wife is of Hungarian descent, you might want to take a trip to Central Europe that would include Hungary as well. I think all of you are going to love Budapest! You could probably do Prague, Vienna, and Budapest and spend at least 3 days in each of these big cities. There are also a few side trips that you can take around them. I wrote extensively about these three destinations, in case you need some ideas on things to do, places to stay and eat in each one of these cities.