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London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe

Are you planning a trip to Europe? Need any ideas on exploring the continent and its many countries? We have a perfect London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary taking you to unique places and beautiful attractions.

This 10 day Europe trip is ideal for those who want to venture multi-European countries. And with cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam – there’s a lot to see and do in 10 days.

In our below-curated itinerary, we give out the best ideas, day-trip suggestions, how to get around, an accommodation list and many more resources.

So without any further ado, let’s get started!

Overview of London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary 10 Days

Our London, Paris, and Amsterdam trip itinerary is designed for 10 days. The aim is to keep it simple but uniquely crafted to include top-rated experiences & sights.

As you explore each of the cities throughout the tour, you’ll discover its famous landmarks, popular attractions, local markets, culinary experiences, and off-beaten detours.

Moreover, you can also customize this itinerary to change the order of the cities. In the later section of this guide, you’ll learn how to do it, modify it, and make changes without tampering with the travel time/mode required for this itinerary.

Travel Tip:  There’s a lot to see and do in London, Paris, and Amsterdam. While it’s not possible to include each of them in this itinerary, we leave it up to you to alter/modify attractions as per your preference. Furthermore, we have linked enough resources and blog posts to help you plan a smooth 10-day European trip.

London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary 10 Days

Day 1 : London: Westminster Abbey, St. Jame’s Park, Buckingham Palace, London Eye and more. Day 2 : London: Tower of London, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market, London Bridge & Tower Bridge Day 3 : London: Excursion to Cotswolds Day 4 : Travel to Paris Day 5 : Paris: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, and Arc de Triomphe Day 6 : Paris: Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee d’Orsay, Montmarte Day 7 : Paris: Versailles Palace and the Louvre Day 8 : Travel to Amsterdam Day 9 : Amsterdam: Walking Tour Day 10 : Depart from Amsterdam

Detailed London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary 10 days

Day 1: london – historical landmarks.

If you choose to follow the order of this itinerary, then London is going to be your starting point. Before you head straight to the main attractions of London, we recommend taking a brief sightseeing tour via hop on hop off bus . This gives you a complete orientation tour of London following major attractions like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, and London Bridge.

If you plan on taking a guided sightseeing bus or walking tour, we’d recommend doing it on the first day of your London trip.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most influential churches. This gothic structure dates back to 1245, housing grand coronation ceremonies of England’s many monarchs, royal weddings, events, and the final rites of Princess Diana. As you tour the insides of Westminster Abbey, you’ll find hundreds of tombs and memorials of the famous people of Britain. This list of names includes people from different streams of mastery, such as scientists, artists, politicians, and royalty. Even Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin are buried at the Abbey.

To visit Westminster Abbey, you’ll need to leave early from your hotel. As the site is popular, it’s often crowded with tourists exploring the landmark. If you’re self-guiding, an audiobook is handed to you to make the most of your time spent in Westminster. Alternatively, this guided tour will allow you to skip the line to get fast track entry into the church.

Currently, the site has opened its main section of the Abbey for the tour. It approx costs £5/person. You can get more details on their official website here.

St. James’s Park

Before we head out to Buckingham Palace, we recommend taking a short stroll through one of London’s most evergreen spots – St. James’s Park.

Known for its lush greenery, the 50-acre land of St. James’s Park is one of London’s eight royal parks. It’s often a hangout place for most youth, college students, and senior citizens. If you need to take a break, there’s a small cafe within the park to sip tea or coffee.

Around the park, you’ll come across the Guards Museum , showcasing the story of the five British regiments who have protected the royal palaces to date. The museum houses many artefacts which belonged to the regiment unit of British Foot Guards. If you’re interested, you may need to pay a small fee of £8/person to enter.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the UK’s most historical landmarks. If you’re a first-time traveller to London, you shouldn’t miss out on exploring the Palace, as it is genuinely one of the most beautiful experiences you’ll have. Buckingham Palace has been an epicentre of royal London, serving as both a residential and administrative headquarters.

Back in 1703, the Palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham as a small townhouse, but later it got acquired and transformed by King George III . Since then, Buckingham has become a residential palace for British monarchs, including notable names – Queen Victoria , Edward VII , George IV , and many more.

With the help of a guided tour , you’ll briefly understand the importance of the royal heritage in London and the family’s descendants who came into power. The eventful stories, consequential past and significant moments get enlightened as you tour the Buckingham Palace.

But, it’s not only the history that will excite you, it’s the grand tour of the Palace that will enrich your experience. Buckingham Palace is home to around 775 royal rooms, including 20 staterooms, 188 bedrooms, staff, office spaces, a swimming pool, grand halls, a post office and even a police station. The Grand Hall and The State Dining Room are the most famous out of all these rooms. Most likely, you’ll tour these sections in addition to massive outer gardens, tennis courts, and lakes.

Even if you aren’t doing a Buckingham Palace tour, make sure not to miss their Changing of the Guard ceremony . It happens at 11 am on the forecourt of the PalacePalace on most days. Moreover, the event can also get cancelled due to weather or security concerns.

There isn’t a better viewing spot than the London Eye to soak in the city’s striking vistas.

Deemed Europe’s giant observation wheel, the London Eye is a perfect place to get panoramic views. You may explore London all you want and go on sightseeing and walking tours – but nothing can beat the experience of taking a ride on this wheel. They even have private pods served with complimentary champagne to make your visit special.

The London Eye usually opens late, making it ideal for tourists to come and enjoy their evening. On a fantastic sunny day, the sunset views from the eye get even better. But, if you’re unlucky – given the bad weather – I’d rather skip the ride to take another alternative.

Tickets prices for the London Eye can be found here. Try to avoid purchasing the tickets via the ticket desk, as they tend to cost a little higher than the online price. For a refundable pass, purchase your fast track tickets from GetYourGuide .

Recommended : Looking for a different Europe Itinerary? Read our London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe

Day 2: London – Exploring the City & Southwark

Today, we explore some of London’s oldest and most modern buildings set right in the heart of its financial center. Moreover, we also take a tour to the London Borough of Southwark, where you’ll find numerous unique attractions like HMS Belfast , the Imperial War Museum , The Shard , and Southwark Cathedral .

Tower of London

The first sight to explore on day two of the London city tour is the iconic  Tower of London . Initially, in 1078 the tower was built in the name of a royal castle to act as a defense tower. But, over a few centuries, its purposes expanded – acting more like a prison, army base, defensive fortress, and Royal Mint.

Today, in this modern world, the Tower of London has become a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  – popularly known for its history and as an execution site of Lady Jane Grey and Queen Anne.

The Tower of London isn’t the prettiest of all structures in London, but if you marvel at Gothic architecture – it will be a splendid site visit for you. Nonetheless, its historical importance and surrounding attractions make the Tower of London a must-visit place in the city.

Once you’re here, opt for a guided tour to learn about the site’s past development. Ensure you visit all its highlights, including the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Tower Green. Alternatively, the tickets will be free if you’ve got your London City Card .

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral has been an essential landmark in the history of the UK. It’s a gorgeous piece of architecture, standing right in the middle of the city, boasting historical flair to all visitors who travel.

The cathedral’s dome is its main distinguishable feature, and the church has been an important spiritual place for all communities to pray and worship. It was seen as the symbol of spirit back in World War II.

Along with regular prayer services and Sunday masses, the church has actively been a place of royal events. This includes the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, the funeral rites of Winston Churchill , and other royal services for Queen Elizabeth II .

If you self-guide St. Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll have access to the audio guidebook to learn about its development. Alternatively, you can take this guided tour of the cathedral to explore the crypt and the dome. You also get access to visit the Whispering Gallery and the Stone and Garden Galleries .

Borough Market

If you want to visit the oldest market ever known, then Borough Market is your place. It’s believed that the entire stretch of Borough has been in the area since 1014.

Though the market is the oldest in the UK , it’s as modern as you’d typically imagine. The energetic vibes of the locals, the hustle-bustle of street vendors, and the chirping of local tourists bargaining for the price – always make you feel lively.

As you explore the Borough Market, you’ll find vendors selling various meats and produce, farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, artisans’ cheese, baked goods, wines, and other food-related stuff. Many restaurants, cafes, and kitchens are a part of the Borough Market, and small stalls sell packed foods of all street type cuisine.

If you’re interested in taking a slight detour from Borough Market, we recommend this top-rated tour to make your day two more exciting. This is optional and can be added to the itinerary as per your preference.

Note : The Borough Market is mainly closed on Sundays, and during the rest of the week, the market is open from 10 am to 5 pm.

London Bridge and Tower Bridge

The London Bridge and Tower Bridge are two famous icons of London, and both represent the history of London and have been recognizable landmarks since their inception.

London Bridge has been standing tall since the Roman days. However, most of the restoration work and its pillars were newly built in the 1970s. Next to the bridge is the London Bridge Experience, a visually interactive session taking you across the darker times of London’s history.

Tower Bridge is one of London’s other landmarks standing tall next to the London Bridge, and it’s a suspension bridge built somewhere between 1886 and 1894. To get an excellent photo of the Tower Bridge, you may need to head to one side of the Thames or across the Potters Fields Park adjacent to the south bank.

Free Time to Explore

The rest of your day in London is free for leisure activities. Check our below recommendations to add it your itinerary.

Travel Tip : We recommend getting the London City Card which is valid for 1,2,3,6 or 10 days. Most of the London attractions listed in this itinerary are included in the city pass, granting you fast track access to tour the place. Additionally, you’ll save a lot more than you would paying for individual sights.

Day 3: London – Day Trip to Cotswolds

With its fairy-tale villages, green rolling hills, and honey-hued cottages, Cotswolds is one dreamy land that takes you through a sublime English countryside. It has been a favorite getaway destination for tourists landing in London to visit and explore its charming atmosphere.

In this day-trip excursion from London, we visit Cotswold’s famous villages – Cheltenham and Chipping Camden . If you need a detailed itinerary for Cotswolds,  we have a separate guide  detailing towns to visit, things to do, accommodation, and a planning checklist.

Cheltenham Village

Cheltenham is popularly known as the ‘ Western Gateway of Cotswolds .’ This vibrant town is filled with spirited people, local markets, beautiful gardens, and pristine parks. Stroll across the thatched roof cottages of Cheltenham and get your photography skills honed to snap amazing shots.

After your exploration, stop by Cheltenham Art Gallery to discover numerous ancient artifacts & intriguing objects celebrating local pioneers. Later, wander off to tour the Imperial Square and Gardens that houses beautiful Georgian homes.

Chipping Camden

Before reaching Chipping Camden, take a short detour to stop at Snowshill. The place is popularly known for its Broadway Tower, which you climb to grab 360-degree views of the villages spanning around.

Upon your arrival at Chipping Camden, tour its famous sites – St. James’ Church, Ancient Market Hall, and Alms Houses. You can also drive to Dover’s Hill, which is only 10-minutes away from the main market square.

Spend your evening at the town of Dover’s Hill and then bid farewell to Cotswolds for your trip back to London.

Alternative : If you don’t prefer a day-trip to Cotswolds, feel free to exclude this from your itinerary. As alternatives – we can recommend taking day-trips to Stonehenge , WB Harry Potter Studio or Oxford .

Where to stay in London? The capital city has tons of accommodation options to choose from, including some of the most budgeted yet decent ones. In the later section of this guide, you will get a comprehensive idea of the hotel part.

Day 4: Train to Paris

Today, we will depart for Paris from London.

You will need to take Eurostar, the direct and most convenient transport mode to reach Paris from the UK. It approx takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to travel across the underground tunnel to enter France. It’s the longest underwater tunnel ever built (31 miles long), and it only takes Eurostar 35 minutes to complete the stretch of the tunnel.

Here’s a complete timetable of the train arrivals and departures for you to take the Eurostar. Additionally, refer to this pricing sheet to get an approx cost idea. Usually, the trips start from €59 and can differ when booked on weekends.

Upon your arrival in Paris, the rest of the day is free for leisure.

Alternatively, you can plan a free walking tour of Paris to get briefly acquainted with the city’s landmarks & sights. We also recommend taking on the Seine River Cruise to spend your evening comfortably.

Day 5: Paris – Exploring Parisian Landmarks

Today, we explore Parisian Icons.

Eiffel Tower

There’s no better place than the Eiffel Tower to start your Paris trip!

Being the most common tourist landmark of all, Eiffel Tower still holds its charm and elegance to attract visitors worldwide. Especially for first-time travellers – visiting Eiffel Tower is a dream.

Upon your arrival at the site, you’ll have multiple options to explore the Eiffel Tower. If you want to admire its architecture, head to Trocadero Gardens or Champ de Mars gardens to get the best angle. You even picnic here, spending quality time with your family and friends.

Moreover, if you want to tour the insides, you can take the stairs or an elevator to reach the upper floors. Tickets for an elevator ride will need to be booked well in advance to avoid hassles. They often get sold out fast, and you may want to reserve them for the best experience.

The third option is to book a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower . This is probably the easiest and most convenient method since the tour operator will already manage your tickets. Additionally, you’ll get the skip-the-line advantage clubbed with the ‘summit floor’ exploration. For more details, view this catalogue.

Champs-Elysees

Post your sight-seeing at the Eiffel Tower, and go further down the street to stroll Champs-Elysees.

Starting from Place de la Concorde , the Avenue des Champs-Elysees is one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful streets. It’s a great exploration place to tour some of the typical Parisian sights, landmarks, and, more importantly, Paris ” s shopping culture. As you stroll up the Champs-Elysees, you’ll discover famous luxury boutiques such as Montblanc, Guerlain, Louis Vuitton, and world-class French restaurants.

Champs-Elysees is also a place for hosting grand events such as the Tour de France cycle race, the 14th July military parade and other Christmas festivities and enchanting markets. Ultimately, it’s a perfect place to unwind and appreciate the tranquillity of the Champs-Elysees atmosphere.

Arc de Triomphe

A short 9-minute walk from Champs-Elysees will take you across one of Paris’s beloved attractions – Arc de Triomphe.

It’s one of the best places in the city to soak in fantastic views of the roads spanning out to various districts. Moreover, the views stretch out to Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees and the Louvre. There’s also a museum on top of the Arc de Triomphe dedicated to an unnamed soldier.

Note : Exploring the interiors of Arc de Triomphe carries a small fee, and you will get free access with skip-the-line advantage if you’ve got your  Paris Pass .

Day 6: Paris – Museums & Historical Monuments

Get ready to witness the charm of Parisian museums & top historical sites.

Sainte Chapelle

Saint Chapelle is a small, royal chapel located on the Île de la Cité boasting gothic-style architecture.

The highlight of visiting this chapel is its gorgeous display of stained glass units lined from floor to ceiling. Though the chapel is small in size, and you wouldn’t expect something so beautiful to see – the intricate designs these glasses hold are remarkable.

Like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, Saint Chapelle can get crowded. Hence, we wanted to keep this place as a starting point of your day trip to Paris to avoid crowds. Moreover, the  Museum Pass  will provide the skip-the-line advantage on your arrival.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Located 10-minutes from Sainte Chapelle is one of Paris’s notable attractions – Notre Dame Cathedral.

The site’s construction took the longest, nearly 200 years to build and was finally inaugurated in 1345. Currently, you can only tour the outer grounds of Notre Dame Cathedral because of its restoration work.

An unfortunate fire broke out in 2019, causing heavy damage to its pillars and many structures. However, don’tdon’t be disappointed – as you can still access the cathedral’s parvis and outer facade.

Furthermore, you can also visit nearby landmarks like Conciergerie and Au Vieux d’Arcoled’Arcole (the prettiest cafe).

Musee d’Orsay

Visiting Musee d’Orsay is a different experience altogether, and it does stand out differently when you compare it with other museums within Paris.

The first notable highlight of Musee d’Orsay is its location. The same place where you see all events, exhibitions, and displays set up was once Paris’sParis’s central train station. The upper rooftop design and its pillars are intact in their original state with a touch of heavy restoration work.

The second feature Musee d’Orsay boasts is the artwork. The museum is home to the world’s most significant Impressionist art, showcasing the fine work of Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Gaugin. It’sIt’s paradisal

Day 7: Paris – Versailles & The Louvre

Today, we hit the two major attractions of Paris – Versailles & The Louvre.

Palace of Versailles

Nestled on the outskirts of Paris, Versailles is an important historical site in France. This royal chateau has been home to great names of the French Royalty, including Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI . The Palace is also known for its French political power that came into existence in 1682. It was, however, ended during the French Revolution – making the power shift to the city of Paris.

History buffs will indeed find the Palace an exciting place, and so a regular visitor who admires beautiful architecture. Moreover, the Palace of Versailles boasts 2,300 rooms inside and prominent locations such as Battles Gallery , Hall of Mirrors , Marie-Antoinette’s Bedrooms , and the King’s Apartments .

Furthermore, the French-styled gardens and their outer grounds will mesmerize anyone with their adoring beauty. If it’s your first-time visit to the Versailles, you need to plan your schedule well. Since the Palace is massive enough to be explored, it could take hours and hours for you to explore all of its grand rooms. However, time your exploration well, and you’ll be good to tour the Palace smoothly.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the places you can’t miss to include in your itinerary. It’s my favourite museum in Europe, and it certainly is worth visiting.

Like the Palace of Versailles, the Lourve is a place for all art lovers and history buffs. Even if you don’t admire art or don’t get much fascinated by history – the museum’s sheer scale of architectural beauty will leave you spellbound.

The Louvre is one of the world’s largest museums, and it can take days for you to explore its legendary artwork, magnificent paintings, and other historical displays. But, don’t bother much about the time – as you’ll love every minute spent.

Famous paintings of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, and the Venus de Milo are displayed here, and it certainly is the “most-watched” painting of all. The only downside is the crowd, as the Louvre tends to be busy during the peak season, and you’ll often find tourists jamming up at a certain point, which isn’t a pleasant experience to witness.

To avoid crowds at the Louvre, ensure you make an early visit. Please arrive during the opening hours, or probably late in the evening. The museum is open until 9.45 pm on Wednesday and Friday, which is relatively a quieter time to explore.

You can also purchase this timed-ticket which guarantees an entry within 30 minutes.

Recommended : Want to plan a shorter trip to Paris? Check our popular guide on 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Time Traveler .

Day 8: Train to Amsterdam

Taking the Thalys high-speed train from Paris to Amsterdam is one of the fastest and most convenient modes of travelling. It’s modern, luxurious, and a feasible option – making you reach your destination within 3 hours and 20 minutes. The fare starts from €35 , and you will need to book your tickets well in advance to make a reservation (upto 120 days in advance).

To embark on the train, you’ll need to arrive at the Gare du Nord station in Paris. The train runs through Brussels, but you won’t have to change your train to arrive in Amsterdam.

For more details, check their offical website .

Note:  Try to make your reservations to reach Amsterdam early in the day. This way, you’ll have the rest of your afternoon & evening for your half-day trips & sight-seeing tours.

Anne Frank House

Undoubtedly, a visit to Amsterdam is incomplete without exploring the Anne Frank House.

You may have already heard the story of Anne Frank and her family, who hid in the basement of her house for almost two and a half years. The world war scenes outside made the situation worse for all the family members in the area, especially for the Franks’ who had to save themselves from the brutal concentration camps.

Today, the family’s home is a tourist attraction to recount their life exploring leftovers & displays. During your tour , you’ll see many of its rooms, photos, artifacts, and the basement where they hid.

Travel Tip : Book your tickets two months (60 days before your trip). Anne Frank is one of the major tourist attractions in Amsterdam, and the tickets get sold lightning fast. You can check the official website for more details on tickets and pricing.

Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum

With 2 days in Amsterdam, you can be sure to visit at least two of its world-class museums –  Van Gogh  and  Rijksmuseum .

It doesn’t matter if you admire art or not, visiting these two museums in Amsterdam has to be your top-most priority. Apart from being Netherland’s most popular sites, they are fantastic in displaying artistic paintings, contemporary art, and historical displays.

Visiting Van Gogh is an experience altogether. The museum is dedicated to the famous Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, who has 200 of his paintings stored in the museum. Van Gogh Museum is comparatively much more petite than Rijksmuseum and will only take an hour to explore .

Rijksmuseum is massive. Exploration at this museum can take 3-4 hours, depending on the time you take to browse through all the objects. It houses around 8,000 Dutch art and history displays created by famed artists like Frans Hals and Rembrandt.

Evening Canal Cruise

Nothing can be more perfect than an evening canal cruise to end your day in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is home to beautiful canals, narrowing across Dutch houses and cute little bridges. An evening boat ride can level up your experience to witness the charm and tranquility of the city’s pleasing aura.

There are many cruises to choose from, and it entirely depends on your choice, duration, and budget. We’ve listed a few options for you to browse through –

Day 9: Amsterdam – City Exploration

Your day two in Amsterdam takes you around some of the city’s influential highlights and unique attractions.

Exploring the Dam Square and the Royal Palace

Start your exploration of Amsterdam by hitting the main square. It’s a 10-minute walk from the primary central station via Nieuwendijk. Once you reach, you’ll come across these significant landmarks –  the National Monument ,  Nieuwe Kerk Church , and the  Royal Palace of Amsterdam .

You can take a guided tour of all the main square’s attractions in one bundle. Ensure you tour the Royal Palace of Amsterdam to marvel at the wealth and sculptures stored inside. It was formerly a town hall, which later got converted into a residential unit for the royal family.

The Amsterdam Dungeon

Next on your stop is the Amsterdam Dungeon, known for the dark history related to Netherland’s past.

It’s an interactive based tour where you’ll watch staged actors performing several acts depicted in the history of the Netherlands. Moreover, the stage performances happen in different phases or timelines of the record, showcasing  the Spanish inquisition   trail  and  an act of torture .

The entry fee to the Amsterdam Dungeon is free if you’ve got your I Amsterdam City Card . It’s best to acquire one to get access to numerous tourist places & sites within Amsterdam. You’ll save much more than you’d pay individually for each of the attractions mentioned in our 2 days of Amsterdam section.

The Flower Market

The Flower Market, or  Bloemenmarkt  (as known in the local language), is a unique tourist spot in Amsterdam.

If you’re not aware, the Netherlands is known to house the iconic flower – the tulip. Separate tours are departing, especially to see the tulip season in the country. It’s a magical experience, and we would surely recommend taking a trip (between March and May) to see 7 million tulips blooming in action.

Visitors who are not traveling during the tulip season can head to the Flower Market. You’ll see hundreds of varieties of these tulips in different colors getting sold, and most of them even sell as bulbs, which you store at home.

It’s also a good gifting item to surprise your loved one!

Zuiderkerk and Nieuwmarkt

Stroll around the  Kloveniersburgwal  canal, and you’ll soon spot Zuiderkerk church. Climb up the bell tower to soak in panoramic views of the entire Amsterdam city. Please note that you’ll only be able to do a climb with a tour guide. Also, there are specific timings that allow you to climb up.

As you continue further down the canal, you’ll come across at  Nieuwmarkt  market. It looks like a castle straight out of a fairy-tale book, but in reality, it’s a small local market housing excellent cafes & restaurants.

Pick your Ending

You have the choice of giving a fitting finale to your 10 day London, Paris Amsterdam itinerary.

The first option is to explore the famous church of Amsterdam –  Oude Kerk . Being the oldest church in the city, the elegance and gloriousness remain modern. The exterior is built with red bricks, and its windows have massive stained glass units.

The second alternative is to bike around across the canals of Amsterdam. Pace your ride at your leisure and wander off the narrow streets, markets, and local attractions to briefly sight-see places you might’ve missed. Also, an evening bike ride is one of the cool things to do in Amsterdam.

The third option is to spend time in Harlem. It’s a 15-minute train ride from the main central station of Amsterdam. If it’s late in the evening, you won’t have much time to tour the surroundings, but you can grab a dinner and a few drinks to spend your last night of this Europe trip.

Day 10: Fly Home

Your London Paris Amsterdam itinerary for 10 days ends here.

Recommended : Liked our London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary for 10 Days? You’ll also love a different version of our 10 Days in Europe covering Germany, Belgium, France & Ireland. Read this guide to discover an adventurous Europe trip.

Accommodation for 10 Days in Europe

While planning an itinerary, it’s important to shortlist a handful of hotels that provide good services & amenities throughout your stay. Luckily, cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam are never short of boasting a wide range of accommodation .

No matter your style, preference, or budget – you’ll find the right hotel suited for this 10 day Europe itinerary. In each section below, we’ve categorized our handpicked hotels by price & service. Check them out, and feel free to explore the links redirecting to those particular stays.

For more info on any of the below hotels, you can check this page .

Where to Stay in London

This is what we recommend for choosing a stay in London –

Budget :  Premier Inn London Euston Hotel  – We recommend this hotel because of its proximity to London’s must-see sights. Moreover, you’re minutes away from the central King’s Cross and St Pancras because of its central location.

Mid-range :  The Darlington Hyde Park  – With easy access to London’s comprehensive transport links and other sight-seeing places, the Darlington Hyde Park hotel tops our mid-range category. The rooms within the hotel are clean and spacious, with ample amenities at your service.

Luxury :  The Waldorf Hilton London  – There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in the capital city. You’ll find all sorts of stays ranging from 3-star to 5-star, accommodating all your needs. For this category, we recommend the Waldorf Hilton Hotel. Under the brand of Hilton, you can be sure of experiencing world-class amenities during your stay.

Visit this page for more hotels, apartments, rental houses, and shared accommodations in London.

Where to Stay in Paris

This is what we recommend for choosing a stay in Paris –

Budget :  Ibis Budget Paris Porte de Vincennes  – This hotel is best suited for families looking to get accommodated at a budgeted price. With complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and other inclusive amenities, you can have a perfect experience throughout your stay.

Mid-range :  Hotel Eiffel Seine  – This hotel’s proximity to Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe makes it super convenient for visitors like you to book their stay. The rooms offered for the standard category are excellent at an affordable price.

Luxury :  Shangri-La Paris  – Luxury in Paris is defined by its fashion, restaurants, and hotels. Shangri-La Paris is known to redefine your staying experience, as it openly provides sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and Seine River. Moreover, its rooms and interior decor speak for themselves – as you witness the ultimate Parisian elegance.

Explore this catalogue to find more budget, mid-range, and luxurious stays in Paris.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Jordaan and 9 Little Streets are the best neighbourhoods in Amsterdam to stay in. Moreover, any hotel that conveniently sits next to the canals is perfect.

Budget :  Hotel Hegra by Stanley Collection  – Located on the Herengracht (Canal), the rooms and services offered by Hotel Hegra is far better than any budgeted price range. Attractions like Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and Museumphoto are just 6-minutes away from the hotel.

Mid-range and Luxury :  Mr Jordaan Hotel  – Most of Amsterdam’s tourist attractions are conveniently located off the Mr Jordaan property. Their amenities are excellent, with a good selection of in-house restaurants available for lunch & dinner.

Luxury :  The Dylan Amsterdam  – It’s one of the most luxurious hotels in Amsterdam. Because of its prime location at the Keizersgracht canal, you have easy access to prominent landmarks and restaurants in Amsterdam. Moreover, the rooms offered for each of the available categories is top-notch.

You can find more hotels in Amsterdam here .

How to Customize 10 Day London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary

You can totally customize this itinerary matching your needs, travel requirements, preference and of course budget!

Let’s say you want to change the order of these cities, making your travel route look like – London – Amsterdam – Paris or Paris – London – Amsterdam . This is possible.

While you can play changing the order of these cities, you may also have to note the travel time to reach each of these cities. Additionally, you’ll also have to consider the travel modes. For journey’s between London and Paris , or London and Amsterdam – we recommend Eurorail . It’s the fastest, most feasible option to travel across.

Further Readings & Important Resources

Through our partnership programs with various tour companies/operators, we make it easy for you to follow a checklist of all essential resources. We also have other blog posts on Europe to make your travel plans easy.

Furthermore, below provided links will come in handy when planning a trip to Europe –

Travel Realms Europe – You can find many related guides & itineraries on our website catering different streams of travel. Check our Europe category to discover more travel experiences.

Lonely Planet Europe – There’s nothing more useful than getting a Lonely Planet guidebook for yourself. While we may recommend things to help you plan a smooth travel, Lonely Planet extends more help to offer you end-to-end destination knowledge. This catalogue of European guidebooks will help you more.

Day-trips & Excursions – If you ever feel to extend this itinerary by adding a couple of days – we recommend GetYourGuide to find unique excursions & amazing day-trips. Moreover, you can also book skip-the-line, Paris Pass, and Museum Pass from their site at affordable rates.

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London Paris and Amsterdam City Package

• Self-Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 LONDON ARRIVAL
• Day 2 LONDON (-/-/-)
• Day 3 LONDON (-/-/-)
• Day 4 LONDON (-/-/-)
• Day 5 LONDON - PARIS (TRAIN) (-/-/-)
• Day 6 PARIS (-/-/-)
• Day 7 PARIS (-/-/-)
• Day 8 PARIS (-/-/-)
• Day 9 PARIS – AMSTERDAM (TRAIN) (-/-/-)
• Day 10 AMSTERDAM (-/-/-)
• Day 11 AMSTERDAM (-/-/-)
• Day 12 AMSTERDAM (-/-/-)
• Day 13 AMSTERDAM - USA/CANADA (-/-/-)

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Reviews about this operator.

• Tour Operator Indus Travels 4.4
• Myna · 26th April 2024 A very well planned trip. A very enjoyable experience
• Brian · 17th September 2023 The tour itself was wonderful, the sites picked out for us to visit were great, the hotels were nice and comfortable.... Show more
• Gloria · 4th March 2024 Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc.... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• Wednesday 8 May, 2024 Monday 20 May, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,059 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 15 May, 2024 Monday 27 May, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,059 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 22 May, 2024 Monday 3 Jun, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,059 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 29 May, 2024 Monday 10 Jun, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,059 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 5 Jun, 2024 Monday 17 Jun, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,155 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 12 Jun, 2024 Monday 24 Jun, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,155 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 19 Jun, 2024 Monday 1 Jul, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,155 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 Monday 8 Jul, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,155 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 3 Jul, 2024 Monday 15 Jul, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,155 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 10 Jul, 2024 Monday 22 Jul, 2024 Multiple Room Types €2,155 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro France and Netherlands £ Pound Sterling England

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 27th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 27th July 2024, a minimum payment of 50% is required to confirm your booking with Indus Travels. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 90 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Indus Travels will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Indus Travels" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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London, Paris & Amsterdam

4.5 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Find out what lies behind Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, and those charming windmills.

Delve deep into three cultural capitals, discovering the landmarks and local lifestyles that make each city so unique. Throw back a few pints in a local pub after wandering the Thames. Seek out the Mona Lisa before savoring a crêpe where the “Lost Generation” once sat to write. Pass rows of tulips and vibrant houseboats on your way to a Dutch cafe. With plenty of time in each locale, you’re free to create your own experience.

Your tour package includes

• 9 nights in handpicked hotels
• 9 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 3 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

• Trafalgar Square
• Buckingham Palace
• Eurostar train ride
• Arc de Triomphe

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to London today.

Welcome to England! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Take a guided tour of the regal landmarks of the English capital with a local expert leading the way.

• Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill.
• See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations and weddings.
• View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London.
• Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard.

Enjoy a free afternoon in London or add an excursion.

Windsor Castle

From $125 per person

Spend a free day in London or add an excursion.

Stonehenge & Oxford

From $145 per person

Board the famed high-speed Eurostar train and be whisked beneath the English Channel as you journey to Gare du Nord in Paris, France.

Later, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Please note: Travelers should be prepared for an early morning train departure. Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage

A guided tour introduces you to the architecture, scenery, and history of the City of Light’s many neighborhoods, called arrondissements.

• Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe.
• Pass Pont Neuf and the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the Seine River.
• See the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier opera house, and Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square.
• Marvel at the iconic architecture of the Louvre and Hôtel des Invalides.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Paris or add an excursion.

Please note: On some departures, the Versailles Palace & Gardens excursion may be offered on day 7.

Versailles Palace & Gardens

From $139 per person

Spend a free day in Paris or add excursions.

Please note: On some departures, the Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny excursion may be offered on day 6.

Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny

From $109 per person

Dinner in Paris & Seine River Cruise

From $129 per person

Take a high-speed train to Amsterdam. When you arrive in the Netherlands, enjoy free time for the rest of the day to explore the area on your own.

Please note: Travelers should be prepared for an early morning train departure.

Take to the water on today’s sightseeing tour as your local guide introduces you to Amsterdam's unique character.

• Cruise by icons like the Dutch National Opera house and the Skinny Bridge.
• Reflect on the city’s history as you pass by a former Jewish neighborhood.
• See the dancing houses, the narrowest houses in Amsterdam, and “flower bikes” decorated by a local known as the Flower Bike Man.
• Disembark near the Rijksmuseum, and stroll to the iconic Van Gogh Museum for a tour with an audio guide.

Spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.

Please note: The Keukenhof Garden optional excursion will only be offered from late March through mid-May. The Food of Amsterdam optional excursion will replace Keukenhof Garden when it is out of season.

Food of Amsterdam Walking Tour

From $99 per person

Keukenhof Gardens

Spend a free day in Amsterdam or add an excursion.

Celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

A Day in Charming Delft

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Berlin, Germany.

Fly to Berlin and enjoy a free evening in Germany’s capital city.

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Berlin, reunited Germany’s political and cultural capital city.

• Discover the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of a reunited Berlin.
• See the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall's East Side Gallery.
• Journey down Unter den Linden, the city’s most elegant boulevard, passing the Reichstag and Museum Island.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Berlin or add an excursion.

World War II Walking Tour

From $79 per person

Enjoy a free day in Berlin or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

From $119 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

I loved this trip. Our tour group was wonderful. They helped make this trip such a success. Pascal, our tour director, was very knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoyed his company. If I had to take one thing off our schedule it would be the evening river cruise down the Seine in Paris. I felt it w...

We really enjoyed this trip. These three cities are really to vast to see in 9 days but you certainly get a good taste for the cultures.

The entire experience was well beyond what I had imagined simply because our tour guide did an amazing job. The accommodations were outstanding, the meals spectacular and the tours well-planned.

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This upscale hotel is located in London, steps away from the St Pancras railway station. Guests enjoy on-site restaurants, the leisure club, and a fit...

This chic hotel is located in the heart of Paris’ Montparnasse neighborhood. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, a traditional streetside restaurant, and an ...

This trendy hotel is located in the Oost district of Amsterdam. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms, lounge-bar, and easy access to the tram. Nearby you'll...

This contemporary hotel is located in Berlin center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, lounge-bar, and fitness room. Nearby, you'll find exclusive boutiques ...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• This tour visits the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands (plus Germany on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code LPN
• You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or stairs.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Amsterdam (or Berlin on the tour extension). When you first arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival gate with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please remain in the arrival lounge, as the driver may be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the shuttle at the time of your arrival. For more details, please reference the London transfer information included in your Go Kit.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• Train rides from London to Paris and from Paris to Amsterdam are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Amsterdam to Berlin.)
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage. The storage space on the train is extremely limited, so we recommended traveling with only one suitcase per person (and a personal item such, as a backpack or purse).
• We recommend lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
• Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine.Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
• For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés , cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
• Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm in France, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
• In the Netherlands, simply prepared meat and fish dishes, substantial soups, and hearty stews are local staples. Snack food traditionally features fish—you might try maatje , raw green herring served with onions—but pancakes, french fries, doughnuts, and waffles are just as plentiful.
• On the tour extension, German food is hearty and substantial. Among the specialties are dumpling stews, sauerkraut, sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads. Bavaria produces some of the world’s purest beers, and white German wines are exceptionally good.
• The United Kingdom operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
• France and the Netherlands (plus Germany on the tour extension) operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Some of the hotels on this tour will provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• The United Kingdom is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• France and the Netherlands (plus Germany on the tour extension) are one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of ET.
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm in the United Kingdom and 6pm in France and the Netherlands (as well as in Germany on the tour extension).
• You will use the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in France and the Netherlands (as well as in Germany on the tour extension).
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, but you may choose to order some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

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Classic European Sampler: London, Paris & Amsterdam

Itinerary Details

MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Get to know three of Europe's finest capital cities on this quintessential vacation. With a range self-guided and group tours included, you'll discover pomp and glamor in London, sophistication in Paris and unique, Dutch charm in Amsterdam. Along the way, the many contrasts and cultures will introduce you to the joys of exploring Europe.

What is a Classic Independent Itinerary? SEE  Goway Classic  BELOW

Start off with a 4 night stay in one of the world’s greatest cities, London. On a Hop On Hop Off bus tour which allows you to get on and off the bus at any of the 80 stops within 24 hours, you can decide when and where you would like to do so.

The next day have a tour which will include iconic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben the London Eye and the Royal Albert Hall. Then continue to Hampton Court in the suburbs of the city, a royal palace used by British Monarchs up to the 18th Century including Henry VIII. Located on the banks of the River Thames, tour the state apartments of the palace and also spend time in the beautiful riverside gardens and perhaps attempt to conquer the world famous maze. After this, continue to Windsor Castle, home to the Royal Family. Visit state apartments, the castle grounds and the 14th Century St. George’s Chapel, burial place of Kings and Queens including Henry VIII. 

The following morning, visit the renowned Madame Tussauds waxworks museum with its many life-size and life-like figures both historical and contemporary. This evening brings a typical British tradition, a pub tour in Greenwich on the Thames River. Enjoy drinks at 4 different pubs with a short stroll between them through the streets of Greenwich. 

Next up is the “City of Light”, Paris for a 4 night stay. Your exploration will start off with a Hop On Hop Off bus tour to view the highlights of this exciting city. With 50 stops and 12 hours validity, you will have the opportunity to really discover Paris.

The next day brings a tour to the magnificent Palace of Versailles just outside Paris. The palace was the official residence of the Kings and Queens of France. It has 700 rooms and many works of art and a priceless furniture collection. The formal and neatly laid-out gardens are exquisitely beautiful and contain over 200 statues.

Your final stop is in Amsterdam, the colourful quaint and charming city of canals for a 4 night stay. A Hop On Hop Off bus tour includes boat rides on the canals for a different perspective of Amsterdam.

Also have a tour into the Dutch countryside starting with the picturesque windmill village of Zaanse Schans. Then continue to the lively fishing village of Volendam with visits to a cheese factory and to a museum. In the summer, a boat ride to the island of Marken is included where you will meet a clog maker.

You will have a free day in Amsterdam bringing your 3 city experience to a close.

Goway CLASSIC Independent Itineraries

These operate virtually any day as they are a collection of our most popular independent travel ideas. Just like our independent suggestions, classics can be extended and modified to suit your own interests, time available and budget. As experts in customizing personalized itineraries we look forward to being of service.

Itinerary View Trip Map

London heathrow to london central hotel, thistle city barbican.

As you would expect of one of the few London City hotels, the Thistle City Barbican hotel is a popular choice for business people wheeling, dealing and networking in the Square Mile. However, it is also popular with art lovers, concert-goers and tourists, too.

Not only is it just around the corner from the Barbican Centre, Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Islington Business Design Centre, it is also close to Angel Islington, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell and Hoxton's Square, and enjoys easy access to three underground stations. The opportunities to indulge your creative side or explore London's many attractions are countless.

Whether you are traveling for business, the ballet, the nightlife or simply a short break in London, the Thistle City Barbican hotel has all you need to relax and unwind, including complimentary access the hotel's Otium Health & Leisure Club.

As you would expect of one of the few London City hotels, the Thistle City Barbican hotel is a popular choice for business people wheeling, dealing and networking in the Square Mile. However, it is also popular with art lovers, concert-goers and tourists, too. Not …

As you would expect of one of the few London City hotels, the Thistle City Barbican hotel is a popular choice for business people wheeling, dealing and networking in the Square Mile. However, it is also popular with art lovers, concert-goers and tourists, too. Not only is it just around the corner from the Barbican Centre, Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Islington Business Design Centre, it is also close to Angel Islington, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell and Hoxton's Square, and enjoys easy access to three underground stations. The opportunities to indulge your creative side or explore London's many attractions are countless. Whether you are traveling for business, the ballet, the nightlife or simply a short break in London, the Thistle City Barbican hotel has all you need to relax and unwind, including complimentary access the hotel's Otium Health & Leisure Club.

• 24 Hour Reception
• Currency Exchange
• Express Check In/Out
• Fitness Centre
• Indoor Pool
• Luggage Storage
• Meeting/ Banquet facilities
• Packed Lunches
• Private Parking Possible (charges may apply)
• Spa and Wellness Centre

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Tootbus London - 24 hour Hop-on-hop-off Discovery Tour

Check out all the wonderful things London has to offer in a day when you hop on board the Tootbus London Discovery tour! Make your way around, experience the heart of the city, and see London's top landmarks from the open-top deck of the bus including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, St. James Palace and many more. Take advantage of the incredible views of the capital from above to pinpoint all the places you want to see up close. Follow your hit list, hop off the bus at the nearest stop and explore more in-depth. Choose to see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or climb the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. Food lovers may find a piece of paradise at Borough Market, one of the best food markets in London. As the day falls, opt for a ride on the London Eye or enjoy a fun night out in Soho. If you are traveling with children, try our child-friendly channel, it will keep them entertained! Upon first validation, your ticket is valid for 24 hours. You can hop on and hop off, an unlimited number of times within the validity period. Download the Tootbus app to easily find your way around, follow the buses in real-time, and follow self-guided walking tours to help you explore further. The validity of the pass starts at the point of redemption and you can use it an unlimited number of times until the pass is no longer valid.

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath with Entry Tickets

Your day begins with a visit to one of the National Treasures. Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the Queen. Here you will visit the magnificent State Apartments, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Your next stop is clouded in mystery. The ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids. You will also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take you on a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring - the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire.

The London Eye - Fast Track Entry

At 135 meters (approximately 443 feet), the London Eye is the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and was launched in 2000, and has since won over 85 awards for national and international tourism, outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement. The observation wheel turns slow enough for people to embark while it is moving, and a complete turn takes about thirty minutes. Thanks to the construction of the glass capsules on the outer side of the rim, you will have a great 360-degree view of London. Many famous landmarks are clearly visible, including Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. On a clear day, you can see as far as 40 kilometers (approximately 25 miles). Make sure to reserve a specific time in advance as all entries now require a fixed-time reservation. A helpful hint? It's less crowded at night and the views on a clear night are even more spectacular.

Kensington Palace - Entrance Ticket

Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. It has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century, and is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Today, the State Rooms are open to the public and managed by the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, a nonprofit organization that does not receive public funds. The offices and private accommodation areas of the Palace remain the responsibility of the Royal Household and are maintained by the Royal Household Property Section. The nearest tube stations are in Queensway, Bayswater, Kensington High Street, or (slightly farther) Gloucester Road.

London Central Hotel to London Train Station

Paris railway station or pier to paris central hotels, new hotel roblin la madeleine.

Located on the Place de la Madeleine, between the Opera and the Champs Elysées, Roblin New Hotel benefits from having a strategic location within the heart of Paris. After a total renovation entrusted to the exclusive interior designer Flamant, the hotel today offers a unique atmosphere with a subtle blend of styles inspired by famous Parisian districts. The mainreception area is now an open and inviting space that extends to a sitting room with a combination of classic and contemporary décor which includes a large fireplace.

Located on the Place de la Madeleine, between the Opera and the Champs Elysées, Roblin New Hotel benefits from having a strategic location within the heart of Paris. After a total renovation entrusted to the exclusive interior designer Flamant, the hotel today offers a unique …

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• Fax/Photocopying
• Laundry Service
• Luggage Service
• Room Service

Paris Open Tour - Hop On/Off Bus 1 Day

Visit Paris boarding an open top bus "Open Tour Paris" and enjoy an exceptional view of Paris. Hop on Hop off as often as you please and see Paris in your own time and at your own pace with the 4 tour itineraries. Explore the Paris you have been looking for, historical, romantic, fashionable, fun and shopper friendly while listening to nice audio guided commentaries! Bus frequency gives you the opportunity to visit at your own pace the top monuments and to be seated comfortably each time you take the bus.

Guided Tour of Louvre Museum

Your priority access ticket will allow you to follow your guide straight into the world's largest museum. No need to stand in line. This guided tour offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the museum's huge collection and its greatest works of art, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Coronation of Napoleon.

Before it became a museum in 1793, the Louvre had long been one of the principle palaces of the Kings of France. Located right in the heart of Paris, the Louvre's galleries stretch for 786,000 square feet. It is home to the world's largest collection of art works, spanning more than 7,000 years from ancient civilizations to the 19th Century. The museum's collections are split into eight different departments: Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, Near Eastern antiquities, Islamic art, Paintings, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, and Prints and Drawings.

Spend time discovering these collections with your guide, who will show you some of the museum's most famous works and tell you about the stories that lie behind them. Marvel at the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1506, one of the most famous female portraits in the world; the Venus de Milo, a celebrated Greek sculpture dating from 100 BC depicting the goddess Aphrodite; or the giant 33-foot-long painting of the Coronation of Napoleon, painted in 1807 by Jacques-Louis David to commemorate the crowning of Napoleon Bonaparte in Notre Dame Cathedral.

After your guided tour, spend time exploring other parts of the museum at your own pace.

Full Day Guided Giverny and Versailles with Lunch

On this tour you will revel in the historical, cultural and artistic grandeur of France through two places highly symbolic of Impressionist style and Baroque architecture: Giverny and Versailles. Discover Claude Monet's house with its magnificent bright gardens, which were the Master's sources of inspiration. Your excursion continues on to Versailles Palace, the Sun King's emblem and one of the most important French artistic achievements of the 17th century. This program also includes lunch.

Paris Central Hotels to Paris Railway Station or Pier

Amsterdam train station to amsterdam hotel, the albus design hotel.

The Albus Design Hotel is well located within the famous Canal Belt in the historical city centre of Amsterdam and a short walk from all famous sights. Dam square, Rembrandt square and many well-known museums are just a walk away. This 4 star Superior Hotel is an excellent choice to explore this lively and vibrant city.

After a long stroll through this vibrant city you come back in this warm and welcoming hotel. Relax in the lounge or visit the social corner to update your online status. In the evening the enthusiastic bartenders welcome you to have a drink before heading out again. Experience an unconventional and creative dinner at Senses, the hotel restaurant. Listed in the top 15 of best restaurants in Amsterdam according to TripAdvisor.

Experience a service that's out of the extraordinary and personalized. Provided by the professional yet down-to-earth friendly hotel staff. They strive to exceed the expectations of every guest.

The Albus Design Hotel is well located within the famous Canal Belt in the historical city centre of Amsterdam and a short walk from all famous sights. Dam square, Rembrandt square and many well-known museums are just a walk away. This 4 star Superior Hotel …

The Albus Design Hotel is well located within the famous Canal Belt in the historical city centre of Amsterdam and a short walk from all famous sights. Dam square, Rembrandt square and many well-known museums are just a walk away. This 4 star Superior Hotel is an excellent choice to explore this lively and vibrant city. After a long stroll through this vibrant city you come back in this warm and welcoming hotel. Relax in the lounge or visit the social corner to update your online status. In the evening the enthusiastic bartenders welcome you to have a drink before heading out again. Experience an unconventional and creative dinner at Senses, the hotel restaurant. Listed in the top 15 of best restaurants in Amsterdam according to TripAdvisor. Experience a service that's out of the extraordinary and personalized. Provided by the professional yet down-to-earth friendly hotel staff. They strive to exceed the expectations of every guest.

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Small City Bike Tour

Do as the locals do and experience Amsterdam by bike. This is certainly the fastest, most flexible and most fun way of getting around in Amsterdam. The guide will show you the city's many canals, museums, attractions and other famous sights. All bikes are of high quality and very comfortable.

Day at Leisure

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Volendam, Marken and Windmills Half Day Tour

A visit to The Netherlands would not be complete without having seen the lovely Dutch countryside. During this excursion you will see Zaanse Schans, the picturesque windmill village with its typical green-timbered houses and warehouses. Here we will visit a working windmill. Another highlight during this excursion is the famous and lively fishing village of Volendam, where we will visit a cheese factory. You will be given time for lunch at a traditional fish restaurant (lunch not included). Also, we will take a boat trip to or from the former island of Marken, where we will visit a local traditional clog maker.

Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Airport

Other information, departures:, price includes:.

• Private arrival and departure airport transfers
• 4 nights in moderate accommodations in London
• 4 nights in moderate accommodations in Paris
• 4 nights in first-class accommodations in Amsterdam
• 1 day hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour pass in London
• Shared Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath tour (max 50 guests)
• Fast-track entry ticket to the London Eye
• Admission to Kensington Palace
• Private train station transfers in London and Paris
• 1 day hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour pass in Amsterdam
• Guided skip-the-line admission to the Louvre
• Shared Giverny and Versailles tour (max 30 guests)
• Private train station transfesr in Paris and Amsterdam
• Shared Amsterdam Small City Bike tour (max 15 guests)
• Shared Volendam, Marken and Windmills tour (max 30 guests)
• Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

• International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
• All other meals and beverages
• Train tickets between London and Paris & Paris and Amsterdam
• Items of a personal nature
• Subject to availability at the time of booking
• Visa fees if applicable

OTHER INFORMATION

Not exactly what you are looking for?  Let us know!  We can customize this itinerary. This can also be done on a private basis (please enquire).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from", per person, based on twin/double share and include all taxes. Subject to availability.

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GOWAY DESTINATIONS

Amsterdam, Paris & London

Bike by windmills in Amsterdam, ride a double-decker bus in London, and simply float around on cloud nine in Paris. These are three iconic European cities, and this is a taste of Europe you’ll never forget.

Picture yourself

Wandering around the charming canals of Amsterdam

Picnicking by the Eiffel Tower, sipping champagne

Walking Abbey Road, harnessing your inner Beatle

Biking through the Dutch countryside, stroopwafels in tow

Shopping along Champs-Élysées

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

8 nights in handpicked accommodations

8 breakfasts

Expert Tour Director

24/7 support

3 insider tours with local guides

Seine River cruise in Paris

Board your overnight flight bound for London. Your adventure begins tomorrow, so sit back, shut your eyes, and do as the English do and try and catch some “zeds.”

Welcome to London. Home of the royal fam, tea, a wonderfully different form of the English language, and the largest city in Western Europe. Brimming with history and unique architecture, you’ll soon understand why it’s one of the most visited cities in the world.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today's highlights:

• Land at the airport and meet a waiting EF representative.
• Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
• Get familiar with the area around your hotel with an introductory walk with your Tour Director including the River Thames, Trafalgar & Leicester Squares, and Convent Garden.

Go big and go British today as a local guide takes you all around town for the inside scoop on London’s iconic palaces, churches, castles, and yes, even a big old clock.

• Dive into thousands of years of London’s secrets with a local guide.
• Immerse yourself in London’s rich history at gorgeous landmarks from the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
• Experience a royal ritual during the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.
• Wave hello to Big Ben, the bell inside the famous clock tower.

Free time suggestions

Abbey Road: Want to walk in the literal footsteps of greatness? Head over to this famous thoroughfare and make your way to its southeastern end. There you’ll find the studio where the Beatles recorded their final studio album and the crosswalk they made famous with its cover. Harrods: You don’t have to buy a ticket to get into the world’s most famous department store, but once you’re inside, all bets are off. At over a million square feet with 330 departments, its motto of “all things for all people, everywhere” makes complete sense.

Ride Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel for panoramic views before enjoying a traditional English tea. This excursion is  pre-book  only; if your trip is less than fourteen days away, please call 800-766-2645 to purchase.

Use this free day to check out and check off anything you may have missed in one of the world’s greatest cities. Dive in and act like you belong with some local slang, try some famous fare (looking at you fish and chips), and explore until you’re too knackered (tired) to continue.

The British Museum: Discover over 2 million years of human history at this free museum. With over 8 million objects and counting, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in existence—so don’t expect to see it all. Westminster Abbey: This historic, royal church is the traditional place of coronation and burial for British monarchs. The mainly Gothic façade leads to a gorgeous array of paintings, stained glass, and artifacts. Get yourself a ticket and you’ll be treated to more than just a house of worship.

Bonjour, France! Today you’ll take an underwater train ride to the City of Light, also known as the capital and most populous city in France. Get ready to feast on croissants, baguettes, and any other deliciousness you can get your hands on while enjoying every moment as a temporary Parisian.

• Follow your Tour Director on a walking tour of the city and its sights including the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral.
• Float down the River Seine during a scenic boat ride that makes its way through the true heart of the city.
• Watch the world-famous lights of the Eiffel Tower sparkle (every hour, on the hour after sunset).

Take the best bus ride of your life on this guided bus tour around Paris. See famous sights like the Arc de Triomphe, explore on foot during a couple of planned stops, and hope that there’s enough time to stop by Le Marais—the trendiest shopping area in the city.

Please note: The Palace of Versailles is closed on Mondays. If Day 6 falls on a Monday for your departure, this optional will take place on Day 7.

• Saunter along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Known for its theatres and cafes—you may also recognize it as the finish line of the Tour de France.
• Get the inside scoop on Parisian culture from fashion to snails for dinner, learn about it all.
• Find inspiration from the local fashionistas, royals, revolutionaries, and intellectuals that shaped the City of Light.

Moulin Rouge: The original version of this famed cabaret burned down in 1915, but the birthplace of the modern can-can dance lives on. Just look for the large red windmill on the roof, buy yourself a ticket, and then send your friends the pics to prove it. Montmartre: Once an artists’ village and the stomping grounds of Picasso and Dalí, this charming hilltop district is now home to numerous nightclubs and the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. Walk its steep, winding streets for sweeping views of the city below.

Versailles (extra cost)

Walk through the landscaped gardens, and tour the living quarters of the famous over-the-top palace of Louis XIV. This is where French royalty reveled in their extravagant lifestyle in the decades before the Revolution. Please note: The Palace of Versailles is closed on Mondays. In the event that the itinerary day containing this optional lands on a Monday for your departure, the optional will take place the following day. This excursion is  pre-book  only; if your trip is less than thirty days away, please call 800-766-2645 to purchase.

Oui! A free day to wander the city of love. Get inspired, get lost, and get your fill of new foods like coq au vin (chicken braised with wine). At over 40 square miles there’s always something new to discover, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.

Catacombs of Paris: Dare to step through the “Gate of Hell” on your way below the city streets and you’ll be greeted by walls of stacked skulls and bones of past Parisians. Once only considered a novelty, this absolutely eerie attraction is now designated as an official museum. The Louvre: Once the home of French kings and now the largest art museum in the world, this astounding collection of art from around the world is not to be missed. From the Palace to the glass Pyramid to the Mona Lisa itself, you’ll be surrounded by history and beauty at every turn.

Trade croissants for canals, you’re on your way to Amsterdam. Arrive by train at the elegant, Renaissance Revival-style Centraal Station. Then it’s off to explore the city that’s home to the Van Gogh Museum, the infamous Red Light District, and a boatload of floating houses.

• Add another stamp to your passport as you arrive at the ‘Venice of the North.’
• Join a local guide for a walking tour of the city that includes stops at Damrak and Neumarkt Squares.
• Find your way to the narrow canals and streets of the trendy Jordaan neighborhood for indie boutiques, hip eateries, and antiques galore.

Anne Frank: Explore the life and times of Anne Frank in this preserved canal side house-turned-museum. See the secret annex where Anne, and her brave family, hid from Nazi persecution during WWII. But plan ahead, tickets have to be purchased months in advance. Bloemenmarkt: Looking for flowers? Head to what was once the only floating flower market in the world. Today, you’ll find it bobbing on the city’s southern canal belt selling fresh flowers, gifts, and an assortment of the famously pretty Dutch tulip bulbs.

Take advantage of your free day in one of the most diverse and bike friendly cities on the planet. Walk or ride across the countless bridges, wonder what it’s like to live in a houseboat, and maybe even stop by one of the coffeeshops that don’t just sell coffee.

Heineken Experience: Whether you’re a big beer fan or just thirsty, this is a stop you’ll want to make. Once the main brewery for this green bottled beer and now a museum, you’ll take a self-guided interactive tour to learn the history of this brew before getting to enjoy two of your own. Poffertjes and Herring: You’ve heard of chicken and waffles, but what about pancakes and fish? No, not together, but we do recommend trying them both. Nibble small, fluffy pancakes called Poffertjes, try some fresh herring, served raw with onion. Van Gogh Museum: Enter the world of Vincent Van Gogh at this museum dedicated to his life and work. The quintessential tortured artist and arguably the greatest of the post-impressionists, if you’re an art lover—buying a ticket is a must.

Farewell Dinner Share some last laughs and revisit the best moments of the trip at this included farewell dinner with the group.

Dutch Countryside Bike Tour (extra cost)

Bike like a local into the stunning Dutch countryside. Ride through rural landscapes past picturesque windmills and 17th century villages, then enjoy pancakes and a drink in the quaint Waterland region by the sea. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

Dag vrienden! Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, make sure to take one more group photo and grab that final drink. But this isn’t goodbye because you can always get the gang back together for another trip soon. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, we have a couple ways to keep your vacation going.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS 1. Double the fun A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it. 2. Go ahead or stay behind Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

A Dream Cone

A great 10 day trip

Marie was an excellent tour director. The group got along so great and all had such a good time. They pack in a lot but the time goes by quickly. Accommodations were good, transportation was good and flights booked were great for me though others had rough flights. I have another trip booked already but it’s tempting to add a second!

So much fun!!

We had so much fun on this trip and everything was so well organized! Our tour director, Marie, was amazing and so kind and helpful!

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London - Paris and Amsterdam

❮ london - paris and amsterdam.

• Country Info

Price Guidance

This 9 night sample itinerary includes:.

• Hotel for 3 nights in London
• Eurostar Train from London to Paris
• Hotel for 3 nights in Paris
• Flight from Paris to Amsterdam
• Hotel for 3 nights in Amsterdam
• The Eurostar does not have guaranteed availability at Christmas, we suggest selecting air between Paris and London during this time

Combine three glorious cities in England , France and Netherlands , with this fun vacation. Visit London (a world center of theatre, art, music, literature and culture); continue by train to Paris (the City of Lights; unrivaled shopping, dining and romance); and finally, catch a flight to Amsterdam (set on canals; visit historical sights and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of diversity). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Please contact us for any special arrangements such as more than three rooms and partial stays.

Change cabin, booking without flight, returning to a different city/airport, Reorder city, or design your own Itinerary

American travelers cannot get enough of England, and to this day it consistently ranks in the three most popular European countries in terms of visitors per year. Nearly everyone visits London, one of the world`s most important cities and the epicenter of what was once a vast world empire, but England should definitely be explored in-depth, from the charm of the Cotswolds to the seaside resorts on the English Channel and the Irish Sea to the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Westcountry. England is a country where the present day and over a millennia of history routinely intersect.

France remains one of the worlds most talked-about and written-about destinations. Whether the romance of Paris sweeps you off your feet or you fall gently for the relaxed life of Provence, France is a place for lovers, and will leave you spellbound. Paris is undoubtedly one of the world's great cities, with enough monuments, museums, restaurants, theatres and shows to last a lifetime. The northern provinces of Normandy and Brittany are steeped in history while the Loire Valley is world famous for its châteaux. And there is more to explore.

Netherlands

The Netherlands (or Holland) may be a small country, but it`s filled with world-famous icons. This country is famous for its bulb fields, windmills, cheese markets, wooden shoes, canals of Amsterdam, masterpieces of Old Masters, Delft Blue earthenware, innovative water management, and millions of bicycles. As you explore the Netherlands you`ll find photogenic spots at every nook and cranny, a hipster coffee scene, an up and coming food scene, and loads of wonderful museums. While its most well-known city is Amsterdam, there are plenty of other beautiful cities that you will want to explore as well.

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Trip Summary

London offers everything! Iconic landmarks, centuries of history, world-class shopping and achingly cool fashion, arts and food scenes. A 40-minute walk along the South Bank will take you past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge. There are eight Royal Parks to explore, and over 300 museums and galleries. It is home to 60 Michelin starred restaurants and fantastic street food. The evenings offer from high-end nightclubs of Chelsea and Mayfair to cool clubs in Soho and Camden. As for theatre, London's legendary West End boasts over 40 world-class theatres. Visit Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, the British Museum, Piccadilly Circus and so much more!

Paris is regarded as one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, and for good reason: the city assaults the senses; demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted, and smelled. Gaze at impressive monuments and savor its gourmet cheeses, chocolates, wines, and seafood. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with many of its major sights and museums within walking distance of each other. A world of discovery awaits in every hidden corner and at all the famous sites, there is so much to explore. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Jardin des Tuileries, Latin Quarter, Avenue des Champs Elysees, Musee d'Orsay, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and so much more!

Easygoing, liberal Amsterdam is "different." Its citizens, bubbling along happily in their multiracial melting pot, are not so easily poured into the restrictive molds of trade and industry. More important, you can enjoy Amsterdam, its culture, history, and beauty, without stretching the limits of your credit cards. Few skyscrapers mar the clarity of the sky and the populace mostly walks or bikes from place to place. The historic center recalls Amsterdam's Golden Age as the command post of a vast trading network and colonial empire, when wealthy merchants constructed gabled residences along neatly laid-out canals. Visit Dam Square, Anne Frank House, Bloemenmarkt, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Canal Belt, Jordaan, Red Light District and so much more!

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2 Weeks in Europe – 10 Excellent Trip Itineraries

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How to Plan a Perfect Europe Trip Itinerary

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

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

How to Plan a 2 Weeks Trip to Europe

• Tips for Spending 2 Weeks in Europe 

A Final Note

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

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

Best Western Europe Trip 2-Week Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Central Europe 2 Weeks Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

 • Berlin, Dresden and Wroclaw      

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

• Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano and Milan        

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

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

READ NEXT : 10 Days in Switzerland Itinerary by Scenic Trains

Northern Europe 2 Weeks Itinerary

• oslo, stockholm, copenhagen        .

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

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

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

  • Riga , Tallin, and Vilnius       

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

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

South-Eastern Europe – 2 Weeks Trip Itineraries

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

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

• Athens, Istanbul, Bucharest          

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

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

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

 • Ljubljana , Split , Dubrivnik, Kotor      

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

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

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

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

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

 • Keep your travel plans simple      

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

 • Start with the most popular cities   

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

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

• Choose to visit places that are close to each other   

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

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

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

• Book an open-jaw ticket     

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

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

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

Tips for Spending 2 Weeks in Europe  

• book accommodations in the city center      .

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

• Use Hotel Alternatives

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

• Don’t exchange money in the airport   

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

   • Consider using public transportation

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

 • Travel by train, or use budget airlines  

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

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

   • Dress comfortably

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

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

   • Travel off season  

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

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

• Get acquainted with the European lifestyle

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

READ NEXT : 15 Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe

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

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

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

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

Reader Interactions

Vipin Singh

January 13, 2024 at 6:56 am

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

January 16, 2024 at 2:24 pm

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

Chetan Sahu

October 7, 2023 at 5:59 am

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

Chandra Bdr Gurung

July 6, 2023 at 11:43 pm

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

Ana Delos Santos

April 28, 2023 at 10:55 am

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

April 28, 2023 at 11:58 am

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

basil swamy

March 22, 2023 at 11:36 am

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

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

March 22, 2023 at 7:16 pm

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

July 13, 2022 at 2:52 pm

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

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

July 13, 2022 at 6:16 pm

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

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

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

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

July 6, 2021 at 11:40 am

Hi there Anda!

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

July 6, 2021 at 1:24 pm

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

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

March 1, 2021 at 10:40 am

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

March 1, 2021 at 7:38 pm

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

January 27, 2021 at 3:03 am

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

January 28, 2021 at 2:05 pm

Thanks, Marielle.

I love Croatia

January 9, 2021 at 6:09 am

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

January 9, 2021 at 10:51 am

Thanks, Karlo.

October 22, 2020 at 8:00 am

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

October 22, 2020 at 4:59 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 18, 2020 at 11:25 am

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

October 19, 2020 at 4:47 pm

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

RAJEEV JAIN

October 6, 2020 at 10:14 pm

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

October 7, 2020 at 4:23 pm

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

Mitos Soria

February 13, 2020 at 6:19 am

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

February 13, 2020 at 11:09 am

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

SHYAMSUNDER GAIKWAD

February 2, 2020 at 3:29 pm

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

February 2, 2020 at 3:30 pm

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

January 27, 2020 at 1:23 pm

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

Anda Galffy

January 27, 2020 at 1:28 pm

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

January 27, 2020 at 1:22 pm

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

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

January 18, 2020 at 10:37 pm

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

January 19, 2020 at 12:01 am

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

cybele ryan

January 23, 2020 at 3:35 pm

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

January 23, 2020 at 5:52 pm

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

December 31, 2019 at 4:44 am

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

December 31, 2019 at 3:39 pm

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

December 28, 2019 at 6:04 am

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

December 28, 2019 at 9:15 am

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

December 28, 2019 at 7:44 pm

Thank you Anda

December 26, 2019 at 10:30 am

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

December 18, 2019 at 12:59 pm

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

December 18, 2019 at 7:27 pm

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

November 14, 2019 at 4:16 pm

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

November 14, 2019 at 5:09 pm

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

November 5, 2019 at 6:20 pm

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

November 5, 2019 at 9:30 pm

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

September 14, 2019 at 4:10 am

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

September 14, 2019 at 2:10 pm

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

April 21, 2019 at 6:25 am

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

April 21, 2019 at 9:31 am

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

April 9, 2019 at 8:56 am

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

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

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

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

April 9, 2019 at 10:15 am

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

April 7, 2019 at 11:25 am

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

April 7, 2019 at 8:54 pm

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

April 6, 2019 at 3:28 pm

Hello Anda,

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

April 7, 2019 at 9:01 pm

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

March 31, 2019 at 7:45 am

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

April 1, 2019 at 1:00 pm

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

February 26, 2019 at 9:36 am

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

February 26, 2019 at 4:56 pm

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

January 31, 2019 at 9:46 pm

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

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

Many Thanks ! Parul

January 31, 2019 at 10:20 pm

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

Vaibhav Jain

February 2, 2019 at 10:21 am

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

February 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm

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

October 1, 2018 at 10:41 am

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Michael

October 3, 2018 at 10:24 am

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

Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)

July 27, 2018 at 4:36 pm

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

Jennifer Melroy

July 27, 2018 at 2:38 pm

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

Suruchi Mittal

July 24, 2018 at 10:36 am

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

Cynthia | Adventuring Woman

July 23, 2018 at 5:12 am

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

July 22, 2018 at 12:27 am

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

July 22, 2018 at 10:58 am

One visit to Europe is never enough, Dabik.

July 21, 2018 at 11:55 pm

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

July 22, 2018 at 11:00 am

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

Christina Pfeiffer

July 21, 2018 at 11:09 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 11:35 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 9:35 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:19 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 9:13 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:18 pm

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

Jill Chapman

July 21, 2018 at 7:40 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 8:05 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 5:31 am

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

July 21, 2018 at 8:06 pm

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

Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

July 21, 2018 at 4:09 am

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:00 pm

So true, Lyn.

July 21, 2018 at 12:45 am

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:01 pm

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

July 20, 2018 at 6:27 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:05 pm

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

July 20, 2018 at 5:02 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:06 pm

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

July 20, 2018 at 4:17 pm

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

Tomas Novak

July 20, 2018 at 1:31 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:12 pm

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

California Globetrotter

July 20, 2018 at 1:11 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:13 pm

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

Rhonda Albom

July 20, 2018 at 12:51 pm

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

July 21, 2018 at 10:17 pm

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

Priscilla Willis

July 20, 2018 at 6:23 am

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

July 20, 2018 at 9:52 am

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

July 20, 2018 at 9:53 am

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

March 28, 2020 at 11:11 pm

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

March 28, 2020 at 11:41 pm

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

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Amsterdam Accommodations

NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace

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Prins Hendrikkade 59 – 72, Amsterdam, 1012 AD, NL

The NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace is right in the center of Amsterdam near the main train station and close to the museums and shops. The building itself is a highlight, dating back to the 17th century with a 15th century chapel and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Vermeer.

Kimpton De Witt

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, Amsterdam, 1012 RC, NL

Welcome to this original European boutique hotel, Kimpton De Witt, which exudes a modern approach to luxury through fresh, refined rooms and imaginative spaces inspired by Dutch design.

NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market

Vijzelstraat 4, Amsterdam, 1017 HK, NL

Nestled among canals and next to the famous Munt Tower and the hotel’s namesake flower market, the NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market is in the heart of historic Amsterdam close to world-renowned sights and museums, as well as lively nightlife in Rembrandt Square and Leidseplein.

Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam

Nieuwe doelenstraat 26, amsterdam, 1012 cp, nl.

Sitting on the banks of the Amstel river, this hotel is located in the heart of the city's historic center within easy walking distance of Amsterdam's best museums, sights and shopping. Small wonder that everyone from Queen Victoria to the Beatles have stayed here.

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

Dam 9, Amsterdam, 1012 JS, NL

This hotel boasts the most sought-after location in the city center on Dam Square overlooking the Royal Palace and a few minutes' walk from the central railway station, museum and shopping districts.

Paris Accommodations

Molitor Hôtel & Spa Paris

13 rue nungesser et coli, paris, 75016, france.

Once a lively venue for concerts, galas and fashion shows, the Molitor Hôtel & Spa Paris has been lovingly restored preserving the original Parisian 1929 art deco ambiance. Boasting two heated swimming pools and a seasonal rooftop restaurant with views of the Eiffel Tower, this hotel is a vibrant hub of architectural and artistic expression.

Melia Vendome

8 Rue Cambon, Paris, 75001, France

Ideally located to visit some of the most famous attractions in Paris such as Le Louvre and the Champs Elysées.

Castille Paris

33-37 rue cambon, paris, 75001, france.

Located in central Paris, the hotel is in a prime location to shop at famous boutiques or to visit well known sites such as the Louvre Museum, the Opera Garnier and the Champs Elysées.

Sofitel Hotel Baltimore

88 bis ave kleber, paris, france.

Located in a select and most beautiful part of Paris, The Hotel Baltimore is close to the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

Les Jardins du Marais

74 rue Amelot, Paris, 75011, France

Located in the historical and trendy district of “le Marais” close to Place des Vosges and Bastille Opéra. The hotel surrounds a central garden offering a place to relax in the heart of Paris.

Hotel du Collectionneur

51-57 rue de Courcelles, Paris, 75008, France

L'Hotel du Collectionneur is a tribute to the Art Deco era located near the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.

Hotel L'Echiquier Opera Paris

38 rue de l'echiquier, paris, 75010, france.

Hotel L'Echiquier Opera Paris is located close to the Opéra Garnier and other famous Parisian attractions.

Villa Marquis, member of Meliá Collection

35 rue jean goujon, paris, 75008, france.

The Villa Marquis, member of Meliá Collection is Parisian style personified. A neoclassical building located a short distance from the Champs Élysées, and Eiffel Tower.

Sofitel Arc de Triomphe

14 rue beaujon, paris, 75008, france.

Next door to the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, this beautiful Baron Haussman-era building is located near the Parc Monceau, close to the exclusive boutiques of the Golden Triangle, the Faubourg St. Honore, museums and the legendary Lido Cabaret.

The Westin Paris - Vendome

3 rue de castiglione, paris, 75001, france.

Located in the heart of Paris, The Westin Paris - Vendome is only a short walk to shopping and the Louvre Museum.

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

18 ave de suffren, entrée au 22 rue jean rey, paris, france.

Just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, this chic and completely renovated hotel on the left bank is a wonderful location for leisure travelers.

Pullman Paris Montparnasse

19 rue du commandant mouchotte, paris, 75014, france.

The Pullman Paris Montparnasse is the flagship property of the Pullman Brand. Located in the cosmopolitan and ever-booming atmosphere of Montparnasse on the left bank, the hotel offers a contemporary design and innovative concepts.

Mercure Paris Opera Grands Boulevards

42 Rue des Petites Ecuries, Paris, 75010, France

Located near the Gare du Nord the hotel combines charm, comfort and modern features.

London Accommodations

41 Buckingham Palace Rd, London, England, SW1W OPS, United Kingdom

Overlooking the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, a short walk from the Royal Parks and Pall Mall, Hotel 41 blends abundant luxury with modern practicality.

190 Queens Gate, London, England, SW75EX, United Kingdom

Located in the heart of London's Kensington district, this hotel is a short walk to Kensington Gardens, Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and a number of museums. Shopping and restaurants are also plentiful in this area, along with easy access to the Tube.

336-337 The Strand, London, England, WC2R 1HA, United Kingdom

Located at the southern tip of Covent Garden, the hotel provides theater and nightlife at your doorstep and is within close proximity of one of the best shopping locations in the world.

Strand, London, England, WC2R OEU, United Kingdom

The iconic Savoy is located in London's West End, close to Covent Garden

15 Cromwell Pl, London, England, SW7 2LA, United Kingdom

Located in the heart of South Kensington, this hotel is close to many of London's museums, the Royal Albert Hall, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

The Franklin

24 egergton gardens, london, england, sw3 2db, united kingdom.

This boutique, luxury hotel is located in the upscale neighborhood of Knightsbridge within easy access to some of London's most famous sites.

Rubens at the Palace

39 buckingham palace rd, london, england, sw1w0ps, united kingdom.

The hotel is directly opposite Buckingham Palace Royal Mews. Guests can enjoy a full view of the spectacular pageantry from the comfort of the hotel’s lounge.

Bankside Hotel

2 blackfriars rd, upper ground, london, england, se19ju, united kingdom.

Set on the culturally vibrant South Bank of London, the top cultural spots are Tate Modern, St. Paul's, Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and South Bank Centre. Southwark & Blackfriars Tube stations are a four minute walk away and Waterloo station is less than a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

St. Ermin's Hotel

2 caxton st, london, england, sw1h 0qw, united kingdom.

This hotel in Westminster is a unique blend of historically significant interiors and textural design that creates a sense of warmth and repose, while offering modern and innovative facilities.

Sofitel London St. James

6 waterloo pl, london, england, sw1y 4an, united kingdom.

Sofitel London St. James lies in a prestigious area of London, close to St. James's Park, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Theatreland in the West End, and the exclusive shops of Bond Street and Regent Street.

Corinthia London

Whitehall pl, london, england, sw1a 2bd, united kingdom.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of London, and minutes from the West End and River Thames, the hotel is within easy walking distance of Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and West End theatres.

Montague on the Gardens

15 montague st, london, england, wc1b5bj, united kingdom.

Just steps from The British Museum and with serene private gardens in the back, this hotel is ideally situated to experience the vibrancy of the city and old-world Bloomsbury charm.

The Milestone Hotel

1 kensington ct, london, england, w8 5dl, united kingdom.

This elegant boutique hotel is a magnificent 19th-century architectural treasure centrally located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Chesterfield Mayfair

35 charles st, london, england, w1j 5eb, united kingdom.

In the heart of London’s most celebrated and exclusive location, this hotel has been providing attentive, discreet service for more than 30 years.

The Egerton House Hotel

17-19 egerton terrace, london, england, sw3 2bx, united kingdom.

This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Knightsbridge, the fashionable address that draws upmarket shoppers from around the world.

The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London

2 whitehall ct, london, england, sw1a 2ej, united kingdom.

The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London overlooks the River Thames and offers Victorian elegance.

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London & Paris

About this tour.

From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, cross the English Channel via train and take in the best of these iconic cities. Take a walking tour to Westminster to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Personalize your stay in Paris by choosing to savor a thrilling dinner and cabaret show at the Paradis Latin theatre or indulge in a traditional brasserie dinner before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. Dine at the Eiffel Tower and cruise the River Seine at night.

Your Tour Includes

• 2 Handpicked Accommodations
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Buckingham Palace
• Covent Garden
• Eurostar Train

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

$2,057.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $65.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Embark on a tour of London with a local expert.

Cross the English Channel aboard the Eurostar Train.

Cultural Experiences:

Take advantage of a full day of leisure in both London and Paris.

• Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

Discover London on a walking tour to Westminster and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy London’s culinary renaissance at a dinner featuring contemporary British cuisine.

Savor an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.

• Choices on Tour
• Arc de Triomphe
• Eiffel Tower Dinner
• Seine River Cruise

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 activities. Your first choice is to gain an overview of the French capital during a panoramic bus tour. With your local guide, take in the most iconic sights of Paris such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Place de la Concorde. OR, join a local expert on a walking tour. Travel like a Parisian as you hop on Le Métro bound for the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. Explore the winding streets, home to classical painters and cultural provocateurs and learn the history of this artistic village in the heart of Paris.

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 evening activities. Your first choice is to cross into the Latin Quarter for an eventful dinner at the legendary Paradis Latin,* the city’s oldest cabaret theatre, complete with wine, champagne and a captivating show. Your second choice is to explore Paris’ culinary scene during a traditional brasserie dinner, before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. * The Paradis Latin show features some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children - consult your Tour Manager.

Extend your stay in London with a 2-night pre extension. A locally guided walking tour begins by on the London Underground tube before you explore along the River Thames discovering the iconic buildings of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare’s, ending at the food stalls of Borough Market. An included ticket to the Tower of London lets you peek into the city’s storied past independently uncovering the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Spend ample free time exploring the best of London.

• Overnight Flight
• You’re on your way to London, where you will arrive early and enjoy an additional 2-night stay to explore your way.
• Arrive in dynamic London, a sophisticated, historic city metropolis with a timeless style of its own. The day is yours to explore independently.
• Navigate the city with a local expert. Using your included Oyster card, hop on the famous underground Tube. Take a walking tour along the River Thames, where you will see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Art Gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe. End at Borough market, London’s premier Food Market, dating back over 1000 years. You will love independently strolling the small, specialty produce stalls and sumptuous street food traders. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore the city.
• See London your way today! Be sure to take advantage of your included ticket to the Tower of London to peek into the city’s storied past and uncover the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Later today meet your fellow travelers to start your tour.

Would you like to end your vacation with an additional with a 3 Night Amsterdam Extension?

Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed!

Enjoy an interesting visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." On this excursion, travel by coach to Versailles where your local guide will recount the history of the palace and lead you through the various rooms of the State Apartments. Of particular interest are the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. You then have leisure time to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete.

Join us for a guided tour of the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Begin your exploration of the museum by entering through I. M. Pei’s famous Louvre Pyramid, a magnificent glass pyramid rising out of the courtyard of the Louvre. A local expert will provide commentary as you venture through the countless masterpieces that line the halls of the museum, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

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10-Day Europe Tour from London: Paris – Swiss Alps – Venice – Munich – Amsterdam

14 days holiday package in Europe

Pl. d'Italie, 75013 Paris, France

48.8314154, 2.3568441

Per person for 14 day trip

Price range

10-Day Europe Tour from London: Paris – Swiss Alps – Venice – Munich – Amsterdam. This Europe coach tour is one of contrasts and similarities, visiting 6 countries in 10 days, the European Highlights tour is for those who want nothing to skip.

From the northern Dutch canals of Amsterdam to the southern canals of Venice… from a riverboat deck in the Rhine Valley to the peaks of the Swiss Alps’ Jungfrau Area. Paris and Tuscany romance. This tour will really show you Europe’s Highlights!

Table of Contents

• Rhine River Cruise

Day 1: London – Paris

Welcome to the highlights tour through Europe ! Leaving London, we cross the English Channel and head for the French capital, regarded as a city of romance and style all over the world. Arriving in the afternoon in Paris we will go on a driving tour of the city led by your tour guide . Look out for famous attractions such as L’Opéra Garnier, Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Hotel de Ville , the Seine River, Ile de la Cite, and the Louvre.

The most famous avenue, the Champs Elysees , overlooked by the famous Arc de Triomphe, will also give you a glimpse. Tomorrow is a day off, so take note of all the fun places you want to go! We’ll head out for dinner in the artists’ district of Montmartre after checking in at our hotel.

The menu features classic French cuisine such as chicken with fluffy Dauphinoise potatoes and bourguignon beef (a stew made from red wine). It also offers a vegetarian dish.

Day 2: Paris

Take the day to explore your own way through Paris . Paris has something for everyone, from the historic attractions, charming boutiques, boulevards, and cafes to the world-famous museums and galleries. There is the option of a cruise to the Eiffel Tower up the Seine River , and a visit to Montparnasse for an incredible view of the city.

Alternatively, see world-renowned works of art at the Louvre, travel to Versailles’ impressive palace or travel for the day to Disneyland. Alternatively, why not go to La Marais boutiques? Or visit the graves at Père Lachaise Cemetery of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison?

Those with a macabre palate can also descend to the notorious catacombs! Alternatively, remain on the ground and visit the museums, watch people from a café on the lane, or just walk through the area, following in the footsteps of great painters, musicians, and authors.

Day 3: Paris – Swiss Alps

We have an early start today as we head towards the Swiss Alps, with the aim of arriving late in the afternoon. We will stay tonight in a typical mountain village right in the heart of the Jungfrau area. One of the most visited locations in the Alps is a World Heritage site as well. Taking in the breathtaking scenery as we drive through the countryside in Switzerland-it ‘s popular for one reason!

You’ll have the chance to try a traditional meal-cheese fondue, while in the Swiss Alps. Melted cheese is served over a candle in a traditional pot (caquelon or fondue pot) and eaten in the cheese by dipping bread in.

Day 4: Swiss Alps

The day of witnessing the glory of the Swiss Alps is yours. Make sure to book a seat on the optional Jungfraujoch excursion (own expense), Europe’s highest train station, where you can also find a visitor’s center, lookout point and weather station.

The views are absolutely spectacular all the way up – don’t be shocked to find yourself pressed against the window of the train! When you’re at the top, take a look at the completely massive glacier and enjoy the snowy conditions throughout the year. This is one trip you will not soon forget; guaranteed to put your head in the clouds in every possible way!

Day 5: Swiss Alps – Pisa – Tuscany

We are bound for Italy! Enjoy more breathtaking mountain views as we travel across Switzerland and onto Pisa‘s iconic Leaning Tower ! We move on to our accommodation in Tuscany, arriving in the late afternoon after some free time here (be sure to get the perfect photo!). Renowned for its beautiful scenery, fine food, and wine, Tuscany is guaranteed to be enthralling.

Day 6: Florence – Venice

We leave our accommodation in Tuscany this morning and make for a guided walking tour of the famous city of Florence. Read about the Medici’s history and see the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, including David of Michelangelo. This is the cradle of the culture of the Renaissance-take it all in while you can! It is then Buon giorno Venice!

Venice is renowned for being one of the most romantic cities in the world. Spread over 118 islands, you’ll spend the afternoon finding out why this is such a must-see destination, with more works of art per square kilometer than anywhere else on earth! Tour the popular Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square , Sighs Bridge, and the Doge‘s Palace. Afterward, drink an espresso, take a cruise on a gondola around the canals, or relax and watch the world pass in one of the many squares.

Day 7: Venice – Munich

We move on to Munich, the Bavarian capital, arriving for an orientation tour of the city in the late afternoon. Munich‘s apparent contradictions will delight the avid explorer, a city that exhibits both prosperity and a certain amount of comfort and coziness.

In Munich, you can find a variety of cultural hot spots along with new high-powered businesses, designer shopping districts, and elegant BMWs. Even with all its smart sophistication, Munich has a certain beauty that is irresistible to tourists.

Before dinner, enjoy a beer this evening in one of Munich‘s famous beer halls-a perfect way to complete the day. Prost!-Prost!

You’ll enjoy dinner tonight in a traditional beer hall. Typical German favorites include sauerkraut sausages, potato salad chicken, and sauerkraut potato dumplings (vegetarian option).

Day 8: Munich – Rhine Valley

We will soon leave our hotel in the Rhine Valley , where we will board a riverboat in Rhine Valley, and enjoy a refreshing drink on our complimentary cruise. From St Goar to Boppard, sail down the Rhine River to your hotel and enjoy the view as you pass.

This historic region boasts many castles, hills, vineyards, and German medieval cities. Why not take a relaxing stroll along the river this evening, after a delicious German dinner, or enjoy the hospitality of the locals?

German food is usually mischievous and hearty. You may have the opportunity to try saurkraut (fermented cabbage), sauerbraten (beef sausages marinated in vinegar before cooking), or schweinbraten (beer roast pork, usually wheat beer) at dinner this evening. There will be a vegetarian alternative, too.

Day 9: Rhine Valley – Amsterdam

The Dutch cheese-making tradition goes all the way back to the Roman era. Typical Dutch varieties like Gouda, Edam, Maasdammer (a nutty cheese with large holes), Boerenkaas (raw milk cheese), goat’s cheese, smoked cheese, and Frisian clove cheese (made with cumin and cloves) can be tried at the cheese-making demonstration.

See the city float by as you sail along, and listen to your tour guide for tips and insightful insights into the city. These canals and huge harbor, reclaimed from the sea, give a truly unique way to see some of the highlights of the region. Why not join your tour guide afterward for a walking tour of the notorious Red Light Area? Explore the canals and Dam Square and enjoy your time in this fascinating place.

Day 10: Amsterdam – Bruges – London

Already the last day of your European tour ! We bid farewell to Amsterdam after breakfast and make our way back to London via the Belgian city of Bruges.

Renowned for its beer, waffles, chocolate, and Moules et Frites, this is definitely a great place to be if your appetite is brought. An incredibly common medieval town with no lack of cobblestone streets, historic old churches, and elevated towers , this is a perfect town to visit and a decent place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. It’s back to the coach for the final leg of our journey back to London, once you’ve had a look around.

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11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks

Europe is going to be very busy in the summer of 2024 as the world is back to normal and travel demand is higher than ever. One other key factor is that most European currencies are still hovering at lower levels historically compared to the US dollar, which means that Europe will feel somewhat cheap again this year. In fact, according to our World Backpacker Index , European cities like Lisbon, Madrid, and Munich are about 30% cheaper to visit than Boston, Chicago, and New York City. In other words, flying to Europe might seem expensive, but most things will be cheaper once you get there compared to the costs of visiting a large US city.

Below you’ll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. In other words, it’s kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if you’ve not yet been to France or Italy. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. I also discuss Mediterranean cruises, which can actually be an amazing way to see a lot of Europe on your first visit, especially if you don’t like going back and forth to train stations and airports every 2 or 3 days.

For a bit of fun you might be interested in the cheapest 5-star hotels in Europe , which start at US$80 per night for really nice hotels. It helps show that if you choose some of the cheaper cities, you can treat yourself to some luxury that you can’t afford in most other places.

This article was last updated in March, 2024.

There are 11 starter itineraries described in detail below

• Classic London and Paris
• England and Scotland
• Paris and Italy
• Mediterranean cruise
• France, Belgium, and Netherlands
• Paris and elsewhere in France
• Switzerland
• Best of cheap eastern Europe

For each itinerary there are suggestions of other destinations that are easy to add on to the main cities.

Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2024

Building the best itinerary for your first trip to Europe

Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. If you’ve only got a week then choose one of them and assume you’ll return again to conquer more of this amazing part of the world. If you’ve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one.

Start in the most famous cities

Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. I recommend that you  focus on these 5 great cities  before you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places.

Keep your travel days to a minimum

Spend 3 (or 4) nights in almost every major city

So many first-time visitors are initially planning on spending only 1 or 2 nights in major cities that I wrote a detailed explanation of why  3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities , even if you want to see as much as possible.

3 (or 4) nights will be enough for any city on your first trip

Most first-time visitors are tempted to move too quickly, but it can also be a mistake to move too slowly. It’s really amazing how much you can see in two full sightseeing days. If you spend too long in one city you’ll end up seeing things that are way down your list, while you could be in another city seeing things at the top of your list there.

Choose cities that are easy to reach from each other

For your first trip it’s best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart.

Choose cities that are connected by reasonable train rides rather than flights

To build on the point above, finding cheap flights within Europe is easy, but train travel is about a million times more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll enjoy the train rides almost as much as the cities, so focus on places that are within 5 hours of each other by train.

Start with one of the classic itineraries below, and then add to it if you have more time

If you only have 7 days then you’ll find a list below of classic itineraries that are well-suited to a first visit to Europe. Hopefully you have more than 7 days though, and if you do you can add in one or more of the suggested add-on cities to build an itinerary that appeals most to you.

Best 1-week itineraries for the first time in Europe

Itinerary 1: classic london and paris.

• London  (3 or 4 nights)
• Paris  (3 or 4 nights)

Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them

London highlights

• Big Ben and Parliament
• Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• West End shows (Broadway equivalent) and classic pubs
• Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. Since Paris gets so many tourists from non-French speaking countries, it’s easy to get by on just English, and the Metro system makes it fast and easy to get around. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. These cities each pack a huge punch and they are very different from each other as well. Actually, England is arguably the best choice for your first trip to Europe .

Paris highlights

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum and Museum de Orsay
• Arc de Triomphe and other monuments
• Montmartre neighborhood and Sacré Coeur Cathedral
• Probably the world’s best affordable restaurants and wine

Best add-ons to London and Paris

• Edinburgh  (2 or 3 nights, from London)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights, from Paris)
• Bruges  and  Brussels  (2 nights, from Paris)

>>> Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail >>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Paris hotel deals

Itinerary 2: England and Scotland

• York (1 night)
• Edinburgh, Scotland  (2 or 3 nights)
• Inverness, Scotland (2 or 3 nights)

York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland, but it’s easily the second most interesting city in all of Britain. If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh.

If you prefer to focus on the south of England on your first trip then the best option is to go to Bath or nearby Bristol after London. Bath is another of England’s top destinations and it’s a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. It’s also reasonably close to Stonehenge. You can also easily get to Cornwall in England’s southwest corner from Bath, and that’s a whole different and fascinating experience (with nicer weather than up north).

If you’ve got more than a week and want to spend more time in Scotland, especially in the summer months, the place to head to is Inverness. It’s a small town that is considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, but it’s an interesting and charming place on its own. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Between you and me, it’s better to minimize time in Loch Ness or skip it altogether because it’s not one of the more photogenic parts of Scotland and the monster has always been a hoax.

Travel times between the recommended places

• London to York by train: 2 hours
• York to Edinburgh by train: 2.5 hours
• London to Edinburgh by train: 4 hours
• Edinburgh to Inverness by train: 3.5 hours
• London to Bath by train: 85 minutes

Best add-ons to England and Scotland

• Paris  (3 or 4 nights from London)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights from Paris)

If you think you want to spend your whole trip in Britain you should have a look at our article on the  best itineraries in England, Scotland, and Wales .

>>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Edinburgh hotel deals

Itinerary 3: Paris and Italy

• Paris (3 or 4 nights)
• Venice (1 night)
• Florence (2 or 3 nights)
• Rome (3 nights)

From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. Venice is small enough to see in a full day, and so crowded that most people are satisfied to leave after that day. The key is to stay in the main part of the main island so you can enjoy Venice before the cruise passengers and day-trippers arrive, and also after they leave for the day. Two nights in Venice would not be wasted time, and it’s possibly the most gorgeous city in the entire world, but you can see the best of it in a bit over 24 hours.

Rome also lives up to the hype and spending a day in the Vatican City will be a highlight even for non-Catholics, but it’s also a crowded and busy city so three days is usually enough for most people. Similar to Paris, Rome is an unusually beautiful city from almost any angle when you are in the historical center. You’ll walk through a stunning piazza (town square) and then turn a corner and you’ll see gorgeous buildings or public statues that are as nice as anything in the museums. Seriously, it’s worth a visit.

Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Venice to Florence by train: 1 hour 53 minutes Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes

You can of course instead fly from Paris to Rome and then go north to Florence and then to Venice and fly home (or back to Paris) from there, and it would be just as enjoyable.

Best add-ons to Paris and Italy

• Nice/Cannes/Monaco  (2 or 3 nights)
• Avignon (2 nights)
• Bourges (2 nights)
• Bordeaux (2 nights)
• Aix-en-Provence (2 nights)
• Reims (2 nights)
• Dijon/Burgundy (2 nights)
• Milan  (1 or 2 nights)
• Lake Como (2 nights)
• Siena (2 nights)
• Cinque Terre (1 night)
• Naples / Sorrento /Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri (3 to 5 nights)
• Sicily (3 to 4 nights)

>>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries >>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Rome hotel deals

Itinerary 4: Mediterranean cruise

In spite of the reputation of cruises to be floating buffets, they can actually be an excellent way to visit a great number of amazing European cities in a short time. The ship typically is in port from the early morning until mid evening, often giving you the opportunity to have dinner in the city (unlike Caribbean cruises). Better still, the cruise ports are often near the center of town, so you can just walk off the ship and do sightseeing on foot or by public transportation.

Mediterranean cruises usually start at 7 nights but can go up to 3 weeks, which can provide an amazing tour of the entire region without having to pack and repack your bags more than once. They also can provide excellent value, especially compared to the price of taking trains or flights and finding new hotels in every destination.

Most popular Mediterranean departure ports

Barcelona, Spain – It’s an easy port to reach. Ships generally go from Barcelona with stops in France and then Italy.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – The port isn’t very close to Rome, but it’s easy to get back and forth. Ships go west to France and Spain as well as south around the tip of Italy and then on to Croatia, Venice, and to Greece.

Venice, Italy – The cruise ships no longer dock close to the best tourist areas, but it’s easy enough to visit Venice for a day or two before boarding a ship. Ships starting in Venice go south and then head west and to Rome and then to France, or they go south to Croatia and then head east to Greece.

Athens, Greece – The cruise port of Piraeus is just south of Athens and easy to reach. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey.

>>> Check for deals on Mediterranean cruises

Alternative to consider: a river cruise

Amsterdam ,  Budapest , and  Prague  are some of the most popular river cruise ports, but there are dozens of others including many smaller towns in France where few other tourists will be when you stroll off the ship. There is little or no entertainment on the river cruise ships, but passengers don’t miss it because the entire day and into the evening is spent just steps from local cultural offerings and restaurants.

>>> Check for Europe and river cruise deals

Itinerary 5: France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Paris  (3 nights)
• Brussels  and  Bruges  (1 or 2 nights)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights)

Paris to Brussels: 1 hour 22 minutes Brussels to Bruge: 58 minutes Bruges to Amsterdam: 2 hours 45 minutes Amsterdam to Paris: 3 hours 17 minutes

Spending 4 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam would be a great trip, but if you want to see something else you’ve got a couple options in between. My advice is to spend an afternoon looking around the Grand Place (main square) in Brussels and then hop a 58-minute train ride to Bruges for a night or two. Brussels isn’t a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so it’s a better option for most people. Whatever you choose out of this group, you can be back in Paris on another high-speed train for your flight home.

Best add-ons to France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Luxembourg City  (1 or 2 nights)
• Cologne, Germany (1 or 2 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Bruges hotel deals >>> Check Amsterdam hotel deals

Itinerary 6: Paris and elsewhere in France

And a choice of:

• Normandy (2 nights)

While Nice is a wonderful tourist city for a look at the French Riviera, the other larger cities of Lyon and Marseilles are probably better saved for a future trip because they are light on key sights compared to many smaller towns. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. Since you can get between most of these towns by train in 2 hours or less, spending only 2 nights in each one is a reasonable option if you want to see a lot in a short time.

Normandy is an interesting choice and easy to reach in only about two hours by train from Paris. Some visitors like to see the famous WWII beaches and memorials, while others (especially in summer) like to check out one or more of the beach-resort towns. Deauville is one of the more famous of those, and it’s also famous for its horse race track and as one of the epicenters of the industry in Europe.

Best add-ons to Paris and elsewhere

• More France, of course

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Nice hotel deals

Itinerary 7: Italy

• Rome  (3 nights)
• Florence  (2 or 3 nights)
• Venice  (1 or 2 nights)

Rome to Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes

Venice is small enough that you can see the main sights in about 24 hours, and it’s so insanely crowded that many people tire of it after about a day as well. It’s better to pay more for a hotel to be on the main island and visit quickly than to save money with a hotel on the mainland where you’ll be in crowds going back and forth as well. Florence is the most relaxing of the 3, and also a great base for side trips to Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre, just to name a few.

Going to Italy? Here are the  best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks  (in much greater detail)

Best add-ons to Italy

>>> Check Rome hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals

Itinerary 8: Spain

• Madrid  (4 nights) (including day trip to Toledo)
• Barcelona  (3 nights)

Madrid to Barcelona: 2 hours 30 minutes

A huge part of Spain’s tourism industry is built around its southern beaches and islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca, and Tenerife (in the Canary Islands). For most people it’s best to ignore those places on your first trip because none of the beaches are special enough to spend days on them compared to the culture of the cities.

Best add-ons to Spain

• Valencia  (2 nights)
• Seville  (2 or 3 nights)
• Granada  (2 or 3 nights)
• Lisbon  (3 nights)

By popular demand, I’ve added a full article on where to go in Spain with itineraries from 7 to 10 days up to two weeks .

>>> Check Madrid hotel deals >>> Check Barcelona hotel deals >>> Check Lisbon hotel deals

Itinerary 9: Germany

• Berlin  (3 nights)
• Munich  (2 or 3 nights)
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 night)
• Füssen (1 night)

Berlin to Munich: 6 hours 2 minutes Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 56 minutes Munich to Füssen: 2 hours 4 minutes

Those two cities are the keys to a Germany visit, and after that you’ve got a wide variety of choices. I cover most of the popular choices in my article on  where to go in Germany , which covers several smaller towns that are major highlights.

Best add-ons to Germany

• Cologne (1 or 2 nights)
• Hamburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights)
• Prague  (3 nights)
• Salzburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Vienna  (3 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (3 nights)
• Lucerne, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Berlin hotel deals >>> Check Munich hotel deals

Itinerary 10: Switzerland

• Interlaken  (3 nights)
• Bern (1 night)
• Lucerne  (3 nights)

Zurich Airport to Interlaken: 2 hours 10 minutes Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes Bern to Lucerne: 1 hour 50 minutes Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 1 hour 3 minutes

Interlaken is the best hub for the most dramatic Alps views and experiences. The one-hour cable car ride up to the Schilthorn observation deck is something you’ll never forget, and the only thing that might be more dramatic is the train ride up to the Jungfraujoch station, which is the highest in Europe. Lucerne is almost as beautiful with a scenic lake at its heart and also great mountaintop views nearby. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. Read more about  where to go in Switzerland  for even more ideas.

Best add-ons to Switzerland

• Munich  (3 nights)
• Italy (as long as you’ve got)

>>> Check Interlaken hotel deals >>> Check Lucerne hotel deals

Itinerary 11: Eastern Europe’s best cheap cities

• Budapest  (3 nights) and/or
• Krakow  (3 nights)

Each of these cities is beautiful and historic, but English is less widely spoken so they can also be quite a bit more challenging for a first-time visitor. Another difficulty is that the trains between them are still quite slow compared to the high-speed rail in the West, so it takes most of a day from one to another, and a bus is often a better choice. I cover this best cheap Europe itinerary more fully in the linked article.

Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes Budapest to Krakow: 9 hours 54 minutes (flying might be better)

Best add-ons to cheap Eastern Europe

• Cesky Krumlov, Czechia  (2 nights)
• Ljubljana, Slovenia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Split, Croatia  (3 nights)
• Belgrade, Serbia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sofia, Bulgaria  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Prague hotel deals >>> Check Budapest hotel deals >>> Check Krakow hotel deals

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11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks " --> All Comments

Hi Roger, was reading your article and reply to various questions and its actually too good and kind from you. if you pls,help me out a route plan for 15days. but my catch is, i have to start from Stockholm.i like to end in rome to head back home. in between what should be my plan?thanks

I’m happy to help. Stockholm to Rome could be done in 15 days, but it would require skipping quite a few great places along the way. My recommendation would be to choose 5 or maybe 6 cities total and spend 3 days in each. If Stockholm is one of your cities you’d only have 12 days left but even if Stockholm didn’t count on the 15 days I think it’s probably best to fly from Stockholm to a city closer to Italy and then do the rest of it on shorter train rides. You could do Stockholm to Copenhagen by train, but those are pretty long train rides and honestly those two cities are pretty similar to each other.

So maybe Stockholm and then a flight to Paris and then trains to Venice, Florence and Rome? That sort of thing. Stockholm is just so remote that it would require at least 3 or 4 longer train journeys but if you flew from Stockholm to Paris (or Berlin or Prague or Budapest or wherever) the remaining train rides would be relatively short. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the article and itineraries; they are very helpful.

My wife and I are planning a 3 to 4-month trip around the EU (Western Europe). Before I delve into the specifics of our itinerary, I am wondering if the same 3 to 5-day in each-city principle applies for cases where travellers will spend more time travelling around?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Raf

Wow. That sounds amazing! Even when traveling for longer periods like that I’d recommend a minimum of 3 nights in almost any place you go. The main reason is your travel days tend to be kind of long when you factor in everything from checking out of one hotel to getting to the train station and waiting and then the journey time and then getting to your next hotel and getting situated. All of that usually takes 4 to 6 hours even when the train journey is only an hour or two, so you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those days. So if you only stay 2 nights in each city it means every other day is a travel day and that just takes up too much time.

That said, I think 3 or 4 days is enough time in most places as well. If you really want to get to know Paris, for example, you might stay a week there. But for most cities there are diminishing marginal returns starting on day 3 or 4. In other words, you’ll be able to see the 10 things that most interest you in 3 days or so, and at that point you might be ready to see the Top 10 things in the next city instead of the #11 through #20 things in the first city.

Another thing that is important with longer trips like that is to plan some down time at least every few weeks. If you try to do sightseeing 7 days per week for weeks at a time it starts to feel like a job. What I like to do is every two or three weeks find a smaller town or cheaper place where I can rent a little apartment or some place larger and more comfortable than a typical small European hotel room. And I like to stop in places without many sights otherwise it’s too tempting to keep sightseeing every day.

I’ve actually done quite a few long trips like this and I’m happy to help with any other advice if you like. -Roger

Comment*We are planning on Athens to Amsterdam from June 4, 2024 to Amsterdam June 24th.

We are thinking trains to major cities inbetween Athens and Amsterdam. We are open to anything and everything.

Priorities: Parthenon in Athens, Art Museums in Amsterdam (3-5 days in Amsterdam) Can you help us?

That is a tricky one. Both Athens and Amsterdam are great and very worthwhile, but once you go north of Athens to Thessaloniki in northern Greece, the train service is spotty and very slow all the way until you reach Budapest. Strangely enough, buses tend to be faster and much more frequent in those “eastern” countries like Bulgaria and Romania. Also, being perfectly honest, most of those in-between cities such as Sofia and Belgrade are kind of dull by European standards, although they are quite cheap.

If you really want to visit Athens I’d definitely start there and then after a few days fly to Budapest or some other city in that area that interests you and then carry on from there by train. In fact, Athens to Budapest and then trains to Prague then Berlin and then Amsterdam could be perfect. You could even add in a couple of days in Cesky Krumlov near Prague if you want to include a gorgeous smaller town among the big cities.

Those are all first-class cities and several of them are quite affordable as well. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, my wife and I would like to visit Rome, Florence, Italy, Venice, Prague, Berlin and maybe Switzerland. This will be the first time travelling to Europe and I would appreciate your help in planning where to start, where to stay, how to get there and where to go. We will be coming from Trinidad and Tobago for 2 weeks. If possible, i would like a day-to-day plan.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to do a day-by-day plan for you, but I can help get you started. If you’ve got 14 nights I would keep the list to 5 total cities. If you tried to include Switzerland on this trip it would mean spending only 1 or 2 days in some cities and that means spending every other day on trains.

I think the best thing to do would be to fly into Berlin or Prague and then spend 3 days there and then take a train to the other one and spend 3 days there and then fly to Venice. Spend 1 or 2 days in Venice and then take a short train ride to Florence for 2 days or so and then a train ride down to Rome for your final 3 days and then a flight home or back to your starting city if that is cheaper. I’m happy to help if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. My wife and I (56 and 63) want to do our first trip to Europe from Canada and would like to start by visiting Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada y Sevilla with day trips to close small cities in between). What it would be your suggestion for: 1. Stay in each city for a 15/17 days trip? 2. any additions/modifications? 3. Train over flights internally? 4. If we travel with one suitcase of 50 Lbs would it work to take public transit when required? 5. Instead of this plan, would it be better to visit 1/2 famous city in different countries? Would appreciate your inputs. Than you Roger

If you’ve only got about 16 days I’d recommend choosing 5 or maybe 6 cities in total. I strongly believe that 3 nights is the best amount of time to stay in each city so you have two full sightseeing days in each one, although some smaller cities can be done a bit quicker. I go over the reasons in detail on this other article about how long to stay in each European city , but the main point is that if you stay only two nights it means literally spending every other day on trains or in airports and such and you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those travel days with all of the packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels.

I’d definitely include Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona. You could add a 2-day visit to Porto and 2 or 3 days each in Sevilla and Granada. I’d save Valencia for a future trip. It’s nice, but aside from the new buildings clustered in one area, it’s more generic than any of the others on your list.

The only train between Portugal and Madrid goes over night and I’m not a fan of those so I’d fly on that leg. But from there I’d definitely take the high-speed trains, which are fast and comfortable. Buy your tickets at least a couple months in advance for the best fares.

There will be room for a 50 lb suitcase on the flights (of course) and on the trains as well. On older trains they have you put them on racks above the seats, but on most of the more modern ones (like the high-speed trains) they also have room for larger bags at each end of the carriage. If you can lift them, there will definitely be room for them.

I think your plan sounds really good and those are all great cities. That said, for most first-time visitors to Europe I’d recommend Paris and Italy as those are really more dramatic and interesting, although also more crowded and somewhat more expensive as well. I think once you do the Iberia trip you’ll be hooked and you’ll start planning a trip to France and Italy for the coming years. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. Thank you for your comments and recommendations and also for your prompt response. I have modified my plan as I have now 22 days. My Itinerary is Porto(3), Lisbon(3), Seville(2), Malaga(2), Madrid(3),Barcelona(3), Zaragoza(2) and Bilbao(3). What do you think? is this a good plan? Any suggestions? I am still debating between Malaga and Granada though. I included Bilbao to visit friends. The question on the luggage was more related to the comfort to pull a large back in public transit than the allowance in the planes or trains. I will appreciate your inputs. Thank you again, Roger

Those six more days will help a lot. I think your new plan looks really good. You can probably enjoy Porto in 2 days and add an extra day somewhere else, but you might also be dealing with jet-lag so 3 days might be better. Your itinerary looks efficient and logical.

I really like Granada and Malaga, but I think if I were to choose between the two I would go with Granada. Malaga is (in my opinion) an underrated city that is close to some extremely popular beach towns and it’s got a lot going for it, but if you aren’t also going to be staying by the beach I think I’d save it for another trip. Granada has got the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens and those are unlike anything else in Spain or the world for that matter. Granada is small enough to enjoy in two days and I think seeing the Alhambra will be more memorable than anything in Malaga.

Buy your train tickets as early as possible for the best times and fares, and the flight for Lisbon to Seville (or you could take a bus).

And again, your 50 lb suitcase will fit on city to city trains (although not as well on buses or trams within a city), but still (as the saying goes) no one ever went on a trip around Europe like this and swore they would pack more stuff the next time. In other words, 40 lbs is much easier than 50 lbs and getting laundry done cheaply in a country like Spain is quite easy. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Comment*Hi travelling first time to europe next year we are 55 years age group any suggestions for 10-12 days itenary with guided tour would be nice if any suggestion are there also april or may better time to visit there anil

Actually, all of my best suggestions for first-time visits to Europe are in the article above. If you specifically want a guided tour you’ll obviously just be choosing from the ones that are available from the companies you look it, although many of those should resemble the itineraries in my article. Planning your own trip to Europe is actually quite easy, and especially if you are going to the classic and most popular cities. I’ve got lots of articles that could help you.

I’m not sure how many guided tours you’ve done, but one thing to consider is that they always move at the speed of the slowest person in the group. If YOU are the slowest person in the group then it’s fine, but if you are 55 then you should be much faster than most other people on a guided tour. For example, if you have a coach/bus tour for a day with 5 or 6 stops, you always have to wait for the slowest people to get on an off the bus. I’ve done countless day tours this way and it can be frustrating waiting 10 extra minutes many times each day as slow people are trying their best.

I think my top two best suggestions are London and maybe another stop or two in England and then Paris and other stop or two in France, OR, Paris then another stop in France and then Venice, Florence, and Rome. It obviously depends whether England or Italy sounds more interesting. Let me know if I can be of any other help. -Roger

Planning a family trip with a adult and nearly adult children. Hoping to be able to do 18 to 20 days. Must sees are Paris, Venice, England, and Prague but would adore seeing more! What route would you suggest and should we rent a car, fly, train, river cruise? There are so many options and I’m completely overwhelmed! A suggested itinerary would be amazing!! Thank you!

That sounds like a great start to a plan. As far as “England” is concerned it’s probably best to just think of it as 3 or probably 4 nights in London. With 4 nights you’d have enough time for a good day trip to Bath/Stonehenge and Windsor or to Oxford or even York, but London is big enough to keep you busy and it’s probably best to just stay there and then take the Eurostar train to Paris for 3 or 4 nights.

Prague is a bit out of the way, but you can fly there cheaply enough if you want and then after 3 nights fly to Venice. After 2 nights in Venice I’d take a train down to Florence for 2 nights and then another train to Rome for 3 nights. That would be just about a perfect 18 to 20 day trip including Prague. I definitely wouldn’t rent a car as they tend to be counter productive when visiting a string of large cities that have bad traffic and expensive parking. Your itinerary doesn’t really work with a river cruise at all, but hopefully you can plan one in the future.

It would probably be cheapest to fly from Rome back to London for your flight home (being careful of which of London’s 5 airports you fly into because your flight home will almost certainly go out of Heathrow), but if you can get a flight home straight from Rome for a good price, that would be even better. Getting around by train in Europe is by far the best way wherever it’s close and fast enough, so I’d focus on trains in the places I mentioned. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Yes, I meant London. Thank you for picking up on that. After reading though your site and many, many of these informative comments, I think I have figured out a basic itinerary and would love your feedback and suggestions!

-Fly into London London(3 days) -Eurostar Train to Paris Paris (3 days) -Train to Switzerland – unsure which train company Switzerland (3 days) -Train to Venice?? Venice (2 days) -Train to Florence – which train company? Is there a pass? Florence (2 days) -Train to Rome Rome (2 days) -Fly to Prague Prague (3 days) -Fly home out of Prague

Very interested to hear your feedback. I know you suggest 3 nights but I am ok with missing out on some things in Rome/Florence if needed. Would love train suggestions and if passes are best. NO idea on how the trains operate in Europe.

Thank you so much for your time!

This itinerary looks amazing. My only real suggestion would be to spend only one day in Venice and three days in Rome, or at least a day and a half in Venice rather than two, but you’ll enjoy it no matter what. The thing is that Venice is about the size of a theme park like Disneyland and from 9 AM until 5 PM it feels even more crowded than Disneyland. It’s absolutely amazing, but also easy to get tired of the crowds and you’ll do your best sightseeing in the mornings before the day-trippers come and in the evenings after they’ve left. And Rome is huge with a long list of really cool sights so with only one full sightseeing day you’ll miss quite a few of them. But again, you’ll enjoy it no matter how you divide your time.

In most of Europe including between France and Switzerland and Italy, there is just one rail company per country so just book whatever comes up. From Paris to Basel, Switzerland you’ll take the France national service and then change trains to a Swiss train for your ride to Interlaken or Lucern. Then from Switzerland you’ll take (probably) a Swiss train to Spiez or Brig and then change there for an Italian train to Venice. You’ll buy it just as one ticket and it’ll include all the legs required to get from one city to your final city, and usually come with seat reservations as well (except in Switzerland).

My favorite site for checking schedules all over Europe is the Trainline . But you can also check the official rail sites of each country involved and I’d definitely check those prices before booking anything. My article on buying European train tickets in advance is still pretty much up to date and it has links to the various national train companies.

It will be cheapest if you lock in your dates and buy all of your train tickets as early as possible, which will be around 3 months out in most cases. The tickets start off really cheap and go up in price as more seats are sold on each train, so earlier is always better. There are no rail passes that would be helpful on a trip like this, but that’s mostly because the tickets will be pretty cheap already, especially the ones within Italy.

Trains in Europe are really fun and shockingly easy once you get started. All the important signs will be in English as well as a local language. For most of them you can literally walk aboard just before it leaves and you are fine as long as you have a reserved seat, but the Eurostar works more like a flight with security and such so you have to be checked in at least 30 minutes in advance. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I won’t have time to update that other older article about trains vs planes vs buses, partly because these days there is a clear choice depending on which two cities you are going between. There are places in eastern Europe where there are advantages to each mode, but for the cities you’ll be doing the train is going to be the fastest, by far the most enjoyable, and probably the cheapest as well, at least once you factor in airport transportation costs. It’s going to be a great trip! -Roger

Thank you SO much for all of your help. Your in-depth website is an amazing resource! I get so lost in it and spend hours scouring your resources and links – it has everything anyone could need! And, the fact that you are also personally answering comments and offering personalized advice is mind blowing! Thank you for all that you do to inform us!

If you could suggest on a 14-15 day iterinary covering Athens, rome Milan paris London and Finland from New Delhi / Mumbai.

If you have 14 to 15 days I’d suggest choosing about 5 cities in total to visit. So your list should work out fairly well, although it depends on how much of Finland you’d hope to see. I’m guessing you must have a specific reason for wanting to go there? Finland normally isn’t very popular and honestly there isn’t much to see. Helsinki is, in my opinion, the least interesting of the Nordic capitals, although it’s pleasant enough and the country has some nice forests. If you are visiting relatives or something, that requires different planning of course.

It might be easiest to fly from Mumbai to London and then use that as a base. You could spend a few nights there and then fly to Helsinki and back after that or Helsinki to Paris for a few days. After Paris you could fly to Milan or Rome and then take a train to the other and then fly to Athens to finish your trip.

Milan actually isn’t a popular tourist city. It’s the home of most of Italy’s big banks and fashion brands, but neither of those are accessible to most tourists. Italy has amazing fashion shopping in Rome as well as Florence. Venice is also more popular. I hope this helps and I’m happy to help more if you have questions. -Roger

Comment* Planning first trip to Europe Want to do tour of England, Scotland, Wales and then to Paris for sites and Monet Gardens. Might take train to Brussels and Bruge. Then to Switzerland and home. Any suggestions what tour group to contact. Want slower pace trip…at least 3 weeks. Thank you.

I enjoy helping people plan independent trips, and I honestly don’t know much about booking all-inclusive tours like you are after. I’d imagine you’d have to do at least a few different tours to cover all the places you have in mind. The one outfit that I am familiar with is Rick Steves, who I am a huge fan of for his Europe travel guides and I know he has a big tour organization. I’d start with them and see if they have anything that fits what you are looking for. Best of luck. -Roger

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London, Paris & Amsterdam

Experience the charm, history, and culture of three incredible European capitals cities: London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Discover landmarks like the Tower of London, the Eiffel Tower, or enjoy a scenic canal cruise in Amsterdam. Travel conveniently by Eurostar train and customise your trip with optional activities and extra nights.

Start the tour in London or Amsterdam instead of Paris?

Transportation

Self-guided

Itinerary - Day by day

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Accommodation at comfortable tourist class hotels according to European standard.

See Silver accommodation

Accommodation at 4 star hotels or unique properties in attractive locations or other special qualities.

See Gold accommodation

Travel tips and reviews

Read travel tips from our local experts, and see reviews from our travellers.

"King Charles drove right past us in London. We saw glorious art and architecture in Paris and the Anne Frank House, Vermeer and Bruce Springsteen in Amsterdam. We had an absolutely wonderful time!"

Tip: Extend your European vacation and turn this trip into a 10-day itinerary by simply adding one extra night in each city you visit.

Tour package includes:

• 6 nights hotel accommodation in standard rooms with private shower/bath, WC, including breakfast. Tourist taxes are not included and must be paid locally.
• Train between London - Paris - Amsterdam, reserved seats onboard
• Electronic travel documentation, including a detailed travel itinerary and travel vouchers
• 24/7 emergency phone service while travelling
• Additional services included for Tour Category GOLD only:
• Category GOLD hotels (see details above)
• Category Standard Premier on the Eurostar (including a light meal and drinks onboard)
• 1st class tickets between Paris and Amsterdam (when starting the tour in London or Paris)

Similar Tours

The 5 Best European Cities To Visit: Where To Go and When

E urope is a hotspot for tourism due to its impressive diversity and access. There are a multitude of cultures, cuisines and landmarks in Europe. The continent is also relatively easy to get around, since public transportation there is efficient. Some travelers may even opt to travel around Europe all at once since there are jaw dropping views within close proximity. The continent is a traveler’s paradise since the infrastructure is well designed for commuting . There are so many popular destinations within Europe, so it may be difficult for travelers to determine where exactly they should go. These are the best European cities to visit and the ideal season for travel in each. 

London 

London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Travelers visiting London can experience the top attractions in the bustling urban metropolis. It is a cultural capital with a plethora of historical sites that travelers can witness. This metropolitan city has plenty for travelers to explore. Some of the most popular things to do and see are the Big Ben clock tower, Westminster Abbey, The British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. Foodies can indulge in some English delicacies like fish and chips, traditional English breakfast and bangers and mash. There are many other cuisines that travelers can try in London, including Indian, Italian, Chinese, Thai, French and many other cultural foods. 

Best Times To Visit

The best time to visit London, England depends on the traveler. For the best sightseeing weather, travelers should make their way there between March and May. The temperature in this season is around 60 degrees, so travelers should dress themselves in layers. The high season for travel in London is in the summer and winter. If travelers want to avoid crowds, they should not visit London between June to August or December to January. 

Paris 

Paris, France is a major tourism destination that has plenty of globally recognizable monuments and cultural hallmarks. Even the cityscape of Paris is quite popular due to its iconic landmarks. French culture is all around very influential, but beyond that Paris is a remarkable city with plenty to see. The architectural wonders of Paris are a big appeal of the city. In fact, over 30 million travelers enjoy the picturesque city of light each year. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace, Paris Catacombs, Luxembourg Gardens and the Champs-Elysees are among the best attractions in the city. Tourists can enjoy the cheeses, soups, macarons and fresh breads of Paris while visiting Paris. 

The best times to visit Paris are either in the spring or autumn. During these times travelers can expect better temperatures. This weather allows them to comfortably sit outside and enjoy things like Parisian cafe tables. The weather is nice and moderate in the city between April to May and September to October. Travelers will even notice that there are less crowds in the tourist areas.

Rome is the capital city of Italy and it has certainly made its mark on the globe. It is among one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Some of the art, architecture and cuisine of Rome dates back 3,000 years. The city offers travelers a deep dive into ancient history and culture. There are plenty of famous sightseeing attractions in Rome that travelers should visit during their Europe trip. Some of the most popular ancient buildings for tourists to view in Rome include The Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, The Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica. There are a large number of famous remnants of the Roman Empire that have historical significance in this city. Some other things that tourists can do in Rome include guided walking tours, countryside trips, shopping, indulging in delicious Italian food and strolls around the city.  

Travelers visiting Italy should expect bigger crowds in areas like Rome. Although crowds are somewhat consistent, travelers can plan their trip so that it is as convenient as possible. Between October and April travelers will experience the least amount of crowds. The costs of accomodations are lower during this time too, but travelers may have to tolerate the chilly weather in exchange for price. Travelers should be sure to pack a jacket since weather can be around 50 and 70 degrees in Rome during this season. 

Barcelona 

Barcelona, Spain is an artistic looking and charming city with plenty for visitors to experience. The city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is a modern hub as well as one of Spain’s most popular cities. It has a wide range of leisure activities and is a walkable city, so plenty of travelers love Barcelona. The unique architecture, beaches, culinary options and art of Barcelona keep travelers coming back. Travelers can enjoy the food of Barcelona while in the bustling city. Paella, croquettes, potato bombas and escalivada are just a few of the most popular dishes of Barcelona. Tourists commonly enjoy the Picasso Museum, the Cathedral of Barcelona, Casa Milá, Park Güell, Las Ramblas and Barceloneta Beach while in the city. Some of the most popular attractions of Barcelona are the buildings and shopping areas. Alternative activities for travelers include hot air balloon tours, walking tours, food and wine tours, private sailing tours and immersive museum experiences. 

Best Times To Visit 

The best time to travel to Barcelona is between April and July. During this time travelers will experience the best weather. Temperatures are around the mid 70’s during this season which means that the outdoor conditions are manageable. This is particularly important for travelers depending on public transportation. If sightseeing is a priority travelers should visit in early spring or autumn since there are less crowds. During the spring there is some rainfall, especially during April. Since a lot of the attractions in Barcelona are outdoors, this will definitely impact a trip. 

Amsterdam 

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and it is a quite popular city. It has a vibrant culture, rich history and stunning landscapes. The picturesque canals, historic homes, creative spirit, liberal appeal and shopping opportunities are the top features of the city. Tourists looking to immerse themselves in this European city can try the local cuisine. Pannenkoeken, haring, oliebollen, kaas and stamppot are some of the top Dutch comfort foods. These traditional food items are popular among locals but travelers should try them while they are exploring abroad. Stamppot, a dish made from potatoes and vegetables, is the national dish. Other than cuisine, travelers can visit the top attractions of the area to learn more about Amsterdam. The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken brewery tour, red light district, Body Worlds Museum and local parks are the top things to see. 

The best months to visit Amsterdam are spring and autumn. Between April and May or September and November is the most ideal time to visit. There are less crowds and more mild weather during these seasons. Although the weather is not particularly dependable, these months provide pleasant temperatures of around 60 degrees. If travelers prefer to travel during the most affordable time to go to Amsterdam, the winter may be best. Temperatures generally are around 30 or 40 degrees during the winter, but hotel rates are low.