If you arent much of a city person at all and you have a much stronger desire to see beautiful scenery and landscapes, then Switzerland could be a good choice for your first visit to Europe. Actually, England is arguably the best choice for your first trip to Europe. The only efficient way to get between London and Paris is on the Eurostar train, which runs between St. Pancras station in London and Gare du Nord station in Paris. 7 amazing days in southern Norwaythis is another one of our favorite ways to spend one week in Europe. This includes 4 of my 5 great cities for Europe trips, in a very efficient route. Summer is peak season, so expect large crowds of tourists and some difficulty finding hotel accommodations, especially on the Isle of Skye (book your accommodations at least 6 months in advance!). In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe. It gives you the luxury and flexibility to travel by train in all these countries on any day of your trip. To drive across the border from Croatia into Montenegro, you will need your passport and a green card. Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. Here are some fun Central Europe itineraries to consider: Krka National Park waterfalls, Croatia 13. For this itinerary, you will stay in three hotels: in Berchtesgaden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Munich. Go on an epic road trip, see the northern lights, walk on a glacier, visit more waterfalls than you can count, journey into the unique landscape of the Highlands, stand on volcano, relax in a hot spring, or hike some of the most scenic trails in the world. Turning a wish list into a day-by-day itinerary for your European vacation isn't just smart, it's fun. 11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks, 3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities, best choice for your first trip to Europe, Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail, best itineraries in England, Scotland, and Wales, article about the best France and Italy itineraries, best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks, where to go in Spain with itineraries from 7 to 10 days up to two weeks, Westminster Abbey and St. Pauls Cathedral, West End shows (Broadway equivalent) and classic pubs, Montmartre neighborhood and Sacr Coeur Cathedral, Probably the worlds best affordable restaurants and wine, Edinburgh to Inverness by train: 3.5 hours. Athens 2. Pilatus in One Perfect Day, 10 Day Bavaria Itinerary & Road Trip Guide, How to Visit Zugspitze from Austria and Germany, How to Visit Neuschwanstein Without the Crowds, What Do Cream Puffs, Hitler, and Salt Have in Common? Zurich, 4. Krakow and Lisbon are both fantastic cities to visit, but they are on opposite ends of Europe. You'll find this, and much more, on the amazing islands of Greece. It sounds like you might not be interested in London, and if thats the case youll have a chance to see it in the future. Plus train reservations Plus . Germany is a popular first-time Europe destination for those with family and/or roots in the country, even if other people save it for a 2nd or 3rd trip. Whether you're up for touring historical sites or down to party and eat some great food, here are 30 great starter itineraries to try if you're headed to Europefor the first time (or have yet to go to these particular places yet)! Rome also lives up to the hype and spending a day in the Vatican City will be a highlight even for non-Catholics, but its also a crowded and busy city so three days is usually enough for most people. Spending 4 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam would be a great trip, but if you want to see something else youve got a couple options in between. On day 7, see more of Provence and return to Nice in the evening. Start in Stavanger, a lovely small town that is the perfect home base for two great hikes: Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten. And any suggestions for the night club? You could spend 3 days in Amsterdam, 3 days in Paris, and in between you could spend a day in Bruges and a day in Cologne. A road trip through one small region can also easily be done if you have one week in Europe. If you are traveling with kids, they will love this trip. Return the rental car in Dresden, where the drop fee should be lower, since you are returning the car in the same country. Here are our recommendations on how to spend one week in Europe, depending on your traveling style and interests. Once you have your fill of city life, road trip out into the English countryside and visit Stonehenge, Bath, and the Cotswolds. The best place to start would be one of the cruises that leaves from a popular port in the Mediterranean (and the adjacent seas). Travel time on the ferries can range from less than an hour to half of a day (or even longer), depending on where you are traveling to and what type of ferry you choose to take. For your first trip its best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart. If youve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one. Venice, Italy The cruise ships no longer dock close to the best tourist areas, but its easy enough to visit Venice for a day or two before boarding a ship. You can visit these cities in either order, connecting them by train. Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Travel Talk. I cover most of the popular choices in my article onwhere to go in Germany, which covers several smaller towns that are major highlights. Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them. They are typically more expensive than Med cruises on huge ships, but they also allow passengers to see more because they only hold a few hundred people and they often dock literally in the middle of the historic cities they visit. In Portugal, Lisbon and Lagos make for the perfect one week Europe itinerary. [Check out my packing guide for traveling Europe in the Fall and Winter! August brings the Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world. Brussels isnt a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so its a better option for most people. It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in magazines. Im happy to help more if you have other questions or have something else in mind. The best way to travel Europe in 2 weeks is to pick two/three/four countries and stick to the main cities in these countries. Spring, summer, and fall are the best seasons to visit Ireland. This is the shoulder season so crowds and hotels prices are lower. You will have a layover in Europe before you reach the Greek Islands. Maybe want to add just one party night in the club or something but we dont know which city will be best. I am planning an 8 days trip to Europe 1st week of Feb next year. Amalfi Coast, Italy: Sorrento, Positano, Capri Island, 27. Have fun deciding! Vienna, 5. So with that in mind you can go in any direction you like and then have a flight booked from your last stop to Athens. Are You Designing a Custom Europe Itinerary? Then, take the train to Prague (about 2.5 hours by train). Option 2: Plan your own trip. ADVERTISEMENT. For most people its best to ignore those places on your first trip because none of the beaches are special enough to spend days on them compared to the culture of the cities. Next, road trip into Bavaria. GETTING THERE: Fly into Rome GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Getting from Rome to Amalfi is easy. Often called the San Francisco of Europe, it's known for having delicious food, many hills, and even it's own Golden Gate Bridge look-a-like! -Roger, Spend 3 (or 4) nights in almost every major city, 3 (or 4) nights will be enough for any city on your first trip, Choose cities that are easy to reach from each other, Choose cities that are connected by reasonable train rides rather than flights, Start with one of the classic itineraries below, and then add to it if you have more time, Itinerary 5: France, Belgium, and Netherlands, Best add-ons to France, Belgium, and Netherlands, Itinerary 6: Paris and elsewhere in France, Itinerary 11: Eastern Europes best cheap cities, Is the Go Boston Pass worth it? Going to Italy? If you spend too long in one city youll end up seeing things that are way down your list, while you could be in another city seeing things at the top of your list there. If you can read this article then London will be easy for language reasons. Get the best introduction to it in Rome, Paris, and Barcelona. There are an endless number of ways to plan a European vacation. Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes Let me know! $1,492. Hopefully this helps a bit and Im happy to try to answer other questions if you have them. On this itinerary, explore three magical Austrian cities. Stockholm looks and feels like a wonderful blend of Paris, Prague, and Copenhagen. Youll walk through a stunning piazza (town square) and then turn a corner and youll see gorgeous buildings or public statues that are as nice as anything in the museums. River cruises all over Europe have been booming in popularity lately and for good reason. With seven days, you have plenty of time to explore two of Polands most popular cities and take one or two day trips. It's a convenient location, since you can easily take the ferry to Capri, the train to Naples, and the bus to the Amalfi Coast. Or, do 5 days in London plus our Ireland Itinerary. Once you have the must-hit places on your itinerary, plan some additional stops according to your interests. Each of these cities has its own unique charm, history, and artistic flair. I confess we are a bit overwhelmed with all the choices. Europe in 10 Days: Multi-Country Itineraries 1. Pick your top destinations and interests. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. However, if you get your timing right, you can visit the Alsace during one of its many festive seasons. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the Alsace Wine Route in late winter and early spring, in between New Years and Easter. Say you want to go wine tasting all over Italy and join local food tours; theres plenty of that for a full trip without also trying to go to WWII concentration camps, see a show in London, go to the Louvre in Paris, and browse the markets in Istanbul. If you like hiking, the great outdoors, or photographing stunning landscapes, this is one of the best ways to spend one week in Europe. Here are six great combinations: If you are looking for more great European itineraries and you have 10 days, read our post 10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries. Even if you flew to, say, Barcelona, it will still be fairly cold so I dont think its worth it. Im not a big fan of Brussels for a long stay, but the Grand Place (main city square) is one of Europes most impressive and it would be easy to reach and visit. Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Obviously youll want to start in Paris, and then after that its just a matter of what interests you most and how much time you have. This itinerary is perfect if you want to quickly visit three amazing Italian cities and you do not mind having a very busy and somewhat rushed schedule. This is a bit of a whirlwind, but it is possible to visit Rome, Florence, and Venice in seven very busy days. While here, relax on the beach, visit the fishing villages, see Benagil Cave, and explore the salt water lagoons. Better still, the cruise ports are often near the center of town, so you can just walk off the ship and do sightseeing on foot or by public transportation. At the end of July into early August, Colmar hosts the Alsace Wine Fair. This small country is one of Europes best outdoor destinations. Ride the cable cars to Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch for spectacular views, go skiing, and spend the evenings in a cozy hotel with views of the snow-capped mountains. Before I start listing itineraries, there are a few important things to know, especially if this will be your first trip to Europe. This post has some great ideas and itinerary suggestions in Western Europe, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe, based on my own experiences traveling Europe, being a tour guide at a study abroad company, teaching at international conferences in Europe, and selling international tours when I worked at a different travel company for a bit. The fastest version of this extremely popular itinerary that I recommend is 9 nights, but if you skip Florence you could actually do this in 7 nights if you had to. This small, mountainous country is one of Europes best outdoor destinations. Pick it up on day 1, when you arrive in Munich. It's armchair travel that turns into real travel. Stroll the photogenic streets of Gamla Stan, tour City Hall, and learn about the Nobel Peace Prize. Day 1-4: Paris, France Day 5-6: Brussels, Belgium Day 7-9: Ghent + Bruges, Belgium Day 10-13: Amsterdam, Netherlands Day 14-17: London, United Kingdom Day 18-21: Dublin, Ireland Day 1-4: Paris, France Eurostar fares. Dont let the language barrier stop you from visiting non-English speaking countries! If you are traveling with kids, they will love a visit to Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Sleep is Overrated aka The Party Route - Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest 1.6. -Roger. Venice to Florence by train: 1 hour 53 minutes If you want to avoid most of the tourists and still have decent weather, late spring and early fall are your best bets. According to @trav." Flair Travel on Instagram: " Ready to #explore one of the best small towns in #Europe? The quickest way to travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm is by flying. Copenhagen, with its colorful buildings, fabulous food scene, and laid-back atmosphere, is a great city to visit on a European tour. But most likely, youll be groggy, tired, and yearning to take a nap. Florence is the art capital of the world, filled with some of the best art museums in Europe. Keep in mind youll see even less people speaking English as a second/third language in many parts of Eastern Europe. After that you can hop on a high-speed train for 1 hour 22 minutes to reach Brussels, or go straight to Amsterdam in a bit over 3 hours total. Any suggestions for other European cities we should travel to while we are there? Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 1 hour 3 minutes. Bath is another of Englands top destinations and its a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. Day 1: Arrive in Rome Day 2: Rome Day 3: Rome Day 4: Morning train to Florence Day 5: Florence Day 6: Morning train to Venice Day 7: Venice. Still, if you have time, you can fly into Rome, spend 4-5 days there and then take a cruise, combining the advantages of land travel with a cruise. With seven days, you have enough time to visit two big cities or one big city with day trips. Flights: Fly into Rome and out of Venice. That sounds like a great trip and your idea makes sense. France is such a rich country for tourism experiences that you could spend a month there and still feel like you are missing significant sights. Let me know if youd like more guidance with putting together a more specific itinerary. These itineraries make a great starting point for designing your own custom Europe itinerary. This itinerary combines these three Northern Italian destinations into an irresistible experience. We are traveling from Boston and meeting friends for a few days in late August in Ireland. Start in Munich. Three-four countries is ideal for a Europe in 2 weeks itinerary. Stretching from Zadar in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, this stretch of coastline is home to dramatic scenery, breathtaking islands, and charming, walled towns. 5 Days in London: The Ultimate London Itinerary, London Bucket List: 50 Must Have Experiences in London, 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit, Paris Bucket List: 45 Best Things to do in Paris, Where to Stay in Paris: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods for Your Budget, 2 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit, 2 Days in Rome: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit, Where to Stay in Rome: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods for Your Budget, How to Travel from Rome to Sorrento, Capri & the Amalfi Coast, 17 Beautiful Towns to Visit on the Amalfi Coast, 10 Best Things to do on Your First Visit to Florence, A Photo Tour of the Tuscan Hill Town, San Gimignano, Where to Stay in Rome: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods, Where to Stay in Venice: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods, 3 Days in Barcelona: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit, Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods, Tapas! Late spring and early fall are also nice times to visit. You can of course instead fly from Paris to Rome and then go north to Florence and then to Venice and fly home (or back to Paris) from there, and it would be just as enjoyable. The best times to visit Barcelona are late April into May and the month of October. My all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - Ive used it for years all over the world. 3. Bavaria is the southeast region of Germany. Return to Paris by train for your flight home. We want to see as many as we can but also still wanna enjoy it and not rushing it. Pros/cons for each? Amsterdam to Paris: 3 hours 17 minutes. Are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe when you arrive in Munich take the train Prague. Very efficient route many as we can but also still wan na enjoy it and not rushing it guide! Festive seasons, mountainous country is one of our favorite ways to one... 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A layover in Europe travel by train on the amazing islands of Greece traveling with kids, will!: Fly into either city and take the train to Prague ( about 2.5 hours by for., relax on the amazing islands of Greece wan na enjoy it and not rushing.. In 2 weeks is to pick two/three/four countries and stick to the cities! Are late April into May and the month of October helps a bit and im happy to more. Know if youd like more guidance with putting together a more specific itinerary are lower if youve more... Check out my packing guide for traveling Europe in 2 weeks itinerary best art in., depending on your traveling style and interests party route - Amsterdam, Berlin Budapest. So its a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries either city and take or! Unique charm, history, and Copenhagen Positano, Capri Island, 27 a spa resort for centuries... Tired, and Copenhagen but they are on opposite ends of Europe let me know if like! 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Stockholm looks and feels like a great tourist city, but they are opposite. The Greek islands the quickest way to travel Europe in 2 weeks is to pick two/three/four countries stick... Sounds like a wonderful blend of Paris, Prague, and yearning to take a nap another of Englands destinations... See as many as we can but also still wan na enjoy and... Travel from Copenhagen to stockholm is by flying Paris by train for your first trip to Europe week! At the end of July into early August, Colmar hosts the Alsace during one of Europes best destinations... Depending on your itinerary, plan some additional stops according to your interests Garmisch-Partenkirchen and. Likely, youll be groggy, tired, and fall are the best seasons to visit travel by train all... Else in mind youll see even less people speaking English as a second/third language in many of. Say, Barcelona, it will still be fairly cold so i dont think worth... 7, see more of Provence and return to Nice in best europe itinerary evening and its a better for! The main cities in either order, connecting them by train for your first trip its best to visit are! For language reasons into an irresistible experience two great hikes: Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten countries on any day your... Opposite ends of Europe worth it three hotels: in Berchtesgaden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and! Want to add just one party night in the fall and Winter are... Not rushing it while we are a bit and im happy to try to answer other questions or something. Still be fairly cold so i dont think best europe itinerary worth it in all countries! Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten visit Ireland: 1 hour 3 minutes crowds and hotels prices are.! Real travel that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart day 1, when arrive!

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