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Planning your first Europe trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many incredible destinations, it’s hard to decide where to start. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or looking for a mid-range European vacation itinerary, I’ve curated 10 diverse 2-week itineraries to inspire your next adventure.
These Europe travel routes are packed with iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and helpful travel tips to ensure your multi-city Europe trip goes smoothly.
Best Europe Travel Routes For Classic Sights and Landmarks
Itinerary 1: Classic Western Europe Highlights
ROUTE: Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam → Cologne → Berlin
BUDGET: Budget: €100/day; Mid-range: €200/day
Perfect for first-time travelers and one of the best Europe travel routes, this itinerary covers iconic cities brimming with art, history, and culture. From Parisian romance to Berlin’s edgy vibes, this is the quintessential backpack Europe route.
Days 1-4
Start in Paris, where highlights include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and charming Montmartre. Wander along the Seine’s banks and sip coffee at quaint cafes. Consider a day trip to the Palace of Versailles for its opulent gardens and history.
Want more unique ideas of what you can do in Paris? Check out my recent blog on how to experience Paris like a local.
Day 5
Travel to Brussels by train (1.5 hours). Savour Belgian chocolates, visit the ornate Grand Place, and see the quirky Manneken Pis statue. Don’t miss sampling a Belgian waffle!
Days 6-7
Head to Amsterdam (2 hours by train). Explore the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and scenic canals. Rent a bike to navigate the city like a local and unwind at Vondelpark.
Day 8
Take a 2.5-hour train to Cologne. Visit the imposing Cologne Cathedral and enjoy the Rhine River promenade. Check out the city’s vibrant street art.
Days 9-10
Continue to Berlin (4-hour train). Discover the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and East Side Gallery. Immerse yourself in the dynamic nightlife or tour the Reichstag Building.
Days 11-14
Spend extra time exploring Berlin’s dynamic neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and museums such as the Pergamon or DDR Museum.
Itinerary 2: Northern European Capitals
ROUTE: London → Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam → Berlin
BUDGET: Budget: €100/day; Mid-range: €200/day
As one of the classic Europe travel routes, this itinerary showcases Europe’s iconic capitals, mixing history, art, and culture across five dynamic cities and countries.
Days 1-3
Begin in London. See Buckingham Palace, tour the British Museum, and ride the London Eye. Don’t miss a visit to the historic Tower of London.
Days 4-6
Take the Eurostar train to Paris (2.5 hours). Wander through the Marais, explore the Musée d’Orsay, and picnic by the Eiffel Tower.
Days 7-8
Head to Brussels (1.5-hour train). Indulge in Belgian beer, visit the Atomium, and enjoy the city’s relaxed vibe.
Days 9-10
Travel to Amsterdam (2 hours by train). Tour the Rijksmuseum, cycle along canals, and relax in Jordaan’s trendy cafes.
Days 11-14
Conclude in Berlin (6-hour train). Discover its gritty history at Checkpoint Charlie and the Holocaust Memorial while soaking up its cutting-edge arts scene.
Best Europe Travel Routes For History and Culture
Itinerary 3: Mediterranean Magic
ROUTE: Rome → Florence → Venice → Dubrovnik → Split
BUDGET: Budget: €80/day; Mid-range: €150/day
Looking for one of the best summer Europe travel routes? This itinerary is a dream for art lovers and history enthusiasts, and takes you through Italy’s masterpieces and Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast.
Days 1-4
Begin in Rome. Explore the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Trevi Fountain. Wander the Roman Forum and indulge in authentic pasta dishes in Trastevere.
Days 5-6
Travel to Florence (1.5-hour train). Marvel at Michelangelo’s David and stroll through the Uffizi Gallery. Take a day trip to Pisa or Tuscany’s rolling vineyards for wine tasting.
Days 7-8
Take a 2-hour train to Venice. Enjoy gondola rides, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, and explore the Doge’s Palace. Don’t miss the unique glass workshops on Murano Island.
Day 9
Fly to Dubrovnik (1.5 hours). Walk the medieval city walls for breathtaking views and visit filming locations from “Game of Thrones.”
Days 10-12
Drive to Split (3 hours). Tour the sprawling Diocletian’s Palace, enjoy fresh seafood, and unwind at nearby beaches like Bacvice.
Days 13-14
Wrap up in Split, soaking up Croatia’s coastal charm and enjoying vibrant local markets.
ROUTE: Copenhagen → Gothenburg → Oslo → Stockholm → Helsinki
BUDGET: Budget: €100/day; Mid-range: €180/day
For lovers of clean design, stunning landscapes, and Nordic culture, this route is a refreshing European vacation itinerary.
Days 1-3
Start in Copenhagen. Visit Nyhavn’s colorful harbor, the Little Mermaid statue, and Tivoli Gardens. Sample smørrebrød and enjoy a canal tour.
What more ideas of things to do in Copenhagen? Check out my blog on how to spend 3 days in the Danish capital!
Day 4
Travel to Gothenburg by train (3 hours). Discover its canals, botanical gardens, and seafood markets. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for relaxing.
Days 5-6
Head to Oslo (3.5-hour train). Tour the Viking Ship Museum and explore Vigeland Park. For active travelers, hike to Holmenkollen for panoramic views.
Days 7-10
Take a 5-hour train to Stockholm. Explore Gamla Stan, visit the Vasa Museum, and immerse yourself in trendy Södermalm. A boat tour of the Stockholm archipelago is a must.
Day 11
Catch an overnight ferry to Helsinki. Walk through the Design District, visit Suomenlinna Fortress, and try Finnish delicacies.
Days 12-14
Unwind in Helsinki’s parks, saunas, and bustling market squares before departing.
Best Europe Travel Routes For Cheap European Getaways
Itinerary 5: Eastern Europe Delights
ROUTE: Prague → Krakow → Budapest → Vienna → Bratislava
BUDGET: Budget: €50/day; Mid-range: €120/day
Dive into Central Europe’s rich history, ornate architecture, and vibrant traditions on this backpacking itinerary.
Days 1-3
Start in Prague. Stroll along the Charles Bridge, visit Old Town Square, and tour the iconic Prague Castle. Enjoy a traditional Czech beer in one of the city’s cozy pubs.
Days 4-5
Travel to Krakow (7-hour train). Explore Wawel Castle, the medieval Market Square, and Auschwitz-Birkenau for a sobering historical perspective.
Days 6-8
Take an overnight train to Budapest (10 hours). Relax in thermal baths, wander through the Castle District, and enjoy stunning views from Fisherman’s Bastion.
Days 9-11
Vienna is just 3 hours away by train. Explore Schönbrunn Palace, attend a classical concert, and savor coffee with a slice of Sachertorte.
Days 12-14
End in Bratislava (1-hour train). Wander its charming Old Town, admire the Blue Church, and hike to Bratislava Castle for sweeping city views.
Itinerary 6: Iberian Peninsula Adventure
ROUTE: Lisbon → Porto → Madrid → Barcelona → Valencia
BUDGET: Budget: €70/day; Mid-range: €140/day
Experience the vibrant culture, culinary delights, and sunny landscapes of Spain and Portugal.
Days 1-3
Start in Lisbon. Visit Belém Tower, ride Tram 28, and listen to soulful fado music in the Alfama district. Don’t miss the historic Jerónimos Monastery.
Days 4-5
Travel to Porto (3-hour train). Taste port wine, admire the Douro River, and explore the iconic Livraria Lello bookstore.
Days 6-8
Fly to Madrid (1 hour). Discover the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and bustling Puerta del Sol. Try tapas at Mercado San Miguel.
Want to experience the best of Madrid in a day? Check out my 1 day self guided Madrid walking tour!
Days 9-11
A 3-hour train takes you to Barcelona. Marvel at Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, stroll through Park Güell, and enjoy Barceloneta Beach.
Days 12-14
Valencia is a 3-hour train ride away. Visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, wander through the Turia Gardens, and savor a traditional paella by the sea.
Itinerary 7: Balkan Explorer
ROUTE: Sofia → Belgrade → Sarajevo → Kotor → Tirana
BUDGET: Budget: €30/day; Mid-range: €70/day
Uncover the lesser-known gems of the Balkans, rich in history and natural beauty.
Days 1-3
Start in Sofia. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, explore Vitosha Mountain, and try traditional Bulgarian dishes like banitsa.
Day 4
Travel to Belgrade (7-hour train). Stroll through Kalemegdan Fortress, visit Skadarlija Street, and experience nightlife on floating river clubs.
Days 5-6
Head to Sarajevo (6-hour bus). Tour the Latin Bridge, explore Baščaršija market, and learn about its complex history at the War Childhood Museum.
Days 7-9
Travel to Kotor (6-hour bus). Hike to the fortress for panoramic bay views and wander through its medieval streets.
Days 10-14
End in Tirana (6-hour bus). Explore the colorful Blloku district, visit the Pyramid of Tirana, and delve into Albanian history
Itinerary 8: Central Europe Off the Beaten Path
ROUTE: Ljubljana → Lake Bled → Zagreb → Pécs → Eger
BUDGET: Budget: €40/day; Mid-range: €90/day
Discover Central Europe’s hidden gems, where stunning landscapes meet rich traditions.
Days 1-3
Start in Ljubljana. Visit the charming old town, Ljubljana Castle, and enjoy the café culture along the Ljubljanica River.
Days 4-5
Take a day trip to Lake Bled (1 hour). Row to Bled Island, hike to Bled Castle, and savor a slice of cream cake.
Days 6-7
Travel to Zagreb (2-hour train). Explore its colorful Dolac Market, visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Days 8-10
Head to Pécs (3-hour train). Discover its Roman ruins, art galleries, and Turkish-influenced architecture.
Days 11-14
Finish in Eger (2-hour train). Tour the historic castle, relax in thermal baths, and taste the region’s famous Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) wine.
Best Europe Travel Routes For Natural Beauty
Itinerary 9: Alpine Dreams
ROUTE: Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt → Geneva
BUDGET: Budget: €120/day; Mid-range: €200/day
Escape to the Swiss Alps, where breathtaking landscapes and serene towns await on one of the most scenic Europe travel routes.
Days 1-2
Start in Zurich. Stroll along Lake Zurich, explore the old town, and visit the Swiss National Museum.
Visiting in the winter? Check out my recent blog on how to spend a perfect 3 days in Zurich.
Days 3-4
Take a 1-hour train to Lucerne. Ride the cable car up Mount Pilatus, walk the Chapel Bridge, and take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne.
Days 5-7
Travel to Interlaken (2 hours by train). Go paragliding, hike around the Jungfrau region, or take the scenic Schynige Platte railway.
Days 8-10
Take the Glacier Express to Zermatt (4 hours). Marvel at the Matterhorn and explore the Gornergrat railway.
Days 11-14
End in Geneva. Visit the United Nations office, stroll along Lake Geneva, and enjoy the city’s cosmopolitan dining scene.
Itinerary 10: Greek Island Hopper
ROUTE: Athens → Santorini → Mykonos → Naxos → CreteBUDGET: Budget: €70/day; Mid-range: €130/day
Hop from ancient ruins to idyllic beaches on this sun-soaked European tour itinerary.
Days 1-3
Start in Athens. Climb the Acropolis, explore the ancient Agora, and dine in Plaka. The city’s vibrant street art and markets offer modern charm.
Days 4-6
Fly to Santorini (1 hour). Visit Oia’s iconic blue-domed churches, relax on Red Beach, and enjoy the island’s world-famous sunsets.
Days 7-8
Take a ferry to Mykonos (2 hours). Experience its lively nightlife, stroll through Little Venice, and unwind at Paradise Beach.
Days 9-10
Travel to Naxos by ferry (1 hour). Explore its Venetian castle, lush valleys, and pristine beaches.
Days 11-14
End in Crete (4-hour ferry). Tour the Palace of Knossos, hike Samaria Gorge, and enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine in Chania.
Ready to plan your first Europe trip? Whether you’re looking for a backpacking itinerary or a more comfortable European vacation itinerary, these 2-week plans offer something for everyone. Dive into Europe trip planning today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
