7 day europe trip

The Best Europe Itinerary That You Can Do in 7 Days

A week might seem like a standard time for only one holiday destination on your Eurotrip, but we urge you to think bigger! You can see so much more in seven days; you just need to know what to do.

That is why it is best to have a carefully planned itinerary! Check out our example of one – the best Europe itinerary you can do in just a week !

Day 1: London, England

Start your journey on the northwest coast of continental Europe!

If you prepare your travels in a way that will allow you to arrive in London early, you will have a full day to see the most popular and exciting tourist attractions! Do not forget to visit the Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, and all the other classics!

Days 2, 3: Paris, France

Save time and hop on a train from London to Paris. It will not take long, and you will have more of the day to enjoy the brilliance of France.

Indeed, try to visit the monumental sites in Paris, but do not forget to spend some time just soaking up the beauty of small streets and narrow alleys and the romance that oozes in the city. While short, these couple of days might just be your best France trip yet.

Day 4: Brussels, Belgium

After another train trip, you will find yourself in the splendid Brussels. Spend the day occupied by world-class museums, art galleries, and some other lovely sites for entertainment.

Packed with grand establishments of cultural importance, the capital city of Belgium is sophisticated and aesthetic, even though it is not as crowded with tourists as, let’s say, Paris. Do not forget to try their cuisine – especially the sweets!

Day 5: Budapest, Hungary

Famous for beautiful architecture and fascinating history, Budapest should definitely be the next one you explore.

While there are many places to visit , such as the Buda Castle, The Parliament of Hungary and, of course, the shore of Danube, we suggest you give yourself some time to just walk around. Especially in the evening, just before retiring. The whole city seems to be on fire, night lights glistening in the dark, and people still active in the streets.

If you happen to chat with some locals, pay compliments to the city – they are friendly people and appreciate it very much.

Day 6: Prague, Czech Republic

After taking the quick Budapest to Prague train , you are now in the gem of Central Europe – the Czech Republic. Prague city is charming, while a bit dim. However, its rustiness gives the city’s aesthetic an edge and makes the surroundings look more intriguing.

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Among some lovely places you should see are Old Town Square, Prague Castle and, of course, the famous Charles Bridge. So chain your love lock to the bridge that promises eternal happiness, take a picture of sunset, or simply walk across.

Either way, the time you here spend will be stress-free and the perfect finish line of your trip!  

Day 7: Vienna, Austria

Let’s finish off strong!

As your final destination, the time you spend in Vienna will have to be even lovelier than in the past week. That is why we suggest not wasting your time.

Instead, after exploring the sophisticated yet colorful streets and squares, tall and meaningful monuments, and buildings, you should celebrate your successful Eurotrip by purchasing tickets to the Vienna State Opera House and seeing a show. You might think that you can see an opera anywhere, and you are right, but nothing tops the magnificence of the Vienna Opera House. It is, in a word, mind-blowing!

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6 Best 7 Days Europe Tour Packages (2024)

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You’ve landed in the perfect spot and are about to discover the crème de la crème of 7 day tours of Europe.

Having explored the romantic canals of Venice, the historic streets of Prague, and the majestic Alps of Switzerland, I can confidently say that Europe is a continent that never ceases to amaze.

You can experience a slice of this European magic in just one week.

Europe is a treasure trove of diverse cultures, mouthwatering cuisine, and jaw-dropping landscapes.

Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to meet new people or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, there’s a 7-day Europe tour package tailored just for you.

No need to stress about planning every detail; these tours have covered you from start to finish.

Do you want to hop from one iconic city to another, soaking in history and culture? Or are you more into the scenic route, exploring the natural wonders that Europe has to offer?

Either way, I’ve got the lowdown on the best 7 days Europe tour packages that will make your travel dreams come true.

Stay tuned as we dive into the details, from what to expect on these tours to how to make the most of your limited time in Europe. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: 7 Days Europe Tour Packages

7-Day Taste of Europe Tour from Lucerne: Switzerland, Italy and France

✅ Visit 3 Countries

✅ Time allowed to explore on your own

Road to Paris

✅ Small Group Tours

✅ 18 – 35 year olds

7-Day European Highlights Tour From Frankfurt: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria And Switzerland

✅ 6 Countries

✅ 3 Star hotels with private facilities

Best 7 Days Europe Tour Packages

1. 7-day taste of europe tour from lucerne: switzerland, italy and france.

⭐️  RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   7 DAYS | ✅  Book it!

Oh, you’re in for a treat with this one !

Imagine a week where you wake up in a new country almost every day.

We’re talking the Swiss Alps, the Italian fashion scene, and the romantic vibes of France.

This is the best 7 Days Europe Tour Packages you could imagine.

First off, the stress of planning? Forget about it. This tour has got you covered from A to Z.

You’ll be cruising through Europe in an air-conditioned coach, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak in the views.

And let’s not forget about the hotels —comfortable 3-star digs with breakfast included. No sketchy hostels here!

But what sets this tour apart is the sheer variety. You’ll be sipping espresso in Milan one day and snapping pics of the Leaning Tower of Pisa the next.

The guides are top notch. They’ll give you the lowdown on each city, ensuring you get the full experience without feeling rushed.

So, why should you book this tour for your one-week Euro trip? Because it’s like a European buffet of experiences but without the stress of planning or the fear of missing out.

✅ Pro Tip: Make sure to check what is included so there are no surprises when you book

“If you’re a fan of arts, or historical places like Rome, Vatican, Milan, Venice, Monaco, Florence, this is for you. Plus a side trip to Lucerne, Switzerland. We love our tour guide Tim and our reliable bus driver Peter. It’s worth the trip. Perfect.” -ReviewerName (Read more reviews )

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Road to Paris

⭐️  RATING:  4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  7 Days | ✅  Book it!

The Road to Paris tour is your golden ticket if you pack a lifetime of memories into just one week.

Imagine starting your journey in the hidden gem of Croatia and winding your way through iconic cities like Venice, the Swiss Alps, and finally, the City of Love itself, Paris .

This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a whirlwind love affair with Europe.

What sets this tour apart ? It’s the perfect blend of guided experiences and free time.

You’re not just ticking off landmarks but diving into local cultures. From savoring a classic Slovenian dinner in Ljubljana to cruising on a Venetian gondola, every moment is curated to offer you something special.

And let’s not forget the seamless logistics—modern coaches, comfy hotels, and meals that give you a taste of each region.

This is one of the best 7 Days Europe Tour Packages for anyone who wants to feel Europe, not just see it.

You’ll come back with a suitcase full of memories and a heart full of wanderlust.

So, if you’ve got a week to spare, don’t spend it on the usual stuff.

Make it legendary with the Road to Paris tour . Trust me, you won’t regret it.

✅ Pro Tip: You will be joining a group that have been travelling together for two weeks

“The trip was great I got to see everything I wanted and then some, be aware that the pace is quite quick and there can be a lot of driving -(Read more reviews )

3. 7-Day European Highlights Tour From Frankfurt: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria And Switzerland

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  7 Days| ✅  Book it!

Imagine kickstarting your journey in Frankfurt and diving headfirst into a whirlwind of fairytale castles , historic squares, and jaw-dropping Alpine scenery. We’re talking six countries in seven days!

You’ll wander through Prague’s cobbled streets, get lost in Budapest’s ancient charm, and feel like royalty in Vienna’s palaces .

But it’s not just a tick-the-box kind of trip; it’s the sort of adventure that makes you feel alive.

You’ll be cruising down the Danube, gazing at the Rhine Falls , and even have the chance to ascend Mt. Titlis if you’re up for it.

The tour is fast-paced but oh-so-worth-it. You’re not just sightseeing; you’re collecting stories and memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Plus, the accommodations are comfy , the transport is great, and the guides know their stuff.

So, if you’re looking for the best 7-day European tours , this one’s a no-brainer.

Trust me, you’ll come back with more than just souvenirs; you’ll come back with a whole new perspective on what it means to truly experience Europe.

“Tour guide Mirjam was great. Very bubbly and happy all the time. She was firm with meeting times but very friendly.” -ReviewerName (Read more reviews )

4. Switzerland, Italy & France 7-Day Taste of Europe Trip from Paris

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   7 Days | ✅  Book it!

If you’ve got just a week to spare and you want to make it the best 7-day European vacation ever, this tour is where it’s at .

Imagine waking up to the Swiss Alps one day and sipping espresso in Milan the next.

You’re not just crossing borders; you’re crossing off bucket list experiences left and right.

You start in Paris , the city of love, and then you’re whisked away through the Swiss Alps to Lucerne—a postcard come to life.

Milan’s next, where even the air feels fashionable. Then, Venice. Ever had a Murano glassblowing demo? Didn’t think so.

Rome and the Vatican? Check and check.

And just when you think it can’t get any better, you’re cruising the French Riviera.

The tour is fast-paced, but every moment is designed to make you feel alive, to keep you on the edge of your seat.

You’re not just collecting souvenirs; you’re collecting stories, memories, and maybe a few new friends along the way.

So, if you’re looking for a week that you’ll be talking about for years, this is it.

“Nice team thank you Danyal he is very supportive organized trip I like it and recommend it to every one” – Eman (Read more reviews )

5. 7-Day Taste of Central Europe Tour to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and more!

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 7 Days | ✅  Book it!

This 7-Day Taste of Central Europe Tour is like a highlight reel of Europe’s greatest hits.

From the historic charm of Frankfurt to the canals of Amsterdam , the political heart of Brussels, and the romantic allure of Paris, it’s got it all.

You’re not just sightseeing; you’re diving deep into the culture and history of each place.

Picture yourself strolling through Amsterdam’s tree-lined canals one day and sipping champagne in Reims the next.

And let’s not even get started on Paris—the City of Light is a whole vibe in itself!

The tour is super organized , so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. You get a knowledgeable guide, comfy 3-star hotels, and even some free time to explore on your own.

It’s perfect for those who want to see a lot but have little time to plan.

Trust me, this is one of those 7 Day European Tours that you’ll be raving about for years to come.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the tour as a solo traveler, made some new friends, we had quality time. Our tour guide Uncle Ho is an amazing guy. -Rabbi (Read more reviews )

6. Prague to Budapest By Train

⭐️  RATING:  #/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 7 Days | ✅  Book it!

If you’ve got just one week to spare in Europe and you’re looking to make the most of it, this 7 Day Tour of Europe is your golden ticket.

Imagine starting your journey in the dreamy cobblestone streets of Prague, sipping on the best beer Europe has to offer.

Then, you’re whisked away by train—oh, the scenic views!—to Vienna, where you can chill at local beach bars and get your caffeine fix with authentic Viennese coffee.

But wait, there’s more.

You’ll end your whirlwind week in Budapest, cooking up authentic Hungarian dishes with locals and cruising down the Danube like you’re in some romantic movie.

This isn’t just a tour; it’s a curated experience that lets you dive into the culture, food, and unique vibes of each city.

You’re not just ticking off landmarks; you’re absorbing the soul of three iconic Eastern European cities.

And the best part? You’re doing it all by train , which is honestly the most chill and scenic way to travel through Europe.

So, if you’re looking to transform your holiday from “meh” to “mind-blowingly amazing,” this is the tour you’ve been searching for.

“Everything well detailed, from trip itinerary to everything required of travellers before trip started. Easy to book – (Read more reviews )

FAQs: 7 Day Europe Tour Package

Can you travel in europe for 7 days.

Absolutely, you can travel in Europe for 7 days and still have a rich, immersive experience. The key is to focus on a specific region or a few closely connected cities. Tours like the Prague to Budapest by Train offer a curated 7-day itinerary that lets you explore multiple cities and cultures without feeling rushed.

How many days required to explore Europe?

The number of days required to explore Europe varies depending on what you want to see and do. However, a 7-day tour can give you a fantastic introduction to a specific region, like Eastern Europe, allowing you to experience the highlights and local culture.

What is the best way to see Europe for the first time?

The best way to see Europe for the first time is through a well-planned itinerary that focuses on a few key destinations. Guided tours can offer the benefit of expert knowledge and logistical ease, making your first European adventure memorable and stress-free.

What European countries can you see in a week?

In a week, you can comfortably explore two to three European countries if they are geographically close. For example, a 7-day tour could take you through the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, offering a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and leisure time.

Final Thoughts: 7 Day Europe Trip

The “ 7-Day Taste of Europe Tour from Lucerne: Switzerland, Italy and France” is the tour you’ve been waiting for.

From the Swiss Alps to Italian art and French cuisine, this tour has it all.

You get a hassle-free, guided whirlwind through the must-see spots, with just the right balance of free time to make your own discoveries.

Plus, the fact that it starts in Lucerne, a traveler’s paradise, is the cherry on top!

Ready to transform your European daydreams into cherished memories? Click here to book this unforgettable 7-day journey.

Your dream European vacation is just one click away !

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I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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7 Day Europe Itinerary – How to Plan an Epic Trip

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Traveling throughout Europe is an incredible experience, and one that everyone should plan on doing especially if you are considering visiting this continent for the first time. Whether you are intrigued by the prospect of seeing Big Ben in London for the first time, or perhaps enjoying a romantic walk by the River Seine in Paris, the opportunities to explore Europe are endless. From weekend getaways to longer stays, a trip to Europe should be carefully planned to ensure you are maximizing your time. While we tend to focus on maximizing weekend getaways, we want to share our thoughts on how you can prepare the ideal 7 day Europe itinerary, and perhaps you will be inspired to book a trip in the near future.

How to plan a trip to Europe for only 7 days? It’s a million dollar question, and one that can be extremely challenging and particularly daunting for those that are infrequent travelers. Thanks to the wonderful platforms and technology that we have readily available at our fingertips, this experience is much easier than you may first think.

Thanks to the amazing public transportation system, cheap flights, and other ways to get around Europe, exploring a variety of European destinations in a short time is certainly feasible. Click here for details on creating optimal travel plans between destinations to ensure you are ready to go with your dream European trip!

While our recommended itinerary is only a suggestion, our number one tip that we will always reiterate during any trip planning is to allow time for spontaneity. You could easily be forgiven for wanting to cram everything there is to see in Europe in a short time, but the reality is you have to be realistic about what you can accomplish.

Before we take a look at some suggested week long itineraries exploring some of the spectacular landmarks and sights in Europe, we want to provide you with some of our best tips on planning this type of an adventure. As always, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments as to what you believe to be an optimal 7-day itinerary across Europe, along with any additional tips and tricks that you have found to be beneficial.

7 Day Europe Itinerary

Before you start thinking about possible itineraries, take a few minutes to think about the answers to the following questions:

• Are there any “must-see” destinations on your bucket list that you need to ensure are on this itinerary?
• Do you have a preference over how you connect between destinations (e.g. do you prefer to travel by train, flights, rental car etc.)?
• Is your focus to see highlight attractions that are infamous to the location, or do you want to look “off the beaten path” to enjoy local experiences?
• How ambitious are you in terms of how much you wish to see inside one week?

While you don’t need to have 100% concrete responses to each of these, having a few ideas will enable you to develop a much more efficient itinerary that works for your travel style. There is no right or wrong answer to planning a European week-long itinerary, but the better you plan, the more enjoyable the experience will be!

How to Begin Planning an Itinerary?

Ok, so you have established the basic answers to the above questions and you are ready to start planning. Take a dart and throw it against a map and see where it lands in Europe! Maybe not the most data-driven decision but for the truly spontaneous travelers out there, perhaps that’s the best approach. Alternatively, and what we believe to be better recommendation, would be to look at your starting point.

If you are traveling to Europe from another continent, your initial flight into a major European hub will likely determine how the itinerary will take shape. Whether it’s London, Paris, Frankfurt, or Milan, there are endless options to start your journey. You may even find a nation’s “second city” to be a better alternative, so be prepared to shop around and consider all your options.

Once you determine your starting point, map out 2 or 3 locations you don’t want to miss. From there, you can start building out a daily schedule of attractions, landmarks, and of course, those local hidden gems that truly creates a memorable experience in Europe. With so much rich history, heritage, and culture, you have to be willing to uncover some of these lesser known gems in order to truly appreciate the inherent beauty of this continent.

Spontaneity vs Strict Schedule

Creating an itinerary can frequently lead to people thinking this is a strict schedule that you must follow in order to make the most of your trip. Careful planning of the itinerary actually allows for some spontaneity and flexibility which alongside the organization of the initial schedule will create an even better experience during your visit to Europe.

An example of this would be if you are planning a 7-day trip and want to visit three destinations. You could consider spending two days in each, and then allow for one additional day to either add a smaller location en route to the next location, or perhaps you will find that 48 hours in a city (which in most destinations will be true!) is simply not enough to barely scratch the surface and you can spend an additional 24 hours there.

Our Favorite 7-Day European Adventures

The options are endless and the opportunities to explore Europe in 7-days create so many thoughts in our minds because it’s a ideal timeframe to explore a couple of your favorite destinations. While we want to emphasize that if you are able to add more time, this will enhance your trip even more, we realize that building at most a 7-day adventure is frequently what many people can afford both in terms of budget and time constraints.

Admittedly, we have several favorite itineraries that we have experienced in Europe across the period of 7-days (or less in some cases).

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Europe is really a nice place for vacations, I am also wondering about the next trip to such beautiful place.

I am grateful for the tips on how to save money on flights and accommodation. This is important to me, as I am on a budget.

I am excited to start planning my trip to Europe!

This is such a helpful and comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to visit Europe in a week. You have covered some of the most iconic and beautiful destinations in the continent and given some practical tips and suggestions for each day. I appreciate how you have balanced the time between sightseeing, relaxing and enjoying the local cuisine. You have also included some stunning photos that make me want to book a flight right now. Thank you for creating this amazing itinerary and sharing your experiences with us. You are a wonderful travel blogger! 🙌🙌🙌

I think it is a good idea to make the most of the big flight costs across the ocean by seeing multiple countries. We did England, Spain, Gibraltar the first time. Second time Switzerland, Italy, France.

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The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Europe

Are you craving an unforgettable 7-day trip to Europe that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure? Look no further than our carefully curated selection of 7-day guided tours that are perfect for a week-long getaway. We've analyzed these tours based on key criteria such as price, comfort, service, guest ratings, and activities in order to find the top 7-day tours in Europe for your next trip. Whether you're yearning for thrilling excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, or simply a chance to unwind, these week long tours offer the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself into the local culture and activites. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

• Best of Serbia in one week - SMALL GROUP 7 Days, $785.90
• Irish Escape 7 Days, $1199.00
• Imperial Escape 7 Days, $1299.00

Which 7-day tour options are available in Europe?

Here are the important factors:

• 339 trip options analyzed
• $258 average price per day (USD)
• 4.68 of 5 average rating
• 27 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of tours lasting 7 days? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.68 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 27 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. When it comes to physical activity , tour options are organized as easy, moderate, relaxing, serious, and heart-pumping, with a majority being easy tours. For transportation , you'll find tours classified as coach / bus, train & rail, self drive, and ocean cruise, with most of them being coach / bus. And for travel styles , you can choose between family and honeymoon, with most of them being family. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 339 tours lasting 7 days, you can rest assured that Europe has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best 7-Day Tours in Europe

Best of serbia in one week - small group.

• On Sale: 10% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours lasting 7 days.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Check out this incredible journey that has received a 4.8 out of 5 rating from previous guests. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. With a duration of 7 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 8 people, and is good for travelers aged 2 to 90 years old. This itinerary covers 9 captivating destinations, with stops in Zlatibor, Golubac, Lepenski Vir, and Sremski Karlovci, among others. Belgrade will be the beginning and end of your trip. This fantastic option, organized by Victor Tours DMC , presents an unbeatable value at just $102 per day.

• Sightseeing
• In-depth Cultural

Irish Escape

Spanning over 7 days, this journey has a maximum size of 46 individuals. Welcoming travelers aged 5 to 80 years old, it is organized by Globus , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 11 destinations, featuring Blarney, Waterford, Galway, and Cliffs of Moher. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Dublin. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. Available at an unbeatable price of only $171 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

• Coach / Bus

Imperial Escape

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey, visiting Hungary, Austria, and Czech Republic, that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 7 days, this jouney will have 46 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers aged 8 to 80 years old. This terrific trip also highights local culture and family-friendly activities. Expertly organized by Globus , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $186 per day.

7 Days Transylvania & Bucovina from Budapest to Bucharest

This memorable journey, visiting Hungary and Romania, is offered by Trip2ro which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $136 per day. Traverse through 16 enchanting destinations, with Sighisoara, Targu Mures, Bistrita, and Moldovita among the must-see stops along the route. Budapest marks the starting point, while Bucharest stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. The maximum group size is 7 people, welcoming travelers aged 14 to 75 years old.

Sicilian Escape (6 destinations)

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. You'll love the emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, too. With a duration of 7 days, this trip offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 46 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to travelers aged 5 to 80 years old. This trip visits 6 destinations, including Catania, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, and Syracuse along the way. Beginning in beautiful Palermo, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Taormina. Brought to you by Globus , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $200 per day.

Road to Paris (7 Days)

• On Sale: 30% Off See Prices

With this option you can experience an unparalleled voyage for 7 unforgettable days, visiting Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France, and England. It ensures an intimate group setting with 45 participants at most. Experience a trip that takes you to 6 remarkable destinations, including Ljubljana, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris. Split will mark the start of your journey, while London will serve as its final destination. Contiki , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests travelers aged 18 to 35 years old. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $182 per day. Act quickly to seize the current limited-time sale and reserve your spot now.

Glimpse of Europe (End Paris, 7 Days)

This fantastic journey has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, visiting Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and France. Explore 6 incredible locations on this trip, including Black Forest, Rhine Falls, Lucerne, and Cologne. Amsterdam marks the starting point, while Paris stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. And since the priority is on local culture and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. Lasting 7 days, the maximum group size is 52 people, and it's good for travelers aged 5 to 80 years old. Organized by Costsaver , this is a great deal because it's only $199 per day.

Italian Escape (5 destinations)

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary trip is the perfect choice. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Discover a journey that spans 5 destinations, with notable stops in Assisi, Florence, and Pisa. Beginning in beautiful Rome, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Venice. Spanning across 7 days, the trip accommodates 46 individuals, and is suitable for travelers aged 8 to 80 years old. Offered by Globus , this remarkable trip is priced at just $250 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Tbilisi and Batumi

This exceptional trip offering by Georgia Country Tours LLC has received a 4.5 out of 5 rating. On this 7-day voyage you can unwind while also making new memories. This trip takes you on an adventure to 6 destinations, including Uplistsikhe, Stepantsminda, Mtskheta, and Gori. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Tbilisi. With a group size of 18 people, it's suitable for travelers aged 3 to 90 years old. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $150 per day.

Athens to Tirana; Tour of Greece, Albania & N. Macedonia in 7 days

Check out this journey that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, visiting Greece, Albania, and Macedonia. With 9 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Gjirokastra, Berat, Saint Naum, and Ohrid, and more. Athens marks the starting point, while Tirana stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This terrific trip also highights local culture, wine tasting, and family-friendly activities. Spanning across 7 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 10 participants, and it's great for travelers aged 2 to 90 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Choose Balkans , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $187 per day - an unbeatable value.

• Wine tasting

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Europe , The Best Wildlife Tours to Europe , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Europe , The Best Historical Tours in Europe , The Best 10-Day Tours in Europe , The Best 3-Day Tours in Europe , The Best 2-Week Tours in Europe , The Best 3-Week Tours in Europe , The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Europe , The Best Extended Trip Tours in Europe, One Month or Longer , The Best River Cruises in Europe , The Best Bicycle Tours in Europe , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Europe , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Europe , The Best Christmas Market Tours in Europe , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Europe , The Best Adventure Tours to Europe , The Best Eco Tours in Europe , The Best Train & Rail Tours in Europe , The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Europe , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Europe , The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Europe , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Europe , The Best Cultural Tours in Europe , The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Europe , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Europe , The Best Music Tours in Europe , The Tours for Animal Lovers in Europe , The Best Photography Tours in Europe , The Best Camping Tours in Europe , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Europe , The Best Self Drive Tours in Europe , The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Europe , The Best Nightlife Tours in Europe , The Best Religious Tours in Europe , The Best Walking Tours in Europe , The Best Northern Lights Tours in Europe , The Best Honeymoon Tours in Europe , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Europe , The Best Luxury Tours to Europe , The Best Budget Tours to Europe , The Best Tours for Seniors to Europe , The Best Contiki Tours to Europe , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Europe for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

How much do 7-day tours to Europe cost?

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for tours lasting 7 days when planning a visit to Europe. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of tours lasting 7 days in Europe based on data from 339 options is an affordable $258 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Europe .

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

Last Updated: April 19, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Save this list of one week Europe itineraries for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

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

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

3 Country, 1 Week Europe Itineraries

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

1 Country, 1 Week Europe Itineraries 

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

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

The ‘Belgian Bliss’ 1 Week Belgium Itinerary

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Belgium:

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

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

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

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

The ‘Going Dutch’ 1 Week Netherlands Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘Swiss Rollin’ Round’ 1 Week Switzerland Itinerary

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Switzerland:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places Covered: Salzburg, Hallstatt, Vienna

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Austria:

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

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

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

Places Covered: Graz and South Styria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Bavaria:

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

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

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

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

The ‘Doing Deutsch’ 1 Week Germany Itinerary 

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week exploring Germany:

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

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

The ‘Castle Crawl’ 1 Week Germany Itinerary 

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

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

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

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

The ‘Cozy Cotswolds’ 1 Week England Itinerary 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places Covered: Barcelona, Girona, Montserrat, Tarragona

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Catalonia:

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

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

The ‘Bulgari-YEAH!’ 1 Week Bulgaria Itinerary

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Bulgaria:

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

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

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

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

The ‘Croatian Classic’ 1 Week Southern Croatia Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The “Emerald Isle Be Back” 1 Week Ireland Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘Icelandic Dream’ 1 Week Iceland Itinerary 

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Iceland:

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

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

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

• The Best Places to Visit in Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Alsace:

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

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

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

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

The ’Slovenian S’Lovin’ 1 Week Slovenia Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘Mullin’ Round Malta’ 1 Week Malta Itinerary

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Malta: 

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

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

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

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

The ‘Portu-please’ 1 Week Portugal Itinerary

Places Covered: Lisbon, Porto, Sintra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘Dolo-Mighty’ 1 Week Northern Italy Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘Great Ligurian Love’ 1 Week Italy Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Here is how to spend one week in Liguria:

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

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

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

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

The ‘Itali-in Love’ 1 Week Italy Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘Coast and Culture’ 1 Week Italy Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Places Covered: Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Ronda

Southern Spain is magic on Earth – truly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘Perfectly Parisian’ 1 Week Paris Region Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places Covered: Prague, Cesky Krumlov

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

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Czechia:

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

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

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

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

The ‘Perfect Potterhead’ 1 Week UK Itinerary

Places Covered: London, Oxford, Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘GoT Fanatic’ 1 Week Northern Ireland Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places Covered: Vilnius, Trakai, Kaunas, Siauliai

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

Here’s how to spend a week in Lithuania:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Country, 1 Week Europe Itineraries 

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

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

Places Visited: Nice, Cannes, Menton, Monaco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘1 Week Skopje & Pristina Itinerary

Places Visited: Skopje, Matka Canyon, Pristina, Prizren

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places visited: Riga, Rundale Palace, Vilnius, Trakai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places Visited: Dubrovnik, Mostar, Kotor

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

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

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

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

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

Places Covered: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest

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

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

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

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

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

Places Visited: Amsterdam, Brussels & Amsterdam

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

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

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

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

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

Places Covered: Zurich, Vaduz, Munich

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

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

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

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

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

Places Covered: Vienna, Paris, around the Southern Peloponnese

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

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

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

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

I hope these 1 week itineraries for Europe were helpful!

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

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

1 thought on “40+ One Week Itineraries for Europe You’ll Want to Steal ASAP”

These plan are helpful. I wish I have that many “weeks” to spend on traveling, lol.

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Highlights of Classical Greece

• Visit Athens, the capital of Greece
• See iconic landmark in Athens
• Visit Archaeological site of Mycena
• See the charming town of Nafplion
• See iconic site in Olympia
• Explore Delphi, naval of the world
• See the rock formation in Meteora

Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief

• Enjoy all the adventures
• Kayak surrounded by icebergs
• Hike the arctic tundra
• Look for arctic wildlife

European Canal Cruises

• Visit Chateaus
• Experience locally-produced wine
• Visit Leonardo Da Vinci's home

European Classic Cruise - Scotland

• Visit Glencoe
• Cruise Scotland's Lochs
• Tour Cawdor Castle
• Visit Eilean Donan Castle

European Classic Cruise - Ireland

• Excursion to Portumna and Galway
• Explore haunted Leap Castle
• Tour Birr Castle’s Gardens
• Visit the oldest whiskey distillery

Get Away From It All: An Emotional Journey from Saone-et-Loire to the Cote d'Or

• Discover Santenay
• Enjoy Chalon-sur-Saône wines
• Explore Petit-Ouges
• Visit Burgundy vineyards

Classic Voyage North

• Cruise through Geirangerfjord
• Cross the Arctic Circle
• Explore small fishing villages
• Meet a local Sami family

Southern Burgundy Cruise

• Visit Clos de Vougeot
• Private wine tastings & Tours
• Tour Dijon and its markets
• Explore Château de Bussy-Rabutin
• Visit to Beaune
• Lunch at Château de Beaune
• Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
• Hot air ballooning
• Towpath for walking and cycling

Classic England Cruise

• Taste the English Cream Tea
• Explore Hampton Court Palace
• Experience British Royalty
• Tour of Cawdor Castle
• Visit to Culloden Moor

Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi

• Tour the medieval city Carcassonne
• Wine tasting at a local château
• Visit Pezenas
• Pass through the Fonserannes locks
• Visit Narbonne
• Cross the Orb canal bridge
• Walking and cycling

European Classic Cruise - Gascony, France

• Cruise Pont Canal du Cacor
• Visit to Château de Goudourville
• Tour the castle of Nerac
• Taste the wines of the region

European Classic Cruise - Bordeaux

• Tour Saint Emilion
• Visit Château de Duras
• Visit the Bastide village
• Taste the local wines of Bordeaux
• Cruise across the Agen aqueduct

4 Rivers: The Moselle, Sarre, Romantic Rhine, and Neckar Valleys

• Discover Roman heritage in Trier
• Enjoy wine tasting in Remich
• See the charming villages
• Explore the old city of Luxembourg

Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

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• Explore Smeerenburg
• Tour of the historic city of Dijon
• Visit Château de Germolles
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• Eat lunch at a Michelin restaurant
• Tour of ancient Autun
• Walk and bike to explore

European Classic Cruise - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

• Visit Château de la Bussière
• Cruise the aqueduct at River Loire
• Enjoy wine tasting

Classic Cruise – Germany & Luxembourg

• Visit the 'Queen of German Castles'
• Tour Germany’s oldest town
• Finish the cruise in Luxembourg
• Enjoy superb European wines

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5 of the Best 7 Day Europe Itinerary Ideas to Visit 3 Amazing European Countries in One Week

• May 14, 2021

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European destinations have so much to offer that they keep their visitors on their toes! While it is true that all countries in the region share some characteristics, it is also true that each has its unique defining elements. Although a week in Europe may not seem enough to do justice to its offerings, it is enough to gauge an understanding of its countries’ potentials. Embarking on multi-country itineraries is one fantastic way to do that. If you are looking for some inspiration, we have compiled the top five most diverse 7 Day Europe itinerary ideas for you. Have fun!

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1. London – Brussels – Paris

Your exciting multi-country European vacation begins in London, the heart of the UK, and one of the best destinations in Europe. The city can cater to a variety of traveler needs, from architecture to romance to art to history. Whichever category you may pick, you will find the city to offer you immense entertainment. While you are here, you would want to spend time exploring its vast collection of museums like The British Museum . Sites like St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben also appeal to visitors.

Get a train from London to Brussels, the second destination on your 7-day Europe itinerary. You will be amazed at its lavish and exquisite collection of architectural landmarks, many of which are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sites like the Grand Place , Old England Building , and Notre Dame Du Sablon will strike chords in your heart and make you fall in love with the city. Since Brussels is also known for its gastronomic pleasures, be sure to indulge in them while you have the chance! A favorite among many is Brussels Meatballs . Be sure to try them out.

The last step in your multi-country European vacation is the city of love, Paris. Again, depending on your preferences, you can tweak your stay here to suit your requirements. For example, if you wish to visit famous monuments, then destinations like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral will quench your desires. If you are after art history, then there is no better place than the Louvre . In short, there are countless opportunities for you to make beautiful memories, and you should grab onto them!

Travel Guide & Resources for This 7-day Europe Itinerary:

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in London , Brussels , and Paris to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in London , Brussels , and Paris in addition to what is already mentioned here.

2. Paris – Zurich – Munich

It is no easy job to explore all the offerings of Europe in 7 days. However, following this 7-day Europe itinerary can give you a fair sense of the European experience. Starting from Paris , the star child of France, you should spend time ticking experiences off your bucket list. Join a food walking tour and learn about the city’s culinary culture or hop from museum to museum, exploring the city’s history. And when the sun sets, it is time for you to put your most extravagant dresses on and check into bars and pubs.

The next stop in your multi-country European vacation is Zurich , the largest Swiss city and a destination that glimmers and glammers, enticing people to visit it. It has countless experiences awaiting you, including visits to its breathtaking Lake Zurich , a tour of the phenomenal Museum of Art , and a walk through the Zurich Zoo . You will find yourself immensely drawn to the city and feel compelled to stay here forever!

Regardless of your desire to make Zurich your permanent abode, you must press onto your journey and make way to Munich , the quintessential German city. Home to some of the world’s best Baroque churches, museums of the highest standards, and otherworldly culinary experiences, the city introduce you to everything Europe is famous for. Although you would need several weeks to explore the city fully, you can still manage to crunch a lot in the little time you have. Plan visits to Neues Rathaus, Marienplatz , and Deutsches Museum to witness the side Munich is loved for.

Travel Guide & Resources for This 7 day Europe Itinerary:

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can browse our list of the  best hotels in Paris , Zurich , and Munich  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Paris , Zurich , and Munich   in addition to what already mentioned here.

3. Wroclaw – Prague – Vienna

Wroclaw is the perfect destination for you if you wish to escape the crowds but not the classic European traits. This Polish city is one of the most peaceful and highly traditional destinations in Europe, given that external influences have not infiltrated it. Therefore, it is an ideal place for authentic experiences. But that is not all. Wroclaw is chock-full of exciting activities that will keep you on your toes throughout. Some of the top-rated things you can do here are visiting the Cathedral of St John the Baptist , exploring the Market Square , and witnessing art in the Museum of Bourgeois Art .

From Wroclaw, you will continue your journey to the most iconic town in the Czech Republic – Prague . Characterized by narrow, cobblestone labyrinths of streets, a lively café culture, and lovely locals, it is a destination that will wow you. Put on your most comfortable pair of shoes, ditch your map, and lose yourself in the streets, exploring everything on foot. Trust us – you will love the experience! You are likely to stumble upon famous sites like the Infant Jesus of Prague , the Old Town Square , and the Astronomical Clock . Be sure to pause and marvel at the before pressing forward!

The last stop in your 7-day Europe itinerary is Vienna , a lovely city that deserves appreciation and admiration. It is marked by a unique mixture of imperial traditions, remarkable modern and historic architecture, and finger-licking-good cuisine. While you must visit its top attractions like the Imperial Palace , you should also spare time to indulge in gastronomical pleasures. Devour delicacies like Sachertorte and the Wiener Schnitzel , and let your mouth have a little party too!

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in Wroclaw , Prague , and Vienna  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Wroclaw , Prague , and Vienna in addition to what is already mentioned here.

4. Lisbon – Madrid – Bordeaux

If one sits down to list all the things Lisbon is famous for, one will need an outstanding amount of time – there is so much to love! Thanks to its colonialist history, stunning architecture, a commendable tradition of Fado music, lovely weather conditions throughout the year, super-friendly locals, and spectacular hilltop vistas, the experiences possible here are endless. Some of the best things to see in the city include Lisbon Cathedral , the National Pantheon of Lisbon , and Belem Tower . Make sure that you catch them!

Hop onto a train and travel from Lisbon to Madrid , the star child of Spain. Madrid is perfect for people who want to experience an authentic exposure to the Spanish ways of life, especially things that relate to history, art , food , nightlife, and fashion. Thanks to many art galleries and shopping centers littered around the city, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to indulge in quintessentially Spanish activities.

Your Europe in 7 days journey ends in Bordeaux , the city of wine, vineyards, food, and castles. Touring the town provides you the perfect chance to complete your vacation in style and a way that you would remember till your dying days. If you are a wine enthusiast, you should know that visiting La Cite du Vin is a must for you. This premier wine museum provides you with a remarkable interactive wine experience that involves all your senses to give you a sense of fulfillment. Other than this, visiting museums, ancient crypts from the Gallo-Roman period, and Saint-Seurin Basilica are other exciting things you should consider doing while you are here.

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in Lisbon , Madrid , and Bordeaux  to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Lisbon , Madrid , and Bordeaux in addition to what already mentioned here.

5. Milan – Bern – Lyon

If you are into art, architecture, and fashion and are wondering which destination to pick that could satiate both of your desires, the obvious answer is Milan . The heart of Italy’s art and fashion culture, Milan offers you fantastic opportunities to indulge in exquisite experiences pertaining to both. You can go on a wild shopping spree, pampering yourself, buying some of the most fashion-forward clothing items. When you feel like art and architectural desires are calling you, you should go see marvels like The Last Supper , Duomo , and Navigli District.

After spending some high-quality days in Florence, you should head to Bern . Bern is typically perceived as a city of fountains, both historic and modern. And this perception is totally warranted – countless breathtaking fountains symbolize the ingenious of their architects, especially the ones in the city’s historic center. However, Bern is so much more than just fountains. Make visits to the Cathedral of Bern, Zytglogge, and Zentrum Paul Klee to explore a side of the city not generally shown and fall in love with it!

Lyon forms the last stop in your Europe in 7 days itinerary, and it is one classic way to put a cap to your days of exhilarating traveling. Lyon is a gorgeous, gorgeous city with unmatchable gastronomical opportunities, jaw-dropping architecture, and exquisite history. While every activity in the town is worth trying, you should not miss its Vieux Lyon district – a mysterious and tucked away area marked by hidden passages and shrouded with secrets. You will be fascinated by its tours!

Enjoy this one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to Europe. Also, here you can also browse our list of the  best hotels in Milan , Bern , and Lyon to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your one-week or 7-day Europe Itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Milan , Bern , and Lyon in addition to what is already mentioned here.

Video Guide: 3 European Countries in One Week

Related Posts

Travel resources for planning a multi-country trip to Europe

To make planning a one-week trip to Europe easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip to Europe.

Agoda : Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.

CheapOAir : You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!

Kiwi.com : What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “ Nomad ” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.

JetRadar : You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.

Agoda : Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.

Hotellook : They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.

Transportations:  

Airport Transfers :  KiwiTaxi ,  Viator

Train :  EuRail ,  Trainline  or  RailEurope  

Bus :  Flixbus : Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.

Car Rentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking  (Bikes & scooter rentals) 

Transportation Comparison :  Omio  (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)

Tours & Activities :

TakeWalks  (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.

Tiqets : Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.

Musement : They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.

GetYourGuide : A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities

Viator : The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.

Need help planning a 7-day trip to Europe ?

Want to plan a week trip to Europe but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to Europe when you only have one week are our specialties.  Contact us  today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can  personalize your multi-city vacations   at the best price.

Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our  marketplace  for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing destinations.

To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “ How It Works ” page or check out our video on  “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in  5 Easy Steps”   here.

Have questions for us?  Schedule a FREE Call  with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at  [email protected] , call/text us at  (888)223-2316  today.

Private Travel Coaching & Consulting Call

Want to plan and book your upcoming trip yourself? If this is your first time traveling to any of the European destinations or you are new to multi-city, multi-country travel but prefer to manage every part of your trip on your own, this option is for you! 

For just  $150 per hour , our destination expert can answer any questions you might have as you plan and book your dream trip. From assisting with route planning, and destination selection, recommending the best areas or places to stay, the best transportation options, things to do and see, saving tips and so much more! 

Ready to plan your trip with our help? Book your private coaching session with our destination expert now and we’ll confirm your appointment within 24 hours!

More Travel Inspiration & Guides

7 of the Most Amazing Day Trips from Brussels

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Slovenia

7 of the Best Spanish Islands You Will Love

2 Days in Barcelona Itinerary & The Best Way to Explore The City You Love

9 Incredible Hidden Gems in Iceland You’ll Love

7 of the Most Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam

10 of The Best Things to Do in Normandy You Will Love

7 of the Best Day Trips from Milan by Train You’ll Love

Travel resources for planning your own trip.

To make planning your European trip on your own easier, in addition to what already mentioned in our travel guide, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in any destination using these travel resources:

European River Cruises:

Uniworld River Cruises : The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia, and Peru. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

Pre- and Post-cruise/Tour Extensions:  Uniworld curated pre-and post-cruise/tour extensions make it easy to add a few days to the front or back end of your trip while leaving the planning to them

The packages include a variety of hotel options, transfers, and a dedicated destination expert to escort you along the way.

Airport Transfers & Transportations:  

Airport Transfers: GetTransfer offers both airport transfers & car rentals with a personal driver. Other airport transfer options are KiwiTaxi and Viator.

Train :  EuroRail ,  Trainline ,  or  RailEurope are all great sites for train tickets as well as Rail Passes if you would like to add more flexibility to your trip. They are good for most trains throughout Europe. For trains in Italy, we like and recommend ItaliaRail . As for Portugal, you will need to go to the official website for Comboios de Portugal (the Portuguese train company) to book your train tickets when traveling in Portugal.

CarRentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking is a great site for bikes & scooter rentals

Travel Insurance:

Travel Guard :  Their comprehensive travel insurance programs, starting at $30, include per-trip & annual plans, coverage for trip cancellation , trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, baggage loss & more! Travel Guard provides 24/7-customer service with a personal touch through its World Service Center.

DISCLAIMER : Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Trip by Travel Experts

Need help planning a trip and find the best vacation package for your multi-city trip to Europe? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-city, multi-country European vacations, and complicated itineraries are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize an amazing multi-city trip to your dream destinations in Europe.

Ready for a trip? Check out our planning options and get in touch with us today!

Featured Pre-Designed Packages

These air-inclusive, pre-designed multi-city European vacation packages can be personalized to suit your needs!

9 Nights/ 10 Days Signature Escape to Prague, Vienna and Budapest

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Amsterdam and Brussels

6 Nights/7 Days Signature Escape to Paris and Rome

8 Nights/ 9 Days Signature Escape to Berlin, Dresden (Day Trip), and Prague

Schedule a FREE Consultation

Not sure or can’t decide which planning option is right for you? Schedule a free 30-minute call with one of our travel experts to discuss your travel needs today!

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Share this article, stay updated, 7 days in europe.

Are you putting off a trip to Europe because you have limited vacation time to tour and explore? Cue the 7-day Europe cruise where you can enjoy the best of Europe with many different itineraries to choose from. There’s nothing like seeing European castles, or basking on the sun-kissed beaches of the Mediterranean . Here are some of the things you can do in Europe in just 7 days:

Embark on Dreamy Cruise Itineraries

From the sandy shores of the Mediterranean to the storybook inspirations of the British Isles, there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to dreamy Europe cruise destinations. Sail along the fjords of Norway on a 7-Day Viking Sagas cruise, or experience the magic of Northern Europe on the 7-Day Islands of Iceland & Scotland cruise. If the Mediterranean is calling your name, savor the flavors of Italian and Spanish cuisine in romantic cities on the 7-Day Western Mediterranean Medley: Mallorca cruise. And if you love getting lost in Greek mythology and charming towns, explore the wonders of Athens and the beauty of Amalfi on the 7-Day Adriatic Gems cruise.

Experience the magic of the Mediterranean in Malta.

Visit unesco-world heritage sites.

Don’t just take in breathtaking sights – experience them by going deeper into destinations and immersing yourself in the culture. Explore more than 100 World Heritage sites across all of our Europe itineraries – sites that represent the best of human heritage and the natural world. Take a guided tour in ancient cities, like Athens, to learn about its history and influence on civilizations around the globe. Enjoy the Works of Antoni Gaudí in  Barcelona and surrounding areas, which are known for being brilliant contributions to architecture in the 19 th  and 20 th  centuries. If you’re a Shakespeare fan exploring  Copenhagen , you’ll want to check out Kronborg Castle. Serving as the setting for Shakespeare’s  Hamlet , Kronborg Castle takes you back to the Renaissance.

Explore Art Museums Rich in History

A museum visit is well worth the trip in Europe. In  Amsterdam , stop by the Rijksmuseum to marvel at masterpieces from Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer. In  Athens , tour an excavation site with archaeologists at the Acropolis Museum. When in  Rome , visit Vatican City to view the Vatican Museums, founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. You’ll discover nearly 20,000 works of art on display, from Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. If you stop in  Oslo , check out the Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology where you can enjoy more than 100 interactive activities and 25 exhibitions that highlight technology, science and transportation.

Enjoy the sights of majestic castles throughout Europe, including Kronborg Castle in Denmark.

Recharge on spectacular sea & spa days.

When you’re not ashore you can soak up the many splendors of our perfectly sized ships. From world-class entertainment to award-winning dining and service, you can enjoy both timeless elegance and exciting experiences. Start off your day with Tai Chi. Relax poolside with a book. Get pampered at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon ®. Enjoy a game of  pickleball . Catch a show on the World Stage. Groove to the beat in one of our onboard music clubs. Relish delicious delights through both fine and casual  dining . How you spend your days on board can be as unique as you.

Relax in soothing water at the spa.

How would you like to spend 7 days in Europe? Share in the comments below and then connect with a  Personal Cruise Consultant  to begin planning your next adventure.

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Itinerary Frog

Travel With a Plan

10 Inspiring Europe Itinerary & Trip Ideas

Immerse Yourself in the Culture and History of Europe in one of these Amazing Itineraries

There’s something special about planning a trip to Europe. ​Great food, stunning architecture, fabulous culture, and amazing memories await you. To help you plan your trip to Europe, we’ve put together 10 amazing Europe itinerary options for you to consider. These Europe trip ideas are meant to serve as a jumping-off point for your next European getaway, and leave room for you to fill in some of the details to tailor each Europe itinerary to suit you. Have a look at these 10 trip ideas and you’re sure to leave here inspired to visit Europe. I’ve included five 10-day Europe itineraries, and five 7-day Europe itineraries.

Europe Itinerary Navigation Menu

7 Day Europe Itineraries

These one week adventures will take you to some of the most famous sites and cities in Europe to experience the food, culture, art, architecture, and nightlife of the world’s most exciting continent.

• 7 Days in Europe – Paris, Burgundy, The Alps, Amsterdam, and Bruges
• One Week in Europe – Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria
• 7 Days in the UK – London, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bath, and Stonehenge
• One Week Trip Across Europe – From London to Rome
• 7 Day Tour of Europe – The Life of Caesar

10 Day Europe Itineraries

Spend a full ten days touring Europe and you’ll be able to see more countries and truly immerse yourself in the culture and history of each historic city and attraction you visit.

• 10 Day Trip Across Europe – The Everything Europe Tour
• 10 Days in Europe – Live in the UK and on the Emerald Isle
• Europe in 10 Days – From Rome to London
• 10 Day Discover Europe Itinerary – Venice, Munich, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, London
• 10 Day Trip to Europe – The Imperialist Trip

Hotel Booking Sites I Use & Recommend

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7 Days in Europe

Paris, burgundy, the alps, amsterdam & bruges, trip overview.

• Day 1: Arrive in Paris, see the french capital. Tour the Eiffel Tower.
• Day 2: Visit a Parisian cafe, and your choice of Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, or the Louvre.
• Day 3: Take a bus or train to Burgundy. Once there, sample some of the best wines in the world.
• Day 4: Enjoy a train ride through the Swiss Alps! Finish the day indulging in Swiss Chocolate.
• Day 5: Head to the Rhine Valley and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime riverboat experience (while sampling local wine). This is a truly beautiful region, so expect to fall in love.
• Day 6: Take the train to Amsterdam to discover how cheese is made. Take a ride through Amsterdam’s canals while enjoying dinner.
• Day 7: Finish out your whirlwind tour of Europe in Bruges with beer, waffles, and chocolate.

What You’ll Enjoy Most About This Trip

If you’ve ever wanted the “Grand Overview” of Europe, this is the trip for you. You’ll see a plethora of cities, monuments, and mountains all while enjoying some of the finest delicacies in the world with beers, wines, cheeses, and chocolates.

This itinerary will send you to London, Paris, Burgundy, the Swiss Alps, Rhine Valley, Amsterdam, and Bruges. But don’t worry, you’ll have more than enough time to take pictures, eat until your full, and even take a few cruises too!

Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria

• Day 1: Ride the train to Split, Croatia. Once there, explore the ruins of the largest city on the Adriatic coast.
• Day 2: Visit Diocletian’s Palace and soak up the sun at Bacvice Beach.
• Day 3: Ride the train to Karlovac. Once you arrive, get outdoors and enjoy the scenery of the Kazjaca Woods.
• Day 4: Enjoy a relaxing canoe ride on the stunning Mreznica River. It’s important to break up a trip to Europe by doing some fun things outside of the cities.
• Day 5: Ride the train to Lake Bled (one of our favorite places). Visit Bled Island and the Churge of Assumption.
• Day 6: Ride the train to Vienna, Austria. Visit Belvedere Garden Palace and Old Town Vienna.
• Day 7: Visit the Museum’s Quartier and take in a show at the Vienna State Opera.

It’s time to see what “old” Europe was about. This 7-day tour of Europe will send you to Split and Karlovac (Croatia), Lake Bled (Slovenia), and Vienna (Austria) for a look at what Europe was before the 21st century.

Explore the ruins of some of the most famous cities in Europe and enjoy the matchless scenery of Croatia and Lake Bled, including a visit to an island in the middle of the Lake. You’ll be able to see one of the most famous churches when you stop by the Church of Assumption and see architecture that has withstood the test of time.

And finally, you can’t miss out on a visit to the Belvedere Garden Palace or Old Town. Don’t forget your camera because the artistry, the architecture, and the memories you’ll make in Vienna will be hard to replicate anywhere else.

7 Days in the UK

London, edinburgh, liverpool, bath & stonehenge.

• Day 1: Depart London with a stop in Cambridge on the way to York where you’ll finish the day in a local pub.
• Day 2: Drive to Hadrian’s wall and visit Jedburgh and Abbey Ruins. Drive through Scotland to Edinburgh.
• Day 3: Edinburgh on your terms! See the city, castle, visit art galleries, ride a bike, or stroll the cobblestone streets.
• Day 4: Drive to Loch Ness to snap a photo of the elusive monster. Explore the Scottish Highlands by car, and sip whiskey and wine at Fort William.
• Day 5: Cross back across the border to Liverpool and enjoy lunch at the Lake District. Walk the city until dinner, and enjoy the pubs and nightlife of Liverpool before returning to your hotel.
• Day 6: Take a tour bus ride through Liverpool and then head to Stratford-Upon-Avon where you’re free to tour the village and discover where William Shakespeare once lived!
• Day 7: Head to Bath, then Stonehenge, on the way back to London for your return flight from Heathrow Airport.

Whew! Somehow we managed to pack in TWELVE different cities and locations into ONE all-inclusive trip. If you’ve ever wanted to see Great Britain in all of its splendor, this is the week-long itinerary for you.

Words can’t even begin to describe the atmosphere of Great Britain. However, when you leave, you’ll be left speechless by all the famous sites and historic cities you enjoyed during your week in the UK. From the local history and unique cultural flavor of each great city, to the amazing rugged landscapes you’ll pass through on your tour, you’ll definitely be left with an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.

7 Day Trip Across Europe

London to rome.

• Day 1: Arrive in London and spend the day touring a few of the city’s most memorable attractions before taking the train to Paris after dinner.
• Day 2: Spend a full day in the City of Lights. Enjoy lunch in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Hop a Seine river cruise in the afternoon, and splurge on an upscale dinner out in this romantic city.
• Day 3: Board your train to Interlaken. Enjoy stunning views of France as it rolls into the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the sight of alpine peaks and wildflower meadows on your journey to Interlaken, where you can enjoy a casual dinner and rest for the busy days ahead.
• Day 4: Explore the city of Interlaken. Consider white water rafting, and a visit to the glaciers for a change of pace, and end the day with a refreshing local brew.
• Day 5: It’s time to enjoy all that this lakeside village has in store. Take a swim in the crystal-clear waters, pack a picnic lunch and go for a hike, and end with an evening of fine food and wine at a local pub in Interlaken.
• Day 6: Rise early and board a train to Rome, Italy. You’ll enjoy a day of stunning views as you head south through the mountains of Northern Italy. When you arrive in Rome, don’t delay! Visit the Colosseum, the Vatican, or the Pantheon on your first day in Rome. Finish with a fine Italian meal and a bottle (or two) of Chianti.
• Day 7: Spend the day however you wish, exploring Rome. If you choose to, you can extend your trip for a few more days (there’s so much to see and do here), but if you do depart on Day 7, take our advice and book a late flight from Fiumicino Airport so you have a full day to explore the historic city of Rome before you return home.

While not nearly as expansive as some of our other European trip itineraries on this page, that’s what I like most about this adventure. It leaves room for you to personalize the journey. You can slow down and enjoy each unique stop along the way while traveling across Europe from England to Italy in 7 days.

This trip from London to Rome manages to send you to four MAJOR locations (London, Paris, Interlaken, and Rome), which are (in our view) some of the most romantic cities in all of Europe.

If you’re looking for an experience and want the freedom and flexibility to pick and choose your favorite activities in each destination along the trip’s route, this is the Europe itinerary for you. Don’t just see Europe – experience Europe.

7 Day Tour of Europe

The life of caesar tour.

• Day 1: Start your adventure in Rome, as Caesar did. Visit the oldest open-air museum in the world, basque in the sun on the Spanish Steps, and marvel at the glory of the Colosseum.
• Day 2: Enjoy a trip to the Vatican, shop the Via Condotti, and finish your sightseeing on Capitoline Hill with some breathtaking views of the city.
• Day 3: Take a train to Florence where you’ll indulge in Gelato and fine Italian coffee. There’s so much to see and do in Florence, and be sure to try some local wines when you treat yourself to a meal in the city.
• Day 4: Hop a train to Lucerne, Switzerland. Leave early, so you have time to visit the Lion Monument, and the Glacier Gardens before a nightcap in this beautiful Alpine oasis.
• Day 5: After breakfast in Lucerne, board a train for Paris, France. This is a beautiful ride through the heart of Europe … you’re sure to enjoy every minute of it! When you arrive in Paris, visit the Eiffel Tower before dinner out in the City of Lights.
• Day 6: Enjoy a slow day in Paris, taking in the attractions you’ve always wanted to see. Consider doing something unconventional too, like a bike ride through the city, or a Seine river cruise. You have a full day to enjoy yourself in Paris, France. Make it your own!
• Day 7: The final day of your trip will be spent in London. It’s up to you if you’d like to leave Paris first thing in the morning, or take a red-eye to close Day 6 of your itinerary so you can tour London right after breakfast. You’ll have a full day to take a bus tour of the city, or visit the monuments you’re most excited about. Feel free to extend your trip a few days if your budget allows. There’s plenty of fun things to do in this lovely city.

Why You’ll Love This Trip

We’ve all studied the life of Julius Caesar, but not many can say they’ve walked where he walked. On this trip, that’s exactly what you’ll do.

You can visit the same places he would have visited when he was alive. Your trip will take you north across Europe, mirroring Caesar’s expanding empire. For all you history buffs, this will be a time of indulgence. You’ll experience the culture, the architecture, and the atmosphere of a continent that hasn’t forgotten its roots.

Try to enjoy some Caesar-themed history and tourist attractions throughout your journey from Rome to London. It is sure to enrich this Roman Empire inspired Europe itinerary.

10 Day Trip Across Europe

The “everything europe” tour.

• Day 1: Start this European itinerary when you arrive in London, England. Spend the day in London and when you’re ready, cross the English Channel for dinner and an evening stroll in Paris, France.​
• Day 2: See the sights in Paris including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a budget-friendly light lunch at the first cafe that strikes your fancy, and take in a show or paint the town red by enjoying Parisian nightlife.
• Day 3: Depart the city of lights after breakfast in a Parisian cafe. Hop a train to Burgundy where you’ll enjoy local wines with lunch before a bus ride into the Swiss Alps, ending the day in Geneva, Switzerland for dinner (and a dessert with fresh Chocolate).
• Day 4: The hills are alive! Enjoy a steamboat ride across crystalline waters of Lake Geneva, and breathe the fresh mountain air with views of the Swiss Alps. This is a day where you’re free to take an outing into the Alps and enjoy the slower pace of alpine Europe.
• Day 5: Depart Geneva early and take the train to Pisa, Italy! Take some photos in front of the Leaning Tower, and head to Tuscany for lunch. You can rent a car and drive from Pisa through Tuscany to Florence where you’ll get a room for the night.
• Day 6: Rise early to explore the art, culture and cuisine of Florence! If you time it right you can take your car to nearby Venice where you’ll drop it off and explore the city on foot and/or by boat (there’s no driving in the city). Spend the night in romantic Venice in a room overlooking the canals.
• Day 7: Take a train or drive a car north to Innsbruck, Austria where you’ll start your tour of Bavaria (Innsbruck to Munich). Even if you spend most of your day traveling, this is truly beautiful country to drive through and you’re certain to discover a new favorite restaurant, shop, or fairy-tale castle along the way.
• Day 8: Take the train or drive to the Rhine Valley for a riverboat guided tour. Finish the night with a few glasses of local wine from a restaurant overlooking the Rhine.
• Day 9: North to Amsterdam! Walk or bike the city during the day and enjoy an evening dinner cruise. These are fun because you’ll see Amsterdam’s famous nightlife from a boat slipping through the city’s canals.
• Day 10: Wake early and head to Bruges, Belgium for a breakfast of chocolate waffles. Work off breakfast by walking this charming city. When you’re ready, take a train to Paris or London to catch your flight home.

Don’t miss anything with this 10-day excursion through Europe. Most trips leave something out, but that’s not going to happen this time. When you leave here, you’ll have photos, memories, and experiences that most everyone else only wishes for. If you want to see ALL of Europe, then you cannot skip out on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

10 Days in Europe

Life in the uk and on the emerald isle.

• Day 1: ​Arrive in London and check in to your hotel. Once that’s done, spend the balance of your day getting to know the city. Take a double-deck bus tour of the city. Visit Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, and get a good night’s sleep to avoid jet lag.
• Day 2: Enjoy breakfast in London before hopping a tour bus to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Learn about Shakespeare’s life and grab a few literary souvenirs before taking a walking tour of York. Head to Bradford where you’ll spend the night and enjoy dinner in a classic English pub.
• Day 3: Rise early and travel to the Lake District to visit the largest lake in England. Jump over to Gretna Green, home of the Anvil, and then rent a car or take a train to Glasgow. In Glasgow you will check out George Square and River Clyde. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Day 4: From Glasgow to Edinburgh (take a train or hire a car)! Stroll through the city and check out the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the stunning Scottish Parliament building. Take a bus to get a sense of the city, or book a local tour of some of the most interesting attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Day 5: Return to Glasgow to catch the morning ferry to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Once you arrive visit City Hall and the Queen’s University. History buffs can also make a trip to the harbor where the Titanic was built or tour Belfast Castle. As evening approaches, hire a car or hop a train to Dublin – it’s less than 2 hours away.
• Day 6: Spend the day exploring some of the most famous landmarks in historic Dublin, Ireland. Visit Dublin Castle, the Georgian Squares, and have a pint at the Guinness storehouse. Leave time for a picnic lunch on the green at Trinity College and finish your busy day at an Irish Pub (ask a local for recommendations).
• Day 7: On day seven of your trip hire a car in Dublin and drive to Kilkenny. Visit a castle and enjoy lunch here before driving to Waterford for a tour of the Waterford Crystal facilities. Spend the evening at a B&B in Waterford to rest up for the next few days.
• Day 8: Depart Waterford early to catch the nearest ferry to Cardiff, Wales. Here you’ll spend the afternoon on a tour of stunning Cardiff Castle before enjoying a nightcap (or two).
• Day 9: Take the train across the harbor to Bath (it’s about a 2 hour trip), where you’ll enjoy some stunning architecture (left by the Romans when they occupied this part of England during the days of the Roman Empire). From Bath it’s another few hours by train to Windsor. There you can enjoy a tour of Windsor Palace before returning to London to stay the night at an upscale hotel.
• Day 10: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and late check-out in London before making your way to Heathrow for your flight home. If time allows and it’s a nice day, book a late flight and hire a driver to take you to a few historic landmarks around the city with your luggage packed and ready for your evening flight.

Why You’ll Love This Trip Across the UK and Ireland

Take a step back in time with this trip through Britain and Ireland. Visit some of the most iconic cities in Europe while you see some of the most breathtaking scenic views in all of the world. You’ll be going to a lot of places, so bring plenty of memory cards, camera film, batteries, and an explorer’s heart.

10 Day Tour of Europe

From rome to london.

• Day 1: Arrive in Rome and check into your hotel. After dropping your luggage in the room, jump on a guided tour of the city for a taste of the unique history Rome is renowned for.​
• Day 2: Take the day to explore Rome’s most famous landmarks. Visit the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. If you have time, visit The Vatican. A busy day, but you’ll be energized by this iconic city (and the great Italian food you’ll eat!).
• Day 3: Rise early and take the train to Siena where you’ll enjoy a more relaxed pace. Enjoy a slow lunch before making the trip to Venice where you’ll check in to your hotel and then enjoy a memorable dinner overlooking the world-famous canals.
• Day 4: Enjoy Venice at your own pace! Relax aboard a gondola ride, visit St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs. Venice is a beautiful city and you’re free to enjoy a full day there wandering this one-of-a-kind romantic gem.
• Day 5: Take the train to the Swiss Alps! You’ll travel through stunning mountains in Northern Italy and Southern France on the way. This is a one-of-a-kind ride, so have your camera ready! Where you choose to stay in the Alps is up to you, leaving room for you to put your own twist on this fabulous 10-day itinerary. Lucerne, Zurich, and Geneva are all fantastic choices.
• Day 6: Explore the alpine city of your choice and immerse yourself in the fresh air of the alps. This is a great day to take a hike and picnic, or enjoy a steamboat cruise of a nearby lake to get some fresh air and recharge during your 10-day trip.
• Day 7: From Switzerland it’s on to the Black Forest of Germany. You can take a train, or rent a car one-way for this leg of the journey (whichever your budget and comfort-level allows … my preference is a car, but it can be more expensive). Finish the day in the Rhine Valley, where you can book dinner aboard a riverboat or overlooking the Rhine River.
• Day 8: From the beautiful Rhine River Valley, take a train to Amsterdam. This is another beautiful travel day where you’ll experience the beauty of Germany and the Netherlands. Once you arrive in Amsterdam, check into your hotel then head out for a guided tour of the city. Do this via the canals if you can!
• Day 9: This day is flexible. You can spend the entire day exploring points of interest in Amsterdam, or you can rent a car for the day to visit famous windmills or fields of tulips (season dependent). There are many nearby cities you can also visit for half of day 9 via car or train. However you choose to spend the day, enjoy dinner back in Amsterdam overlooking the canals. There are even dinner cruise boats. These offer a fabulous dining experience while enjoying the sights and sounds of Amsterdam’s (in)famous nightlife.
• Day 10: Your final day has arrived. Eat an early breakfast then take the train through Paris to London. You can travel directly to London, or spend the morning in Paris, and finish the day at a London landmark you’ve always wanted to visit. If your budget allows, this itinerary offers the opportunity to extend your trip by a few days (both Paris and London are well worth the extra time).

Why This is the Perfect 10 Day European Adventure

Start low and head high with this trip from Rome to London. Check out the cities of Rome, Siena, Venice, the Swiss Alps, Black Forest, Rhine Valley, Amsterdam, and London. See the largest glacier in Europe, learn how cheese is made, indulge in the best wines, and consume the finest chocolates in the world.

10 Day Discover Europe Itinerary

Venice, munich, prague, berlin, amsterdam, london.

• Day 1: Your plane arrives in Venice, Italy and you check into your hotel (ask for a room overlooking the canals). Spend a relaxing day walking Venice and enjoy your first meal in Europe: classic Italian with plenty of Chianti.​
• Day 2: Start your morning with a gondola ride where you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of Venice as you float through its famous canals. Enjoy an espresso and pastry before hitting St. Mark’s Square and snapping photos on Academia Bridge. You have flexibility to set your own schedule on Day 2 … if you like to see and do a lot, pack your day. If you want to ease into your tour of Europe, take it slow and enjoy every minute!
• Day 3: After breakfast in Venice, board a train to Munich, Germany! This is a six or seven hour ride through some of the most beautiful parts of Europe, and you’ll arrive in time to check in to your hotel, stretch your legs, and unwind with a hearty meal and a pint of local brew.
• Day 4: Spend most of this day exploring Munich’s historic sites. Alte Pinakothek, and the Munich Residenz are recommended, and Dachau (a former concentration camp) will be a sobering but memorable stop. After lunch board a train for Prague, where you can check in to your hotel before dinner and attending a performance at the opera (if that’s your thing).
• Day 5: This is a day for exploring Prague. Take in the Communist Museum, enjoy some street food, and get to know the Czech Republic. This is a beautiful city with stunning architecture where just taking a walk offers a lesson in history.
• Day 6: Rise early and board a train to Berlin where you’ll visit the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate. There are some excellent restaurants in this city, and we recommend treating yourself to an upscale dinner while here. You’ll be spending Day 7 in Berlin as well, so don’t be afraid to indulge in a bottle of German wine or several pints of a local specialty. You’re on vacation, after all!
• Day 7: There’s nothing like exploring a European city at a pace that suits you, and on Day 7 you have the freedom to tour Berlin however you like. Tempelhof Airport is a pretty cool place to visit … it’s a former airport that has been converted into a public part. A quirky place to enjoy a picnic lunch.
• Day 8: After breakfast in Berlin, it’s off to Amsterdam by train or rental car (your choice – train will be simpler and cheaper). Day 8 is dedicated to cheese, and after checking in to your hotel you’ll tour a few cheese farmhouses to learn the art of cheese making, and sample a few of the delicacies this part of the world is known for. Finish the day with a few beers overlooking Amsterdam’s gorgeous canals.
• Day 9: Rent a bicycle in the morning before the city gets busy, and travel the city the way the locals do. If you like, you can book a guided bike tour, which gives you some direction and ensures you’ll see some of the most interesting parts of Amsterdam. In the afternoon visit the Anne Frank House, and then board a train for London via Paris. You have the option to spend the night in either city. I recommend spending the night in Paris (how romantic!), but it’s up to you!
• Day 10: If you spent the night in Paris, wake early for breakfast at a Parisian cafe, then a quick visit to the Eiffel Tower before boarding your train to London. Spend the afternoon visiting a few of your bucket-list landmarks in England’s capital city before catching your flight. Don’t be afraid to extend your trip by a few days to give yourself some extra time in Paris and/or London as well!

Why This is the Trip You Should Choose

If you ever wanted to know the heart of Europe, then this is the trip for you. You’ll start out in Venice and end up in Munich, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and London. During your trip, you’ll experience guided tours designed to maximize your time and enjoyment. Ready to experience the heartbeat of Europe?

10 Day Trip to Europe

“the imperialist trip”.

• Day 1: Arrive in Munich, Germany and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel to check in and drop your luggage. After you settle in, take a tour of the city and enjoy a casual, budget-friendly lunch. Ask a local for a recommendation. In the afternoon, visit the Marienplatz, and treat yourself to an upscale dinner to kick off your trip to Europe in style!
• Day 2: After breakfast in Munich, hop a train for a 2-hour ride to Regensburg. This is a great day trip from Munich, where you’ll be treated to a bucolic view of medieval life in Germany. After lunch, it’s a 3 hour train ride to Prague, where you’ll check in to your hotel and fuel up with a hearty dinner in the Czech Republic.
• Day 3: Arrange a private tour with a local guide and visit historic sites in Prague such as the St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle. After the tour, stroll through Old Town Square and take in the stunning architecture as you treat yourself to some world-famous street food and local beer.
• Day 4: You’ll travel to Budapest on Day 4, and your method of transportation will depend on your budget, and how much time you hope to spend being there, vs. getting there. You can travel by car, train, or plane. If you can afford it, a one-way plane ticket is reasonable, and you’ll arrive in about an hour and a half. Expect 6+ hours by car or train. Even so, it’s a nice trip through Eastern Europe, so it isn’t wasted time. In Budapest, try to book a hotel room next to the river, and if you do fly in, spend your first day relaxing on a river cruise to take in this beautiful European city from the water.
• Day 5: Today is wide-open for a whirlwind tour of Budapest. Visit Fisherman’s Bastion and snap some photos of the Parliament building and the beautiful Danube river. Join a guided tour of Budapest if you like, or relax on a riverboat cruise on the Danube (if you traveled here by train or car and didn’t have time the day before). Enjoy a hearty Hungarian dinner and get plenty of rest for a busy day ahead.
• Day 6: Wake early, enjoy breakfast, and rent a car or take the train to Vienna, Austria! It’s between two and a half and three hours by either mode of transportation. The train is simpler and cheaper. After your late-morning arrival in Vienna, check in to your hotel and ask the maître d’ for a recommendation for an upscale lunch. Vienna offers diners some of the best cuisine in Europe so allow yourself to indulge while you’re here. After lunch, enjoy a guided, or self-directed tour of Vienna to take in this beautiful city and relax after a few days with lots of travel.
• Day 7: Spend today exploring Vienna in earnest. Visit Hofburg Palace, the State Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. They’re all marvelous. If your budget allows, treat yourself to an upscale dinner and a night out at the opera house where you’re likely to take in the performance of a lifetime.
• Day 8: This is an excellent day to rent a car one-way. Drive yourself from Vienna to the Wachau Valley where you’ll be treated to once-in-a-lifetime views of castles and nature. Photos will never do this stop justice. From there, continue across the full width of Austria to Salzburg, where you’ll drop off your rental car, check in to your hotel and enjoy a nightcap. You can take a train on this day if you don’t want to drive, but domestic one-way rentals in Austria are cheap and generally hassle free, and it’s a nice easy day to try driving in Europe.
• Day 9: You’ll be traveling to Munich on Day 9, and when you leave is up to you. I recommend spending the day in Salzburg, and boarding your train mid to late afternoon. It’s a 2-hour train ride to Munich, and that leaves you time to check in to your hotel and enjoy a final dinner out in Europe.
• Day 10: Once you check out of your hotel, consider renting a car for the day (especially if you have a late flight). Since you’ve already spent some time in Munich, this allows you to enjoy a day trip from the city while having your luggage secure in your car at any stops along the way. When you’ve soaked up your last few minutes of European bliss, drop your rental at the airport in Munich, and head home!

A History Lover’s Dream Trip Across Europe

Live the life of an imperial for ten days with this trip/journey. You start in Munich and travel across the European countryside. During your visit, you end up in Regensburg, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, the Wachau Valley, and Salzburg. Here, you’ll see the rich history and culture that has defined the Eastern European Capitals.

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The Perfect 7-Day Germany Itinerary

Germany is a country full of history, Medieval cities, amazing food and wine, and cultural traditions that you can join in, like Oktoberfest. Yet not many U.S. travelers spend a lot of time exploring this country – choosing to go to France or Italy instead. We want to change that and help you see how exciting Germany can be.

It can be difficult to decide where to start and where to go when visiting a country for the first time, so we’ve done the hard work for you and planned a full 7-day Germany itinerary, beginning in the thriving tourist hotspot of Hamburg and ending in the equally popular city of Munich. 

With just 7 days to explore this vast country, you will only be able to skim the surface, but you’ll be able to see and enjoy famous landmarks and amazing things that you probably didn’t even know were here. Like some of the places on this list of beautiful sights to see in Germany.

We’ve also listed some tips for your trip to Germany below the itinerary itself, so be sure to read until the end for some important advice. 

Planning your trip to Germany?

• Book a  transfer from the airport  to the city center with  Welcome Pickups .
• Rent a car  from the airport through  Discover Cars .

Best Tours and Experiences in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich – Embark on a day trip from Munich to witness Neuschwanstein and Linderhof’s magical fairy tale castles.
• Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt, including Rhine River Cruise – Embark on a romantic Rhine Valley tour from Frankfurt, where you’ll sail along the Rhine River on a traditional steamer, passing by vineyards, medieval towns, and castles.
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train – Explore the history of the Holocaust on a half-day tour from Munich to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.

Visiting other destinations in Germany? Check out our guide to traveling in Germany that includes information on many popular destinations like Berlin and Munich , plus Oktoberfest in Munich . Going outside of Germany? Here’s our Europe travel guide .

Table of Contents

Where to Start & What to See

Many tourist guides and travel blogs will recommend beginning your visit to Germany either in Hamburg Munich or Berlin, but in the interest of cutting travel time as short as possible during your trip, we suggest starting in Hamburg. 

Hamburg is located on the River Elbe and is one of Germany’s federated states. Since Hamburg is in the northern region of Germany, it’s easy to work your way down through the other central and southern locations in the itinerary from there, and it’s only just over 2 hours from Berlin by train.

Stops On the Itinerary

• Hamburg – Sitting on the River Elbe is the second largest city in Germany, Hamburg. It is the biggest harbor city in Germany. It’s also a beautiful city to tour because two-thirds of the land is covered with parks, trees and lakes.
• Berlin – As the Capitol of Germany, Berlin is rich in culture, architecture and nightlife. The city is covered with parks, rivers, greenery and bridges. Partake in a walking tour to get the full effect of this historic German city.
• Dresden – Dresden is the largest metropolitan area in Germany. The city thrives on manufacturing, transportation, and culture. The high tech items are what drive their economy and occupy their jobs. It is also a place of art and inspiration.
• Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber – You don’t want to miss this cute town in Bavaria that is just oozing with charm. It’s a Medieval walled city with beautiful colored wooden houses.
• Neuschwanstein – Everyone knows this amazing castle, but to see it in person is an experience you won’t forget.
• Munich – Munich is a southern city in Germany that is located near the Alps. Best known for hosting the annual Oktoberfest Beer Festival, Munich is also a city filled with cultural activities. This is a great cultural center in Germany with opera, theatre, ballet, museums, and galleries. In Munich, you will find also the factory of the sports car BMW.

How to Get Around

Driving is very easy in Germany, as is the train system. However, you can’t easily reach every place on our itinerary by train. In places, such as between Rothenburg and Neuschwanstein, the train requires a minimum of three changes and takes over four hours.

It’s best to rent a car so you can get around to each place without having to deal with train times and tickets.

If you prefer to use the train only, then I would modify the itinerary to stay in only the bigger cities, which would be Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, and Munich, with a side journey to Neuschwanstein from Munich .

• Hamburg to Berlin: 3:20 by car; 1:45 via train
• Berlin to Dresden: 2:10 by car; 2:15 via train
• Dresden to Rothenburg: 4 hours by car; 7:45 via train
• Rothenburg to Neuschwanstein: 2:30 by car; 6 hours with transfers

When to Visit Germany

There are reasons why you might want to visit Germany in each season. For instance, the popular Oktoberfest celebration is in September, as is the wine harvest, which is a great time to visit the wineries.

In the winter there are Christmas markets taking place in cute towns all over Germany, especially in Rothenburg. Spring is a great time to go for fewer crowds, better prices, and an abundance of spring flowers.

You might also be interested in planning a trip during the Hamburg Dom , which takes place three times per year. It’s Northern Germany’s biggest public festival. Expect it to be on in November, April, and August.

7 Days In Germany

Day 1: hamburg.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during Hamburg Dom, join in the classic funfair rides, sample traditional German food , and just take in the culture.

• Two fun areas to visit are the Speicherstadt (city of Warehouses), and the surrounding HafenCity, where you’ll find many of the city’s most-visited tourist attractions. Just walk around to see the changing shape of the waterfront and the now protected World Heritage Site.
• The newly opened Elbphilharmonie  is an interesting building to check out and to visit if you want to catch a performance by the Orchestra. It’s Hamburg’s tallest inhabited building.
• Museums – There are four museums you should definitely check out – the Kunsthalle (one of the largest art museums in the country), the International Maritime Museum, and Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland , the perfect attraction for anyone interested in trains or air travel. The Chocoversum , Hamburg’s Chocolate Museum, is where you can sample some of Germany’s finest chocolate and even customize your own chocolate bar. 
• Another area to explore are the Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Aussenalster), two artificial lakes around which you’ll find a tree-lined park with lots of space for walking, jogging, or sitting at a café.

Where to Stay in Hamburg

Altstadt, the historic center of the city, is definitely the best area to stay in Hamburg for tourists because it’s near everything you’ll want to see, or a quick walk or train ride.

Our recommended hotels are:

• Park Hyatt Hamburg
• Grand Elysee Hamburg
• Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg

Where to Eat in Hamburg

Hamburg’s signature dishes are Franzbrötchen (a French roll), Currywurst, Labskaus (a beetroot seafarer’s stew), and Rote Grütze (a red-berry dessert).

Some restaurants we like going to in Hamburg are:

• Kartoffel Keller  for great German food
• Otto’s Burger – best burgers in town, so good!
• Haerlin – two Michelin star restaurant for fine dining
• Alt Helgoländer Fischerstube – high-quality fish restaurant right on the waterfront

Tours to Try:

• Hamburg Reeperbahn Small-Group Walking Tour
• Guided Hamburg City Bike Tour
• Hamburg Small-Group Sunset Sailing Cruise on Lake Alster

Day 2: Berlin

You’ll be spending your second day in Germany in the capital city of Berlin. There is, of course, plenty to see and do in this city, so you’ll want to get an early start from Hamburg. With so much to see you may want to come back and visit again. This 3-day Berlin itinerary will help you out.

One of my favorite ways to see many of the top sights in Berlin is on a walking tour. This half-day walking tour is only $20 and takes you around to all the main sights included in the list below. You won’t go into anything, but you’ll get an idea of where and what they are so you can go back.

• Berlin in obviously well-known for its checkered past, which can’t be ignored while visiting. We recommend learning about all aspects of German history, starting with the Holocaust Memorial and the Topography of Terror museum.
• Next to that is the Berlin Wall , which is both a painful reminder of the Cold War and, since 1990, a poignant open-air art gallery.
• Brandenburg Gate is the only historical city gate remaining in Berlin, and it has come to symbolize the reunification of Germany.
• Museum Island is home to five great museums: Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie , and Bode Museum.
• Climb the Berlin TV Tower and dine at the revolving restaurant sphere or the Reichstag Dome , which also has a rooftop restaurant that’s perfect for lunch. 

Where to Stay in Berlin

The best locations for tourists in Berlin is right in the center of the city, called Mitte. From here, you’ll be in easy walking distance of all the top sights and you won’t need to take public transportation unless you want to head further outside the main areas.

We enjoyed staying at the COSMO Hotel (newly opened Design Hotel) to the southeast. The Radisson Blu to the northeast and the Grand Hyatt to the southwest are also good choices.

• Hilton Berlin ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• The Grand Hyatt ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• COSMO ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Radisson Blu read reviews on Trip Advisor | Book a stay

Where to Eat in Berlin

You might be expecting the typical German foods in Berlin, but schnitzel isn’t the only thing on the menu in this melting pot of a city. There is a great international food influence in Berlin that leads to a lot of fusion.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Berlin on a Thursday, be sure to check out all the street-food vendors at Markthalle Neun . It opens at 5pm and features dozens of food options.

Even before I spent any time in Berlin, I knew about the Currywurst . It’s Bratwurst served with curry powder and ketchup, plus generally a side of fries. It’s one of the most popular street food dishes in Berlin. You’ll find some of the best Currywurst at Curry Mitte (in the middle of Mitte – very convenient), or at Curry 36.

• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin
• Berlin Icebar Experience Including 3 Drinks
• Classic Bites and Culinary Trends Neighborhood Food Tour in Berlin

Day 3: Dresden

Dresden is between 2 and 3 hours away from Berlin by train or car. This city is the perfect follow-up to your historical journey through Berlin. Dresden has three major landmarks – the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper opera house, and the Church of Our Lady – all of which are must-sees.

• The first thing you should do when you arrive in Dresden is visit the Frauenkirche Church , also known as the Church of Our Lady. This Baroque-style building has a rich history that begins in the 11th century when the originally Romanesque structure was built, through the 18th century when it was destroyed and rebuilt.
• The Zwinger Palace was built in the baroque style. It’s a palatial estate with gardens that houses internationally renowned museums and is the stage for many festivals, parades, and dramas.
• Semperoper is where you’ll find world-class opera, ballet and concert performances in one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Check out their calendar to see what’s on during your visit.
• We also recommend spending a few hours at the Green Vault . This is the site of the royal treasury, but it’s also a great spot for recreation.
• This Renaissance palace was the residence for the Electors and then the Kings of Saxony from the 16th to the 19th century.
• The Dresdener Residenzschloss was a residential palace from the 16-19 centuries, but is now a collection of museums for the various state collections.

Where to Stay in Dresden

The best place to stay in Dresden for tourists is the Altstadt, where you’ll really be able to enjoy and experience the rich past of the city and feel like you’re immersed in the history of the place. There are many great hotels in this area and they are walking distance to most things you’ll want to see.

• Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection
• Hilton Dresden
• NH Collection Altmarkt

Where to Eat in Dresden

The top Saxony dishes you should try in Dresden are mostly consisting of meat and potatoes. These are all definitely worth a try if you find them on the menu:

• Rinderroulade – This is a thin-sliced round steak, rolled up with a coat of mustard with diced bacon and pickles.
• Dresdner Sauerbraten mit Rotkraut – A slow roasted and spiced leg of beef that is sliced and served with red cabbage and bread dumplings.
• Sachsische Kartoffelsuppe – A hearty potato soup with speck or sausage.

Pulverturm , located right downtown, is a great place to try Saxony dishes in a unique underground vault restaurant complete with original stone walls.

You’ll also find many of the dishes above on the menu at AltMarktkeller , a beer cellar restaurant that serves local traditional dishes.

We especially love Paulaner’s im Taschenbergpalais which serves excellent Central European cuisine alongside a great variety of beer.

A popular beer garden where you can eat and drink outside is Augustus Garten – definitely go here if it’s a nice day out and you want to just enjoy the atmosphere and the nice weather.

• City Walk – Dresden in One Day

Day 4-5: Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fair train journey from Dresden (about 7 hours), so you might need to leave it off your itinerary if you’re using the train – or plan to add an extra day for the journey. If you’re driving, it will take about 4 hours 30 minutes. For that reason, we have given 2 days for this cute town, so you can enjoy the drive along the Romantic Road, or get there by train and still have time to see everything.

Romantic Road is one of the most well-traveled paths in Germany. It takes you through several quaint and picturesque towns like Ausburg and Wurzburg as well as beautiful forests before reaching the famously colorful town of Rothenburg. 

Rothenburg’s streets are lined with timbered houses, painted in every color of the rainbow. Complete with cobbled streets and warm-looking red roofs, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (which translates in English to ‘red fortress above Tauber River’) dates back to the Medieval ages and feels like a trip back in time. 

If you choose to visit Germany in December, you will love the abundance of Christmas markets that set up along the streets. Be sure to grab a mug of hot Glühwein as well. Last time I visited, you got a different souvenir mug to keep from each Gluhwein stand.

Here are the things you’ll want to do in the city:

Take a walk along the walls. The old quarter has 42 towers, most of which you’ll find along the 4 kilometer Tower Trail, which is open around the clock for you to walk on, with plaques along the way giving information.

Walk around town. You’ll see the beautiful Town Hall (Rathaus) with the clocktower that animates every hour with cute little figurines. Also be sure to see the most picturesque spot in town (pictured below), the Plönlein, which translates as “little square”. So cute!

Rothenburg Castle makes for a relaxing afternoon strolling through the castle garden or the park, learning some more history on the way. 

In the evening, if you’re in the mood for an eerie and exciting experience, you should book a spot on the Night Watchman Tour to hear some German legends and see Rothenburg at night.

Where to Stay in Rothenburg

The town is very small so there are only a few choices for hotels, all of which are well located and easy walking distance. My recommended hotels are:

• Hotel BurgGartenpalais
• Hotel Eisenhut

What to Eat in Rothenburg

What I love about this town is how everywhere you go is just as cute as the next place. There are some really cool places to eat here.

There are also a number of local foods you should try. One of my favorites is the Schneeball, which you will see in the store windows of many bakeries. Stop and give one a try. This is also a good opportunity to try Wiener schnitzel (pounded breaded veal) and Schweinsbraten (roast pork).

Zur Höll – Translates as “To Hell”, this is a super cool medieval cellar restaurant with a cozy atmosphere inside one of the oldest homes in Rothenburg. Some of the tables are in carved out caves.

The Bell Restaurant – If you’re a wine lover , you have to visit this restaurant and winery located on the Plönlein Corner. You can even take a tour of the vineyard and cellar.

Day 6: Neuschwanstein Castle

On day 6, you will be exploring Neuschwanstein Castle , which is about 2 hours outside Munich in the village of Hohenschwangau. It takes about 2 hours 20 minutes to get there by car from Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Another option is to go directly to Munich and take a guided tour to Neuschwanstein, which will take away some of the stress of planning. I recommend this full-day tour from Munich , which includes round trip train and a guided tour.

The castle itself feels like something out of a fairytale, and you can learn all about its 19th-century history on a tour. Neuschwanstein Castle is a popular tourist attraction, so you must book your tickets in advance for a timed slot. The tour is 30 minutes long, but you have to also get up to the castle, which takes about 30 minutes as well.

You can buy tickets at the entrance, but you likely either won’t get the time you prefer or you won’t get a ticket at all if they sell out, especially because they go on sale at 8am and you likely won’t arrive by then.

You can also take a tour of the Hohenschwangau castle on the opposite mountain, but you will need almost the whole day to complete these two, so you’ll have to decide how much time you have.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Neischwanstein and really get the most out of your time there, you’ll want to book at the Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet . It’s fantastic and located right in the historic center of Schwangau.

Where to Eat Near Neuschwanstein Castle

If you want to sit down for a meal while you’re visiting the castle, I would recommend the Neuschwanstein Restaurant that is located up on the hill as you come down. It is a touristy area, so no matter where you eat it will be a tourist restaurant, so why not try the one with the most atmosphere.

Order a kase spaetzle and a schweineschnitzel and enjoy the scenery.

At the bottom of the hill, after you’ve descended into town, our recommendation is Schlossbrauhaus Schwangau , which is a rustic microbrewery serving authentic Bavarian cuisine.

Instead of staying in the area, I recommend taking the train back to Munich for the night. There are more choices and you’ll be ready to go for day 7.

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Small-Group Premium All-Inc Tour from Munich
• Neuschwanstein Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Munich

Day 7: Munich City Center

Spend your final day in Germany in one of the most vibrant and fun-filled cities in the country: Munich.

Munich Old Town is a must-see if you’re interested in medieval architecture. The Glockenspiel is probably the main tourist attraction in the area. It’s the chimes of the clock tower that plays a scene with dancing figures on the hour. You’ll find this at the New City Hall (Rathaus) tower at Marienplatz. Plan to be there on the hour, then take a walk along the Marienplatz to take in all the sights and do a little shopping.

One of the best ways to learn about Munich and get acquainted with the city in a short time is on a walking tour. I recommend this 2-hour tour that takes you to historic landmarks like the Old Town Hall, Frauenkirche and St Peter’s Church, past the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall, into the lively Viktualienmarkt food market, Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz.

We also recommend taking a walk around Englischer Garten, which is a park dating back to the 18th century. This is the perfect place to enjoy lunch with a cold beer and a satisfying view because there are plenty of beer gardens, including our personal favorite, Hirschau .

You can take your pick from the various museums open to the public in Munich. The State Museum of Egyptian Art is particularly fascinating, as is the Deutsches Museum . To see some incredible antique sculptures from the Greek and Roman eras, be sure to visit the Glyptothek .

Want to spend more time in Munich? Check out this Munich Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Munich .

Where to Stay in Munich

I like to stay within walking distance of the Marianplatz because most everything you’ll be doing is near there. However, if you are planning your trip to coincide with Oktoberfest, you might want to stay nearer to the fest grounds called the Theresienwiese , so I have two recommendations.

• Platzl Hotel – 4 star hotel, 5 minutes walk to the Marianplatz
• Marc Munchen – Adults only 4-star hotel within close proximity to the Theresienwiese and the train station. We’ve stayed here numerous times and always love it.

Where to Eat in Munich

Bavarian food is much like what you’ve come to expect in Germany with a lot of sausage, schnitzel and potato dumplings. There are a few extra dishes that are served in Bavaria that are unique to here.

• Weisswurst – a white sausage made with veal and pork and served in a bowl of broth, often served with a pretzel and beer on the side.
• Münchner Schnitzel – Like other variations of schnitzel, this one is special to Munich and is spread with horseradish or mustard before being breaded and fried.

You can toast the amazing experiences you’ve had and order a final Bavarian meal at Hofbrauhaus , which is one of the most famous taverns in the world. It’s huge and super fun. Another way to enjoy it is on a Beer & Food Evening Tour, on which you’ll visit Hofbrauhaus and a few others, plus the beer museum.

Another place we really like to eat is Weinhaus Schneider , a cozy and eclectic fondue restaurant near the Rathaus. The Ratskeller Restaurant is another fun 19th-century cellar restaurant right next to the Rathaus.

Attending Oktoberfest

If you’re planning your trip to coincide with Oktoberfest , which takes place from mid-September to early October most years, you will definitely want to plan ahead. Hotels fill up fast, so book your stay at least 4-6 months ahead.

You don’t need tickets to attend Oktoberfest and the best time to go is during lunch on the weekdays, so you can get a seat at a table and see various tents without needing a table reservation. Table reservations for the evening session are VERY hard to come by. Try this small-group Oktoberfest tour that includes a reserved tent table.

Read our full guide on Oktoberfest to plan your trip.

Tours To Try:

• Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train

What To Do If You Have More Time

Day 8+: lake constance and the black forest.

A lot of our itinerary so far has been based in some of Germany’s famous cities, but if you have extra time to spend, we recommend getting away from the city and exploring the Black Forest and Lake Constance. 

Lake Constance is a World Heritage Site, located about 3 hours away from Rottenburg, and it’s one of the best places to go if you want to see the Alps in all their glory. 

The Black Forest is about 2 hours away from Lake Constance. If you’re driving, you could stop at Constanzer Wirtshaus for lunch on the way. This is a traditional German Pub with a beautiful view of the river.

Wine Tasting in Germany

The Black Forest is also known for being home to some of Germany’s best vineyards and wineries. If you’re in the mood for a glass of wine after your forest excursion, you should definitely visit Nagelsforst for a wine tasting.

The wine area of The Black Forest is the 3rd largest and southern-most wine region in Germany

Tips For Visiting Germany 

If this will be your first time visiting Germany, bear these tips in mind to ensure you get the most out of your week: 

• Remember that Germany is amongst the most populous European countries, and since it’s known for being very tourist-friendly, it’s also a popular vacation destination. This means that you’re likely to encounter a lot of crowds, especially in major cities like Berlin and Munich. Therefore, it’s best to book restaurant tables, tours, and other activities ahead of time. 
• Germany is a beautiful country, but it’s important to remember that many aspects of German history are very sensitive and sobering subjects. Therefore, it is imperative to be respectful at all times, but particularly when visiting memorials and historical sites. 
• A week in Germany is enough to see the major cities and have a diverse range of experiences. However, if you want to spend more time in cities like Berlin or try to see some of Germany’s lesser-known hidden gems , we recommend extending your stay to 10 days or 2 weeks. 
• Restaurants and Bars – You do not get water for free, you have to pay for it. If you order water you will get carbonated water. In most restaurants, you can request tap water and they may or may not charge you but it is most likely straight from the sink.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days in germany is enough.

For a more comprehensive tour of Germany, including major cities, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, 10-14 days or more would be ideal. If you plan to visit one major city like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, a minimum of 3-4 days is a good starting point to get a taste of the city’s highlights. If you want to explore a specific region, like the Romantic Road or the Bavarian Alps, you might need around 5-7 days to see the main sights and immerse yourself in the local culture.

What to do in Germany for a week?

Start in Hamburg, where you can enjoy the funfair rides and cultural delights during Hamburg Dom. Explore the Speicherstadt and HafenCity, along with museums and beautiful lakes. Day 2 takes you to Berlin, where you’ll visit historical sites like the Holocaust Memorial and Berlin Wall. Marvel at the Brandenburg Gate and explore Museum Island. Day 3 continues to Dresden, known for its Baroque landmarks, including Zwinger Palace and Semperoper opera house. Day 4-5 brings you to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque town along the Romantic Road. Day 6 leads you to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, offering a glimpse of 19th-century history. End your journey in vibrant Munich, exploring its Old Town, the Glockenspiel, Englischer Garten, and fascinating museums. This itinerary promises a memorable and diverse exploration of Germany’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

How much money do you need for a week in Germany?

Overall, a rough estimate for a budget traveler in Germany might be around €800-1200 for a week, excluding international flights. Mid-range travelers could plan for €1200-2000, while luxury travelers might budget upwards of €2500 or more.

Remember that these are general estimates, and your expenses depend on travel choices and spending habits.

Final Thoughts On This 7-Day Germany Itinerary

We hope that you’ll thoroughly enjoy your week in Germany with the help of our 7-day itinerary! 

Remember to leave yourself enough time to travel by car or train between your destinations each day to ensure you get to see everything.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

4 thoughts on “ The Perfect 7-Day Germany Itinerary ”

Do you actually put together trips for Oktoberfest or do I need to go through a travel agent?

We don’t put together the trips ourselves. We just offer advice.

Can you give me a roundabout of how much the 7 day might cost if we rent a car and stay in moderately priced hotels? Without airfare, of course.

Hi Kim, It’s very hard to estimate because every traveler is different in their spending, but the average price of a 7-day trip to Germany is $2,200 for a couple and $2,600 for a family of 4.

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Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day Eastern Europe tour with TourRadar. Choose from 152 trips with 358 customer reviews, that range from 4 up to 7 days.

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Tour of Poland

Am excellent tour that provided fine accommodations and a good mix of organized touring and free time. It was novel in that you had different guides and drivers in each city but the handoffs were seamless and each guide was superior. I would recommend adding the optional Marienberg Fortress and Salt Mine visit options. I booked other sites such as Auschwitz & topic specific walking tours thru other operators but they blended well. You will hit the "Big 3 cities" but you'll not see much countryside or small town life on this particular tour. Any glitches were quickly and satisfactorially resolved. I will be back and I will use this operator if possible.

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Enchanting Prague

Hello I enjoyed my stay in Prague from November 29 to December 12 , 2015. Effective transfers , we were staying at the hotel Beranek which was very well located, friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guide . Little boubou, no one in the group had realized that the tour wasn't taking us back to the hotel after the city tour, it would be good to specify ; the general view , left without plans in the heart of the tourist area 30 minutes from the hotel was not too pleasant but we made the best out of it and we went to enjoy an amazing diner on a terrasse.... Yes yes a Terrasse in December! They are very well organised since they are heated up all through winter. We also took our time to enjoy the Christmas Market. During ou stay we took the additional tour for the Karlstejn Castle... one word WOWWW! I still recommend without hesitation at all this trip, especially at this price . Prague is beautiful , I have traveled a lot ( more than 25 countries ... so far! ), It is definitely in my top five . I Also took the extension for Vienna (Hotel Beim Theresianum 3*) and Budapest (Hotel Sissi 3*), both cities are must sees while you are there minus well to the whole thing! Thank you we are definitely booking again with Wingbuddy!

Budapest to Berlin: Graffiti Walls & Market Halls

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Highlights of Southern Poland

The Poland tour was excellent! The group leader Beata was awesome and all guidance, planning and itinerary was wonderful. Totally recommended!!

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For Lovers So Romantic 7 days in Prague: Private Tour

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Prague Vienna and Budapest (7 Days)

We recently completed a 7 day tour. Our guide was Paul and our driver was Jimmy. It was an excellent tour. Paul was very informative. Jimmy was a great driver and second chair to Paul. The local guides were great. It was nice having the same guide the entire time we were in a given city. The only issues I have were outside our guides control. Our welcome dinner service was VERY slow given the tour group were the only ones on the restaurant. We also were not given enough time to explore. That was also my fault because I went on all the optional experiences. If you go don't miss the concert in Vienna or the Budapest parliament building tour. Both amazing. I really do want to give a shout out to Paul. I don't know how he can herd all the "cats" and still have a smile on his face! He managed to not lose anyone. This was our second trip with Trafalgar and we will be planning another one.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Explore Bohemia in 1 Week

We love it. I visited Prague with my husband And we were spoiled all the time. Amazing place.

Romantic Honeymoon 1 Week in Prague

It was so romantic time in Prague. We had a fantastic time. Thanks Lucy from agency Prague Best Experence to organised this trip, just amazing.

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This was fabulous experience to go to Europe to explore culture, history and food. We really enjoyed. It was a great combination for the trip. Thanks

Am excellent tour that provided fine accommodations and a good mix of organized touring and free time. It was novel in that you had different guides and drivers in each city but the handoffs were seamless and each guide was superior. I would recommend adding the optional Marienberg Fortress and Salt Mine visit options. I booked other sites such as Auschwitz & topic specific walking tours thru other operators but they blended well. You will hit the "Big 3 cities" but you'll not see much countryside or small town life on this particular tour. Any glitches were quickly and satisfactorially resolved. I will be back and I will use this operator if possible.

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3 Week Europe Itinerary: 10 Perfect Ideas

Are you looking for the best 3 Week Europe Itinerary? You’ve come to the right place.

Whether you are looking for classic Europe routes, driving itineraries, options for travel by train, or off-the-beaten path discoveries, we have you covered. 

These amazing European Itineraries cover everything from fairytale towns to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and everything in between.

Ready to find your dream 3 week Europe itinerary? Let’s go!

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Unforgettable Europe in 3 Weeks – 10 Itineraries

1. where is the best place to visit in europe for the first time – england, france, the netherlands, and belgium.

If this is your first visit to the European continent, this is the ideal introduction.

Embarking on your maiden voyage to Europe? What better way to initiate your experience than through these four captivating countries? Each one offers a rich history, cultural variety, and culinary wonders.

This itinerary promises diverse and rich encounters during this 3-week adventure. These are some of the most popular destinations in Western Europe, so be sure to plan your trip early.

Hitting the Highlights – London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels

• Day 1-5: London, England
• Day 6-10: Paris, France
• Day 11-15: Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
• Day 16-21: Brussels, Belgium 

DAY 1-5: London, England

Kick off your 3-week European adventure in England’s capital, London . A city steeped in history, here you will find some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, elegant squares, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Explore the Tower of London , Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben in your first couple of days.

For a bird’s eye view of the city head to the London Eye, Sky Garden, or the Shard. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and spend time relaxing in Hyde Park.

For a true taste of British culture, we recommend a traditional afternoon tea experience at one of the city’s luxury hotels or the Brigit’s Bakery Bus tour offering tea and scones on wheels.

DAY 6-10: Paris, France

On Day 6, take a train ride or catch a quick flight from London to Paris. There are plenty of direct flights on budget airlines like easyJet or Ryanair. Spend the next few days immersed in the romantic capital of France.

No visit to Paris would be complete without  ascending the Eiffel Tower  or exploring the world-renowned Louvre museum. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Montmartre and treat yourself to a delicious croissant from a local boulangerie.

At night, take a cruise along the Seine where you can admire the beautifully lit buildings and their reflections upon the water.

DAY 11-15: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

On Day 11, catch a train from Paris to Amsterdam . Wander aimlessly through the city’s streets, crossing over canals and exploring the neighborhoods.

There are so many fun and unique things to do in Amsterdam . Don’t miss a visit to the Van Gogh Museum , the Anne Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum.

Spend some time in Vondelpark and try traditional Dutch pancakes.

Some of our favorite day trips from Amsterdam include:

• Rotterdam to see the Cube Houses and explore the charming area of Delfshaven
• Volendam where you can learn how to make clogs and sample some cheese
• The Hague is home to Dutch Parliament and Mauritshuis where you can see the painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring”

DAY 16-21: Brussels, Belgium

On Day 16, travel from Amsterdam to Brussels, the final stop of this 3 week Europe itinerary. Experience Belgium’s vibrant history and architecture at the Grand Place, and don’t miss a chance to taste some famous Belgian chocolates and waffles.

Plan a day trip to Bruges and Ghent to experience some of Belgium’s most beautiful towns. Take a canal ride in Bruges and go back in time at Gravensteen Castle in Ghent.

What is the Best Time for this Itinerary?

The mild months of May, June, and September are perfect. The weather is usually comfortable and tourist crowds are manageable.

2. Timeless Journey through Classic Europe: France, Italy, Greece

If you are looking for a classic Central Europe vacation, why not take on this itinerary that hits the major highlights?

This tour offers an unmatched experience, covering three monumental countries. Each destination is uniquely steeped in ancient history, brimming with vibrant culture and culinary delights, promising a multifaceted tour through Europe.

Visiting the Classical Capitals of Europe

• Day 1-7: Paris, France
• Day 8-14: Rome, Italy
• Day 15-21: Athens, Greece

DAY 1-7: Paris, France

Begin your 3-week European holiday in France’s capital, Paris. The city captures hearts with its iconic landmarks, artistic heritage, and culinary sensations.

Paris offers plenty of unique tours that appeal to families. Step back in time and visit the Palace of Versailles (don’t forget to spend a little time in Versailles – the town!). Take a bike tour at Versailles , learn how to make macarons with a local chef , or dig into the city’s history on a Context Travel tour .

Ascend the Eiffel Tower, a timeless symbol of Paris, for a panoramic view of the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll down the historic Champs-Élysées and visit the famous Notre Dame Cathedral (note – you can’t access the inside until December 2024, but it is still worth a visit).

With extra days you can taste your way through the  Champagne Region of France , or take day trips from Paris . Head to Normandy to learn about World War II history or visit the chateaux and wine estates of the Loire Valley.

DAY 8-14: Rome, Italy

On Day 8, embark on a flight from Paris to Rome. Dedicate the following week to discovering Italy’s capital, also known as the Eternal City.

Visit the historic sites in Rome . Explore the Colosseum, wander through the Roman Forum, and marvel at the splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Unleash your inner foodie with a traditional pasta or gelato-making class.

Don’t forget to explore the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, known for its vibrant nightlife and traditional Italian cuisine.

Explore the ancient ruins at Ostia Antica, visit two World Heritage sites in one day at Tivoli, and throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

If you have extra days, you can spend a day at the beach in Ostia, take in the art and architecture of Florence , or discover the lost city of Pompeii .

DAY 15-21: Athens, Greece

On Day 15, you’ll fly from Rome to Athens , the culmination of this classic European route. Athens is known as the cradle of Western civilization and democracy.

History unfolds as you step into the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

The archaeological richness continues at the Ancient Agora, the nucleus of political and public life in ancient Athens.

The National Archaeological Museum is a must-visit, with artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Greek history.

Complete your Athens experience with a walk around the old neighborhood of Plaka, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Make plans to enjoy the sunset and breathtaking city views from Mount Lycabettus. 

Discover the temple of Apollo at Delphi and enjoy the island life away from the hustle and bustle of Athens in Aegina.

If you want to explore other islands, we recommend Crete, Santorini, Naxos, and Paros. Grab this Greece itinerary if you want everything planned for you!

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Enjoy this timeless journey during the Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is typically pleasant and tourist crowds are fewer, ensuring a more relaxing trip.

3. Nordic Adventure: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark

If you want to soak up Scandinavian and Baltic cultures, head to these Nordic countries. Here you will be met with unbelievable natural beauty and unique adventures.

This trip to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark allows you to dive into their different cultures and create a 3-week experience you won’t soon forget.

The Best of the Nordic Countries

• Day 1-6: Oslo, Norway
• Day 7-11: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Day 12-16: Stockholm, Sweden
• Day 17-21: Helsinki, Finland

DAY 1-6: Oslo, Norway

Begin your Nordic journey in Norway’s capital, Oslo . The city seamlessly blends urban life with outdoor fun. Oslo boasts a range of must-see landmarks.

Visit the expansive Vigeland Park, delve into the Viking history at the Viking Ship Museum, and enjoy panoramic city views from the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.

Make time to travel the Norway in a Nutshell route to see the country’s breathtaking scenery.

DAY 7-11: Copenhagen, Denmark

On day seven make your way from Oslo to Copenhagen by train (7.5 hours) or plane (1 hour 10 minutes). The vibrant Nyhavn harbor, the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, and the iconic Little Mermaid statue await you in Copenhagen.

Our favorite day trips include Frederiksborg Castle, a quick 40-minute train ride to Hillerød, where you can explore the town, castle, and its gardens. For those who want to learn about Viking history, head to Roskilde where you can visit the Viking Museum and even head out on a Viking ship.

We highly recommend using a Copenhagen card for discounts on attractions and transportation. Wrap up your journey with Danish smørrebrød, cinnamon snails ( kanelsnegl ), and a local beer.

DAY 12-16: Stockholm, Sweden

On Day 12, make your way from Stockholm to Helsinki. It’s an easy flight with Norwegian, SAS, or Finnair. If you prefer the long route, there are ferries available.

The next five days are filled with Swedish splendor, from the streets of Gamla Stan to the impressive Vasa Museum , and the tranquil setting of Djurgården Island.

We also recommend the Skansen living history museum, learning about Swedish royalty at The Royal Palace, and visiting the city’s ICEBAR.

DAY 17-21: Helsinki, Finland

This last leg of your journey lets you explore Finland’s capital city of Helsinki with its avant-garde architecture, the historic Suomenlinna sea fortress, and the bustling Market Square.

Don’t forget to unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna and plunge into the ocean. If you would like to squeeze in one more country board a ferry for a day trip to Tallinn , Estonia. (And here’s what to do in Tallinn when you get there).

When is the Best Time to Visit Scandinavia?

The perfect window for this Nordic Adventure is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is at its best, offering endless daylight due to the Midnight Sun, providing ample time to explore the stunning landscapes of the North.

4. Fairy Tale Road Trip: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Hungary

Want to explore the far-away lands depicted in fairytales? Prepare for an enchanting 3-week journey through Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. 

Each country has its own vibrant history, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating architecture. A trip to these countries takes you straight to the land of fairytales.

A Classic Trip through the land of stories

• Day 1-6: Munich, Germany 
• Day 7-11: Prague, Czech Republic
• Day 12-16: Vienna, Austria
• Day 17-21: Budapest, Hungary

DAY 1-6: Munich, Germany

Start your fairytale journey in Munich , Germany. A city renowned for its historic charm, Munich offers stunning palaces, an automobile museum, and world-famous beer halls.

Explore the scientific artifacts at the Deutsches Museum, enjoy a traditional beer at the famous Hofbräuhaus, learn about automobile history at the BMW Museum, and soak up the cultural atmosphere in Marienplatz.

Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle , known for its striking beauty that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

Don’t forget to sample the hearty local cuisine, including pretzels, weisswurst, and strudel.

Of course, if you are in town at the end of September join in the largest beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest!

DAY 7-11: Prague, Czech Republic

On Day 7, travel from Munich to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the cheaper cities in Europe for those on a budget. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Prague is a city that never ceases to amaze. 

Explore Prague Castle, stroll across the Charles Bridge, and enjoy a traditional Czech meal accompanied by a pint of their world-renowned beer.

Take a day trip to Cesky Krumlov to see one of the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic and explore the most quaint town you will ever visit.

DAY 12-16: Vienna, Austria

On Day 12, continue your journey to Vienna , Austria. The Austrian capital, synonymous with imperial palaces, musical heritage, and stunning architecture, promises a wealth of experiences.

Visit the opulent Schönbrunn Palace , stroll through the historic city center (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and enjoy a classical music concert at the Vienna State Opera. These are both some of the most beautiful places in Austria .

We recommend a guided walking tour, bicycle tour, or Segway tour that explores the famous sites in Vienna.

DAY 17-21: Budapest, Hungary

On Day 17, set off to Budapest , the final stop on this fairytale journey. The Danube River divides the city into Buda and Pest, and each one offers unique attractions and experiences. Don’t miss the imposing Buda Castle or the famous  Széchenyi Thermal Bath .

As night falls, witness the city’s iconic structures light up, such as the Chain Bridge and Hungarian Parliament building. We recommend taking a river cruise at night to see everything in its splendor.

We recommend taking a food tour to try lángos, strudel, and Hungarian wine.

Best Time to Visit the Magical Cities

To fully enjoy the outdoor adventures and stunning landscapes of this route, the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

5. Discovering Hidden Gems: Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Delve into the European countries that were once one country – Yugoslavia. Head away from the well-traveled tourist routes on this 3-week Europe itinerary. You’re about to discover the underrated countries of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Each country has its unique allure. You will find vibrant cityscapes, idyllic landscapes, and an array of historical and cultural treasures. It’s a destination you’ll want to return to time and time again.

The Gems of Former Yugoslavia

• Day 1-6: Ljubljana and Bled, Slovenia
• Day 7-11: Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
• Day 12-16: Sarajevo and Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Day 17-21: Kotor and Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

DAY 1-6: Ljubljana and Bled, Slovenia

Begin your unique journey in the picturesque city of Ljubljana, one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia . Get lost in Old Town, peppered with vibrant cafés and marked by the distinct Ljubljana Castle dominating the city skyline.

Take a leisurely cruise on the Ljubljanica River, flanked by lush green banks and elegant bridges, like the famed Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge.

A day trip to Lake Bled is a magical experience. Nestled in the Julian Alps, this emerald-green lake, with a small island home to a 17th-century church and an imposing medieval castle perched on a hill, is nothing short of a fairy-tale scene.

Don’t miss the chance to ring the church bell on the island and make a wish!

DAY 7-11: Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

On Day seven, make your way to Croatia’s lively capital, Zagreb. Explore the historic Gornji Grad, home to the brightly tiled St Mark’s Church, and visit the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships.

Delight in local dishes like “strukli” in the bustling Dolac Market.

A trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park is an absolute must for nature enthusiasts.

The park is a magical world of 16 interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush woodland home to diverse wildlife, including bears and wolves.

DAY 12-16: Sarajevo and Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

On day twelve, head to the captivating city of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. Explore the historical Bascarsija old bazaar, visit the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, and learn about the city’s recent history at the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

Savor local delights like cevapi, a grilled dish of minced meat, and burek, a meat-filled flaky pastry.

Make sure to spend a day in the historic city of Mostar, known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), quaint cobbled streets, and lively marketplaces.

DAY 17-21: Kotor and Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

End your European vacation in the town of Montenegro, Kotor. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, lined with medieval stone buildings, and visit the remarkable Kotor Cathedral.

The strenuous but rewarding hike up to the ancient San Giovanni Fortress rewards you with panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor.

Extend your Montenegro experience with a visit to Durmitor National Park. Explore its dramatic landscape featuring towering peaks, deep canyons, dense pine forests, and the enchanting Black Lake.

Best Time to Visit These Hidden Gems

 Experience these destinations in all their glory during the mild seasons of spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these times the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds are smaller.

6. Time for Sunshine: Greece, Spain, Portugal, and France

Want to soak up the sunshine on your European journey? This route is the ultimate combo for beach lovers.

The Europe trip itinerary moves you through Greece, Spain, Portugal, and France – countries celebrated for their stunning coastlines and unique food and drink.

Your 3-week Europe trip is set to offer an eclectic blend of sunbathing, swimming, and adventure.

Beach Lovers Europe Itinerary

• Day 1-5: Athens, Greece
• Day 6-10: Nice, France
• Day 11-15: Barcelona, Spain
• Day 16-21: Lisbon, Portugal

DAY 1-5: Athens, Greece

Your beach tour kicks off in Athens , Greece. From the historic Parthenon to the mesmerizing beaches of the Athenian Riviera, there’s a wealth of experiences waiting.

Soak up the sun at Astir Beach Club, go shopping in the Plaka district, or learn about Ancient Greece at the National Archaeology Museum .

DAY 6-10: Nice, France

Catch a flight to the glamorous city of Nice, France. The city’s stunning beaches on the French Riviera , such as Blue Beach or Opera Plage, are an ideal spot to unwind.

DAY 11-15: Barcelona, Spain

Next, head to Barcelona, a city renowned for its urban beaches and Gothic architecture. Head to Barceloneta Beach in the city center, explore La Boquería market, and marvel at Gaudi’s famous works.

DAY 16-21: Lisbon, Portugal

End your trip in the fabulous city of Lisbon . There are beautiful beaches in the surrounding region, perfect for day trips.

Head to the Belém district where you can learn about famous Portuguese explorers, wander the courtyard of a 16th-century monastery, and sample the famous custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém . Climb to St. George’s Castle for stunning city views.

Visit Cascais, Costa da Caparica, or Sintra for some time at the beach.

Best Time to Visit Mediterranean Beaches

The summer months, from June to August, are ideal for this itinerary, ensuring sunny weather for the ultimate beach relaxation. However, for smaller crowds, opt for late spring (May) or early fall (September).

7. The Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

Are you an adventurous traveler that loves exploring lesser-known destinations? The Baltic route , traversing through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, could be your ideal itinerary.

Each of these Northern European countries boasts a unique character, abundant with medieval charm, unspoiled natural landscapes, and a distinct cultural vibrancy.

Embarking on this 3-week journey offers you a chance to uncover Europe’s hidden gems.

Best of the Baltics

• Day 1-5: Vilnius, Lithuania
• Day 6-10: Riga, Latvia
• Day 11-15: Tartu, Estonia
• Day 16-21: Tallinn, Estonia

DAY 1-5: Vilnius, Lithuania

Begin your journey in the captivating city of Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with Baroque architecture set against the backdrop of cobblestone streets.

While here, explore the grandeur of Vilnius Cathedral, climb the Gediminas’ Tower for a sweeping view of the city, and pay a visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Užupis.

Round off your Lithuanian adventure by tasting traditional dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings) and kibinai (pastries filled with mutton and onion).

DAY 6-10: Riga, Latvia

Set course for Riga, Latvia’s capital, next. Riga’s skyline is dotted with spires reflecting its rich Art Nouveau heritage.

Wander through the picturesque Old Town, stand in awe of the Riga Cathedral’s beauty, and explore the bustling Central Market. Be sure to sample local specialties such as rye bread and smoked fish.

For a refreshing break, head to the pristine beaches of Jūrmala, just a short trip from the city center.

DAY 11-15: Tartu, Estonia

The next stop is Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, renowned as the country’s cultural and intellectual hub.

Visit the University of Tartu, the oldest university in Estonia, and stroll around Toome Hill Park, the city’s green heart.

Tartu’s Old Town is a blend of historical buildings and a vibrant street culture. Treat yourself to the local cuisine, particularly the Sült (jellied meat) and Kama (a traditional dessert).

DAY 16-21: Tallinn, Estonia

The final leg of your journey brings you to Tallinn, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Stroll the Old Town and admire the old buildings and stone towers, and be sure to visit the grand Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Explore the seafaring history at the Maritime Museum in the Seaplane Harbour, and relax in one of the city’s many parks.

Best Time to Visit The Baltic Capitals

To enjoy the Baltics in all their glory, consider visiting between May and September. The weather is typically mild and the landscapes are in full bloom. Summer days extend into long, light-filled evenings, perfect for exploring.

8. Christmas Market Tour: Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria

Nothing encapsulates the magic of the holiday season quite like the traditional Christmas markets of Europe . 

This specially curated tour takes you through the heart of four countries that really celebrate the holiday season – Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria. 

Each of these destinations boasts its own unique festive traditions, tantalizing local delicacies, and colorful markets, transforming your 3-week journey into a dreamy holiday extravaganza.

Christmas Market Highlights

• Day 1-5: Frankfurt, Germany
• Day 6-10: Strasbourg, France
• Day 11-15: Zurich, Switzerland
• Day 16-21: Innsbruck, Austria

DAY 1-5: Frankfurt, Germany

Begin your holiday journey in Frankfurt, home to one of Germany’s largest and oldest Christmas markets.

Held in the historic Römerberg Square, this market comes alive with over 200 beautifully decorated stalls offering a variety of gifts, from intricate Christmas decorations to handmade crafts.

Treat yourself to traditional German holiday specialties, such as lebkuchen (gingerbread), stollen (fruit bread), and a warm glass of apple wine.

Don’t miss a chance to enjoy the view of the market from above by climbing up the tower of St. Nicholas Church.

DAY 6-10: Strasbourg, France

Board a train to Strasbourg, lovingly known as the “Capital of Christmas.” Its Christmas market, dating back to 1570, now extends beyond the area surrounding Strasbourg Cathedral into the rest of the city.

As you wander through the 300 stalls, sample traditional Alsatian Christmas delicacies, including bretzels (pretzels), spiced biscuits, and vin chaud (mulled wine).

Take a stroll through La Petite France, the city’s historic district, adorned with decorations and lights. It’s a romantic place to explore any time of day or night.

DAY 11-15: Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich ‘s Christmas markets transform the city during the holiday season. Not-to-miss markets include the Christkindlimarkt at the main train station and the Wienachtsdorf near the water.

Another favorite is the singing Christmas tree and market that offers various performers throughout the season sharing their favorite Christmas carols.

Don’t miss a stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues. Climb Lindenhof Hill or the steps of Grossmünster Cathedral for beautiful city views. Be sure to sample Swiss fondue and chocolate during your visit.

DAY 16-21: Innsbruck, Austria

In the heart of the Austrian Alps lies Innsbruck, a true winter wonderland. With twinkling lights, snow-covered roofs, and majestic mountains, it’s an idyllic setting for the city’s Christmas markets.

Families should explore historic landmarks like the Golden Roof and St. Anne’s Column. For those wanting adventure, the nearby Nordkette mountain range offers winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. The breathtaking panoramic views from the cable car are sure to take everyone’s breath away.

Be sure to indulge in traditional Austrian delights like freshly baked strudel, warm chestnuts, and gingerbread cookies.

Innsbruck’s Christmas markets create a magical backdrop for families exploring Europe during the holiday season.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Christmas Markets 

The best time to visit Europe’s Christmas markets is from the end of November through December. During this time the markets are in full operation, and the European cities are filled with holiday spirit.

9. Highlights of the British Isles: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland

Culturally and geographically diverse, a three-week itinerary through these cities and their surroundings is an unforgettable experience. This trip appeals to history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the blending of the past and present that the British Isles have to offer. UK family holidays are made for all types of travelers.

These nations have a common history but each has a unique story to tell.

This 3-week exploration through England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland promises to delight every member of the family.

Best of the British Isles

• Day 6-10: Cardiff, Wales
• Day 11-15: Dublin, Ireland
• Day 16-21: Edinburgh, Scotland

We think London is the perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment. It won’t be a struggle to spend 5 days in this gorgeous city.

Visit iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, explore the British Museum, and find time to relax in Hyde Park or Regents Park.

The West End delights with kid-friendly shows like Matilda and The Lion King .

Day trips to the Harry Potter Studio Tour or Windsor Castle shouldn’t be missed. It’s easy to navigate London transportation or explore on foot.

DAY 6-10: Cardiff, Wales

Day 6 you’ll head to Cardiff, a vibrant city in Wales, just under 3 hours by train.

Begin with Cardiff Castle, where kids can be enchanted by the fairy-tale towers and explore all of its nooks and crannies. Bute Park offers tranquil walks and St. Fagans National Museum of History will teach everyone about Welsh heritage.

If you want to explore beyond Cardiff, we recommend day trips to Castle Coch and Caerphilly Castle.

DAY 11-15: Dublin, Ireland

There are a few options for traveling from Cardiff to Dublin. One is to travel to the northern part of Wales where you can catch a ferry from Holyhead to Dublin. It takes about 2.5 hours. If you don’t want to make the drive, there are non-stop flights between Cardiff and Dublin on Ryanair.

Dublin offers history, culture, and a lot of green space. Don’t miss the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum and the national museums which are all free.

Take a stroll through Phoenix Park or St. Stephen’s Green. Learn about Ireland’s political history at Kilmainham Gaol. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy a tour of Guinness Storehouse where you can grab a bite to eat, sample draft beer, and take in city views from the Gravity Bar.

DAY 16-21: Edinburgh, Scotland

Finish this itinerary in Edinburgh , an easy one-hour flight from Dublin. The city has a rich history, stunning architecture, and amazing summer festivals. Be sure to explore Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to learn about British royalty and their Scottish connections.

Shop along the Royal Mile, hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views or take a city ghost tour . No matter what you choose, Edinburgh is sure to please all ages.

What is the Best Time to Visit the British Isles?

To fully enjoy this itinerary, we recommend visiting from April to June or September to October. During these times the weather may be cold and rainy, or warm and sunny. It’s very unpredictable, but you will enjoy fewer crowds, which is always a bonus.

10. Eastern Europe Route: Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Romania

Embark on an unexplored journey to Eastern Europe, where history comes alive in the stunning architecture, ancient cities, and rich cultural traditions of Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. 

This 3-week journey offers an authentic, immersive experience that breaks away from the typical tourist paths.

Eastern Europe Explorer

• Day 1-5: Berlin, Germany
• Day 6-10: Warsaw, Poland
• Day 11-15: Budapest, Hungary
• Day 16-21: Bucharest, Romania

DAY 1-5: Berlin, Germany

First up on this itinerary is Berlin, a city that has witnessed pivotal moments in modern history. Reflect on the Cold War era as you explore remnants of the Berlin Wall. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of European unity and peace.

Explore Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing five of Berlin’s most important museums. The Pergamon has a vast collection of antiquities, and the Neues Museum has the famous bust of Nefertiti.

Round off your stay in Berlin with a visit to the historic Alexanderplatz and the Berlin Cathedral.

DAY 6-10: Warsaw, Poland

Next up is Warsaw, the resilient capital of Poland. Walk along the Royal Route, witnessing centuries-old palaces, churches, and statues. Tour the meticulously restored Royal Castle, home to numerous works of art. 

Visit Wilanów Palace, a pearl of Polish Baroque architecture surrounded by magnificent gardens. 

Learn about the city’s wartime past at the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews . 

Indulge in traditional Polish dishes, from comforting pierogi dumplings to the hearty hunter’s stew, bigos.

DAY 11-15: Budapest, Hungary

From Warsaw head to Budapest, Hungary’s illustrious capital, known for its thermal baths and art nouveau architecture. 

Visit Buda Castle, situated on Castle Hill, with fabulous views of the Danube and the Pest side of the city. 

Explore Gellért and Széchenyi Thermal Baths for a relaxing, quintessential Budapest experience. 

DAY 16-21: Bucharest, Romania

Finish your Eastern European odyssey in Bucharest, Romania. Visit the colossal Palace of the Parliament, the world’s heaviest building created by the notorious former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. Families will be pleasantly surprised by all of the fun things to do in Bucharest with kids .

Explore the historic Lipscani district, where cobblestone streets are lined with bustling cafes, bohemian boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. 

Spend time in Herastrau Park, or take a trip to the Village Museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life. 

If you have time, take a day trip to Transylvania to see a different side of Romania.

What is the Best Time to Visit Eastern Europe?

We recommend exploring this Eastern European route during the shoulder seasons, specifically between April and June or September and October. These periods promise pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it the perfect opportunity to explore these unique destinations.

How to Plan a 3 Week Europe Itinerary

1. decide where you want to go.

Define what you want to get out of the trip. Is your group interested in history, art, food, adventure, relaxation, or a mix of these? Your interests will guide your choice of destinations

2. Choose your destinations wisely

Research various countries and cities to find ones that match your interests. Aim for a balance between popular spots and lesser-known destinations for a well-rounded experience.

3. How many countries should I visit in Europe in 3 weeks?

This is a personal choice. How often do you want to move accommodation? For three weeks in Europe, we recommend 3 to 4 different locations. Note that travel time between locations can significantly reduce the actual time you have for exploration.

If it is your first time visiting Europe be sure to leave enough time to make connections. Opt for destinations that are closer together or well-connected by efficient transport networks.

4. How Much to Pack for 3 Weeks in Europe

For such a long trip we recommend liming luggage to the essentials . Choose items that mix and match and pack layers.

The weather can vary greatly across Europe, so be sure to check the weather during your trip and pack appropriately.

If it’s an option, book accommodation with a washer and/or dryer so you can pack fewer clothes. Remember, you’ll probably pick up a few souvenirs along the way.

5. Don’t over plan your trip

While it’s tempting to try and see everything, cramming too many activities or cities into your itinerary can lead to burnout. Allow for downtime and spontaneous exploration, especially when traveling with younger kids. Flexibility is key.

6. Research Visa Requirements

Some countries may require visas for entry, so ensure that you’re aware of these requirements and prepare accordingly.

*Note: Starting in 2024, Americans will need authorization through ETIAS to visit 30 European countries. For more information, we recommend this website .

7. How Far in Advance to Book a Trip to Europe

This really depends on your schedule and availability. It also depends on the time of year you plan to travel.

We recommend booking flights and accommodations at least 6 months in advance to get your first choices. Be sure to book your intercity train or plane tickets at the same time.

If there are any must-see attractions or experiences on your list, be sure to book those in advance to prevent disappointment.

8. Purchase Travel Insurance

I’ve had to file two claims in the last two years and I wouldn’t recommend traveling without insurance right now. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected situations such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

9. How to Stay Connected in Europe

Consider your options for staying connected, such as getting a local SIM card or portable WiFi. Each carrier offers different coverage. T-Mobile offers an international calling plan, whereas Verizon and AT&T offer a daily rate. Another option is to set phones to airplane mode and use Wi-Fi when available.

Recently we discovered eSIM cards which are very easy to use. Just download the app to your phone and connect through it. We used Airalo and felt it was a great option.

10. How much should I budget for 3 weeks in Europe ?

Unfortunately, it’s not a set number. Nordic countries are typically more expensive than the rest of Europe. Southern countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain are relatively inexpensive as are the former Yugoslavian countries, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Depending on your travel style and how many people are traveling with you, I think it’s safe to plan on $1000 minimum per week.

Research and plan your budget carefully. You’ll need to be sure to account for transportation, accommodation, food, attractions, and tours at a minimum. We recommend you always carry emergency cash just in case.

Wrap-Up: 3 Week Europe Itinerary

Planning your three-week European adventure can be as exciting as the journey itself.

Whether you’re drawn to the allure of famous landmarks or the charm of hidden gems, there’s an itinerary to fit your interests. Relax in small towns or soak up big-city energy. Europe is a great place to learn about a variety of cultures, sample some amazing cuisine, and check some highlights off your travel bucket list.

Remember to plan thoroughly yet stay flexible, savor each moment, and embrace the unexpected. The memories you’ll create are sure to be priceless. 

This continent’s beauty is unmatched, its heritage profound, and its allure is irresistible. 

About the author: This article was co-written by Kirsten of Kids Are A Trip and Fiona, an Australian Travel Blogger at  Travelling Thirtie s . She has spent the last 13 years traveling Europe extensively and discovered the best ways to spend 21 days in Europe. Kirsten has traveled throughout Europe annually for the last 30 years.

The post 3 Week Europe Itinerary: 10 Perfect Ideas appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes