Expertly crafted multi-country trip plans for 7, 14, and 21 days. Whether conquering your first European adventure or returning for deeper exploration, these itineraries balance iconic landmarks with local experiences.
Planning a European adventure requires balancing must-see cities with realistic travel times. After helping thousands of travel agents craft Europe packages, we've distilled our expertise into these practical multi-country itineraries that actually work.
Each itinerary considers high-speed train connections, flight logistics, accommodation locations, and leaves breathing room for spontaneous discoveries. We've factored in museum fatigue, walking distances, and the reality that rushing between five cities in four days creates stress, not memories.
These routes follow efficient geographic loops, minimizing backtracking while hitting highlights across Western and Central Europe. All itineraries assume arrival and departure from major hubs with good international connections.
Paris - Amsterdam - Brussels route for first-timers
Best for First VisitTake RER B train to central Paris (EUR 11.45, 45 minutes). Check into hotel near Latin Quarter or Marais for walkable access to attractions. Most hotels allow 2 PM check-in.
Start with Notre-Dame exterior (interior still closed for restoration). Walk to Sainte-Chapelle for stunning stained glass (EUR 13). Explore the flower market and Pont Neuf.
Wander Rue Mouffetard market street. Dinner at a traditional bistro - expect EUR 25-40 per person. Try French onion soup, coq au vin, or steak frites.
Take Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim for the walk across Pont de Bir-Hakeim with tower views. Watch the hourly light show from Trocadéro gardens (free). Tower summit tickets EUR 29 if booked weeks ahead.
Pre-book timed entry (EUR 22, under 26 EU citizens free). Focus on highlights: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Egyptian antiquities. The museum is massive - attempting everything guarantees exhaustion. Budget 3 hours maximum.
Walk through Tuileries to Place de la Concorde. Continue up Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe (rooftop EUR 16). Lunch at a café - simple sandwich and coffee EUR 12-18.
Metro to Abbesses station. Climb to Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry, dome EUR 8). Explore Place du Tertre artist square, though it's touristy. Better atmosphere wandering the side streets with vineyard and Moulin de la Galette.
Dinner in Le Marais - trendy bistros, falafel shops, wine bars. Explore the historic Jewish quarter and LGBT nightlife scene. Rue des Rosiers for Middle Eastern food, Rue Vieille du Temple for drinks.
Impressionist art collection in a former railway station (EUR 16). Works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh. Less overwhelming than the Louvre. The building itself is architectural art. 2 hours sufficient.
High-speed train from Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal (3 hours 20 minutes). Book in advance for EUR 35-65 vs EUR 100+ at station. Comfort Class adds EUR 15 for power outlets and quieter carriage.
Check into hotel near Jordaan or De Pijp neighborhoods (better value than tourist-packed center). Walk the canals - Nine Streets shopping area, Prinsengracht, Anne Frank House exterior (book tickets weeks ahead if you want to enter).
Amsterdam's colonial history means excellent Indonesian food. Rijsttafel (rice table) features 15-20 small dishes - EUR 30-45 per person. Try Kantjil & de Tijger or Blauw.
Dutch Golden Age masterpieces including Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid. Book timed entry online (EUR 22.50). The museum is massive but highlights are well-signed. 2-3 hours recommended.
Amsterdam's best transport. Rental EUR 10-15/day from shops near Centraal Station. Cycle to Vondelpark for picnic lunch. Watch for trams and follow cycle lane rules - locals are fast and won't slow for tourists.
World's largest Van Gogh collection (EUR 22, advance booking required). See the progression from dark Dutch paintings to bright French works. Sunflowers, Bedroom in Arles, Almond Blossoms. Often sold out days ahead in summer.
Dinner in this artsy neighborhood with galleries, vintage shops, brown cafes (traditional pubs). Try stamppot (mashed potato dishes) or bitterballen with local beer. Café 't Smalle offers canal-side seating.
1-hour cruise through canal ring (EUR 18-22). Best way to see canal houses, bridges, houseboats. Audio guide explains Amsterdam's water management and Golden Age history. Morning light is best for photos.
Thalys high-speed train from Amsterdam to Brussels (1 hour 53 minutes). Book advance for EUR 29-44. Brussels Centraal station is walking distance to Grand Place.
UNESCO-listed Grand Place is Belgium's showpiece - gilded guild halls surrounding cobblestone square. Nearby Manneken Pis statue is underwhelming but obligatory. Authentic waffle at Maison Dandoy EUR 5-8.
Follow the comic strip murals (Tintin, Smurfs) painted on buildings. Pick up a map at tourist office or download online. Combines street art hunt with exploring Brussels neighborhoods.
Brussels specialty: mussels with fries. Chez Léon is tourist-friendly, EUR 20-25. Pair with Belgian beer - Trappist ales or lambics. Visit Delirium Café for 2,000+ beer selection.
1 hour from Brussels (EUR 18 return). Medieval town so picturesque it feels like a movie set. Arrive early before day-tripper crowds overwhelm the narrow streets.
Climb the Belfry tower for rooftop views (EUR 12, 366 steps, no elevator). Market Square surrounded by colorful guild houses. Visit Basilica of the Holy Blood (free) with its venerated relic.
30-minute canal tour (EUR 13) provides unique perspectives of medieval architecture. Then hit chocolate shops - Bruges has 50+ chocolatiers. The Chocolate Line for inventive flavors, Dumon for traditional pralines.
Evening train back to Brussels. Final dinner in Îlot Sacré restaurant district near Grand Place. Try carbonnade flamande (Belgian beef stew) or waterzooi (creamy chicken stew).
Visit Parc du Cinquantenaire with triumphal arch and museums. See the European Parliament buildings. The Parlamentarium visitor center offers free interactive EU exhibits.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for Belgian chocolates, lace, beer to bring home. The glass-roofed shopping arcade dates from 1847. Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus for premium chocolate gifts.
Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is 25 minutes by train (EUR 10.30). Or continue to Amsterdam or Paris for international departure depending on flight routing.
The perfect balance of cities and pace
Most PopularThis itinerary includes Paris and adds Central Europe's highlights. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting comprehensive coverage without exhausting pace.
Follow Days 1-2 from the 7-day itinerary. On Day 3 afternoon, add Versailles Palace day trip (EUR 28, RER C train EUR 7.50 return). The palace requires 4-5 hours including gardens. Skip if you prefer more Paris neighborhood time.
Paris Gare de Lyon to Basel (2h 40min), then Basel to Interlaken Ost (2h 30min). Book Swiss Travel Pass for Switzerland portion (3-day pass CHF 252 covers trains, buses, boats). Scenery improves dramatically after Basel.
Check into hotel with mountain views. This small town sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz beneath the Jungfrau massif. Walk Höheweg promenade for mountain photography. Dinner at Swiss restaurant - fondue CHF 28, rösti CHF 18.
Early start essential for clear mountain views before afternoon clouds. Train via Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch station at 3,454m (CHF 120 with Swiss Pass discount, otherwise CHF 220). The journey through Eiger north face is spectacular.
Ice Palace sculptures, Sphinx Observatory platform (360-degree Alpine views), snow activities. Acclimatize slowly to altitude. The view extends to France, Germany, Italy on clear days. Budget 2 hours at summit.
On return journey, stop at Lauterbrunnen village known for 72 waterfalls cascading down valley cliffs. Walk to Staubbach Falls (300m drop). The valley inspired Tolkien's Rivendell.
Interlaken to Milan (4h), Milan to Venice (2h 30min). The route crosses the Alps through Gotthard Base Tunnel. Book Swiss to Italian border leg in advance. First-class worth it for panoramic windows and comfort.
Take vaporetto (water bus) from Santa Lucia station down Grand Canal (EUR 9.50 single, EUR 25 24-hour pass). Hotel near San Marco or Rialto for easy navigation. First impressions of Venice are always magical - canal-side palaces, gondolas, bridges.
St. Mark's Basilica (free, EUR 5 for treasury), Doge's Palace (EUR 30, book ahead). Climb Campanile bell tower for lagoon views (EUR 10). The square fills with tourists by 11 AM - arrive early or late afternoon.
Vaporetto to Murano for glass-blowing demonstrations (free at factories hoping you'll buy). Continue to Burano for colorful houses and lace-making tradition. Burano is Instagram-famous but genuinely charming. Budget 4 hours for both islands.
Cicchetti (small plates) bar hopping in Cannaregio neighborhood. Less touristy than San Marco, better prices. Order prosecco and sample baccalà mantecato (whipped cod), sarde in saor (sweet-sour sardines). EUR 20-30 for full meal.
EUR 80-100 for 30 minutes, split among 6 people maximum. Touristy but quintessentially Venetian. Negotiate price beforehand. Alternative: EUR 2 traghetto (gondola ferry) crossing Grand Canal offers similar experience.
Freccia train Venice to Florence (2 hours 5 minutes, EUR 25-50 advance booking). Florence's Santa Maria Novella station is walking distance to all major sights within historic center.
Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza della Signoria with outdoor sculpture gallery, Duomo exterior. Climb Duomo cupola for rooftop views (EUR 20, book ahead). 463 steps but architectural marvel worth the climb.
Bistecca alla fiorentina (massive T-bone steak, EUR 50-60 for two), ribollita soup, pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta). Drink local Chianti wine. Trattoria ZaZa or Trattoria Mario for authentic atmosphere.
Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli (Birth of Venus), Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo. Book timed entry months ahead (EUR 26, sells out). Budget 3 hours minimum. The collection is exhausting in scale - focus on key rooms.
Michelangelo's David is the draw (EUR 16, advance booking essential). The 5.17-meter marble sculpture exceeds expectations. Gallery also has Michelangelo's unfinished Prisoners sculptures. 1-2 hours sufficient.
Cross the river to artisan workshops neighborhood. Visit Palazzo Pitti if museum stamina remains. Better to wander shops selling leather goods, jewelry, paper crafts. Aperitivo hour (6-8 PM) offers cocktails with free buffet snacks.
Organized tour visiting 2-3 wineries in Chianti countryside (EUR 60-90). Includes tastings, lunch, transport. See cypress-lined hills, medieval villages, vineyard terraces. Returns to Florence by 2 PM for onward travel.
Freccia high-speed train Florence to Rome (1h 30min, EUR 20-45). Arrive Rome Termini station. Check into hotel near Termini or Trastevere. Evening walk to Trevi Fountain - throw coin over shoulder (tradition ensures return to Rome).
Day 11 Morning: Colosseum (EUR 18, book timed entry) and Roman Forum. Combined ticket includes Palatine Hill. Budget 3-4 hours. Arrive at 9 AM opening to avoid midday heat and crowds.
Day 11 Afternoon: Pantheon (free), Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps. Evening in Trastevere neighborhood for dinner (cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana pasta EUR 12-15). Gelato at San Crispino near Trevi Fountain.
Day 12 Morning: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (EUR 20, book ahead). Arrive before 9 AM - lines reach 2-hour waits by noon. The museums are vast - follow signs to Sistine Chapel if short on time.
Day 12 Afternoon: St. Peter's Basilica (free, dress code enforced). Climb the dome for EUR 10 (551 steps) or EUR 8 with elevator part-way. Vatican City smallest country, biggest church, unmatched art collection.
Day 13: Morning flight Rome to Vienna (1h 30min, from EUR 40 on budget carriers). Afternoon at Schönbrunn Palace - summer residence of Habsburgs (EUR 22 Grand Tour). Walk palace gardens (free) with Gloriette viewpoint. Evening at traditional Viennese coffeehouse for sachertorte and melange coffee.
Day 14: Morning at Hofburg Palace complex - Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Spanish Riding School. Afternoon walk Ringstrasse boulevard past Opera House, Parliament, City Hall. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral. Evening concert (Mozart, Strauss performances EUR 30-60) or dinner at Plachutta for tafelspitz (boiled beef, Vienna specialty).
Departure: Vienna International Airport well-connected internationally. Or overnight train to Amsterdam/Brussels for departure from Western Europe.
Comprehensive journey at comfortable pace
Ultimate ExperienceThis three-week itinerary adds Spain, Germany, and Czech Republic to the classic route. Allows for day trips, slower pace, and deeper exploration of each destination.
Day 1: Arrive Barcelona. Walk Las Ramblas to Gothic Quarter. Explore narrow medieval streets, Plaça Reial, Barcelona Cathedral. Dinner at tapas bar in El Born neighborhood (patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, pan con tomate EUR 25-35 per person).
Day 2: Morning at Sagrada Família - Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece (EUR 26, book weeks ahead). Afternoon at Park Güell mosaic terraces (EUR 13 timed entry). Evening at Barceloneta Beach for paella and sunset.
Day 3: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (Gaudí houses on Passeig de Gràcia, EUR 25 each). Lunch at La Boqueria market. Afternoon at Picasso Museum (EUR 12). Evening cable car to Montjuïc hill for city views and Magic Fountain show (free).
Day 4: Day trip to Montserrat monastery (1 hour by train + cable car, EUR 32 return). Mountain setting is spectacular. Return to Barcelona for farewell dinner in Gràcia neighborhood.
Morning Flight: Barcelona to Paris (2 hours, from EUR 50). Follow Paris Days 1-2 from 7-day itinerary above - Île de la Cité, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Montmartre. Two days gives solid Paris overview with time for café lingering.
Day 7: TGV Paris to Nice (5h 30min, EUR 40-80 advance). Afternoon walk Promenade des Anglais, explore Old Town (Vieux Nice), dinner at Cours Saleya. Nice serves as base for region exploration.
Day 8: Train to Monaco (20 minutes, EUR 4). Visit Monte Carlo Casino, Prince's Palace, Oceanographic Museum. Afternoon train to Antibes or Cannes for beach time. Return to Nice for evening.
Day 9: Rent a car for Provence loop - Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Les Baux-de-Provence. Lavender fields (June-July), hilltop villages, Roman ruins. Return car in Nice. Evening flight or overnight train to Italy.
Follow the 14-day itinerary Days 6-10 but compressed. Venice (1.5 days), Florence (1.5 days), Rome (2 days). Fast pace but hits highlights. Alternative: spend full 3 days in Rome, skip Venice or Florence for deeper exploration.
Day 13: Train from Italy through Alps to Lucerne. Walk Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Old Town. Boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (Swiss Pass covers). Evening fondue dinner.
Day 14: Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi excursion (CHF 72-95 with Swiss Pass discount). Cable car, cogwheel train, hiking options. Panoramic Alpine views. Afternoon train to Munich via Zurich.
Day 15: Arrive Munich. Walk Marienplatz for Glockenspiel show (11 AM, noon, 5 PM). Visit Viktualienmarkt food market. Afternoon at Englischer Garten (beer garden at Chinese Tower). Evening at Hofbräuhaus beer hall (1-liter steins, pretzels, schnitzel).
Day 16: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hours each way, EUR 13 entry, book timed ticket ahead). Disney's castle inspiration. Combine with Linderhof Palace. Full-day tour or self-drive. Returns to Munich evening.
Day 17: Dachau Memorial Site morning visit (sobering but important history, EUR 3 audio guide). Afternoon Deutsches Museum (technology/science) or BMW Museum. Evening in Schwabing district for dinner.
Day 18: Train or bus Munich to Prague (5-6 hours, from EUR 20). Afternoon walk Charles Bridge, Prague Castle complex. Evening in Old Town Square watching Astronomical Clock (hourly show). Dinner at traditional Czech restaurant (goulash, svíčková, Czech beer EUR 15-20).
Day 19: Morning at Prague Castle - St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane. Afternoon in Jewish Quarter (synagogues, cemetery, EUR 14 combined ticket). Evening cruise on Vltava River or visit jazz club. Prague's architecture and prices make it favorite stop for many travelers.
Day 20: Train Prague to Vienna (4 hours, EUR 20-40). Afternoon at Schönbrunn Palace. Evening at coffeehouse or concert.
Day 21: Morning at Hofburg Palace or Belvedere Palace (Klimt's "The Kiss"). Last-minute shopping on Kärntner Strasse. Afternoon departure from Vienna International Airport.
Alternative Routes: From Vienna, overnight train to Amsterdam (14 hours, from EUR 40 in sleeper) or flight to Brussels/Paris for Western Europe departure. Or continue to Budapest (3 hours by train) for extended Eastern Europe exploration.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Trip | EUR 900-1,200 | EUR 1,800-2,500 | EUR 4,000+ |
| 14-Day Trip | EUR 1,800-2,400 | EUR 3,500-5,000 | EUR 8,000+ |
| 21-Day Trip | EUR 2,700-3,600 | EUR 5,000-7,500 | EUR 12,000+ |
Budget includes: Accommodation, meals, attractions, and inter-city transport. Does not include international flights to/from Europe.
Best for: Paris-Brussels, Paris-Amsterdam, Milan-Rome, Munich-Vienna
Cost: EUR 35-120 depending on booking advance
Pros: City center to city center, no airport hassles, scenic routes
Book: Rail Europe, Trainline, or national rail sites 2-3 months ahead
Best for: Barcelona-Paris, Rome-Prague, long distances (500km+)
Cost: EUR 30-100 if booked ahead
Pros: Faster than trains for long routes, often cheaper
Watch for: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling. Add baggage fees to real cost.
Best for: Vienna-Venice, Paris-Nice, Prague-Berlin
Cost: EUR 40-120 for sleeper compartment
Pros: Save a hotel night, wake up in new city, romantic experience
Book: ÖBB Nightjet, Thello, Trenhotel services well in advance
Worth it if: Taking 8+ train journeys in flexible itinerary
Cost: EUR 350-650 depending on duration and countries
Pros: Flexibility to hop on trains spontaneously, covers local transport
Note: Reservation fees apply on high-speed trains (EUR 10-30 extra)
Peak Season (June-August): Warmest weather, longest days, biggest crowds, highest prices. Book 3-6 months ahead.
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Best balance - pleasant weather, smaller crowds, lower prices. Our recommendation for first-time visitors.
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets (December), lowest prices, some Alpine skiing, but shorter days and cold weather. Indoor sights (museums) work well.
Geographic loops: Plan routes in circles, not ping-ponging back and forth. Example: Paris > Switzerland > Italy > Austria > Germany > Paris.
3-night minimum: Spending less than 3 nights per city feels rushed when factoring check-in/out, orientation time.
Travel days: Count as lost days - departing hotel by noon, arriving new city by 6 PM leaves limited sightseeing time.
SIM cards: Buy European SIM at first airport (EUR 20-30 for 30GB, 30 days). Works across EU with roaming.
Apps needed: Google Maps (offline maps), WhatsApp, Trainline, Revolut/Wise for currency exchange, Citymapper for public transport.
WiFi: Free in most cafes, hotels, public spaces. Passwords usually posted or ask staff.
Europe is very safe, but tourist areas attract pickpockets. Watch bags on metros, at Eiffel Tower, Trevi Fountain, train stations.
Common scams: Friendship bracelet (Paris), petition signers (Rome), unofficial taxis, overcharging restaurants near landmarks.
Emergency number: 112 works throughout EU for police, ambulance, fire.
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