7 day trip in europe

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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Classical Italy and Switzerland

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Turkey Classics Tour

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A Piece of Europe

"As this tour covers mostly the important and must visit places. The accommodations provided are good." knew, traveled in April 2024

Glimpse of Europe (End Paris, 7 Days)

"It was a fantastic and lifetime experience for me and our group. We all had a wonderful time." C, traveled in May 2024

Great Britain

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Greece Classic Tour

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Mediterranean Express: Rivieras & Railroads

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Best of Western Europe in a week- Paris, Brugge and Amsterdam

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What people love about 7 Day Europe Tours

This trip exceeded my expectations. It was a great way to see many places in Europe within a short time and to give a taste of those places. After after visited, I would like to explore these destinations further. Our guide again was fantastic!

We had so much fun on this tour. It's amazing how much we saw in just a week! We learned a lot about the cultures and different types of food and paintings/architecture which was really cool. Emma/Jean/Francesca were amazing guides :) Pros: - most of the time we were by ourselves to do whatever we want - the 2 of us were the only ones on the tour lol - really affordable - hostels were all good, people were all friendly - the tour guides were locals and really passionate about their city Cons: - the optional activities are expensive and they were booked early in the morning :/ - there is only 2 dinners included - our Rome guide didn't put in time for lunch, so we were very hungry and walking for 4 hours in the heat. We also didn't have time to go to St. Peter's Basilica :/ - we only had an afternoon in Venice Overall, it was really memorable and I would recommend it :)

Best decision if you're travelling alone and open to meeting new people. Our tour guide, Giovanni was the best - you can tell he enjoys what he's doing. He was really helpful and inclusive. The Amalfi coast, Sorrento, and Capri was the best part. Opted for the extra package with the Capri chairlift and Sorrento dinner which is so worth it.

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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

An orange, purple, green and blue house with four white windows on each house on a canal in burano

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

✅ Visit 3 Countries

✅ Time allowed to explore on your own

The Arc de triomphe with cars driving around the base

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

A swiss town covered in snow at the foot of a large snow covered mountains with wooden buildings. There is a river flowing under a brick bridge.

⭐️ 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!

One of the large triangles of the Louvre Museum in Paris

⭐️ 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

The orange roof tops of Prague shot from behind orange flowers.

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

May 14, 2021

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

6 Nights/7 Days Signature Escape to Amsterdam and Copenhagen

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Munich and Zurich

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

8 Nights/9 Days Signature Escape to Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Porto

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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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20 one-week europe trip itinerary ideas.

Wondering where to spend one week in Europe? These 20 ideas for your Europe trip will help you decide how to maximize your time.

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How to Choose the Best One Week Itinerary for a Europe Trip: 20 Europe Itinerary Ideas

If you’re like most people and getting time off work or kids out of school is challenging, you may only be able to manage one week of vacation. Europe is a great destination to go for one week, simply because of the cultural diversity in such a small geographic area.

The small size, proximity, and ease of transportation between many of the countries in Europe make it a good choice for a culturally rich one week holiday. If you’ve only got one week in Europe, and really want to maximize your time, but you’re wondering where to go in Europe, here are 20 perfect one-week Europe travel itineraries.

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If you're heading to Europe and only have one week to enjoy it, try one of these 20 one week European itineraries that will help you make the most of your time. #Europe #Itinerary #Vacation

Before You go to Europe

Europe is an amazing destination, especially if you pick any of these awesome itineraries, but before leaving there are a few things you should consider when planning your Europe trip:

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Before you go to Europe, be sure you follow my 50 travel tips for Europe. You can find those here.

And the winter months are generally cold in most European countries, especially in the north.That doesn’t mean you should avoid those times, it just depends on your tolerance for crowds and your preference in weather.

WHAT TO PACK FOR EUROPE: What you pack for Europe will highly depend on what time of year you go and where you decide to go. This packing guide for Europe will ensure you have the essentials.
GETTING AROUND: Getting around Europe can be a little daunting, but if you do some research before you go, you’ll be just fine. Transportation in every country in Europe is a little different. I’ve linked many of my articles with helpful advice below like How to Survive Train Travel in Italy and Driving in Scotland . Some itineraries will require you to go by train, car, plane or boat. Travel around Europe doesn’t have to be scary if you learn what to do ahead of time.

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

What to do in Europe for One Week: 20 European Vacation Ideas for Your Europe Trip

These are my best one week vacations in Europe. Taking a multi city European vacation can be a great way to experience several different cultures on one continent. I know that one week in Europe isn’t a lot of time, so I’ve picked cities that are either close in proximity or a quick and cheap flight between each other.

I’ve also tried to choose each Europe travel itinerary with a mix of classic sites and unique destinations. There are so many cool places to visit in Europe that are still undiscovered. Hopefully, some of these locations will be new to you and you’ll be able to discover a new European favorite!

Here's a Short Cut

1 | Amalfi Coast + Rome

This is one of my very favorite European vacation destinations. There are hundreds of choices for stunning history and scenery when you visit Italy, but this Amalfi Coast and Rome itinerary gives you the best of both worlds. Rome is one of the top places to visit in Europe and offers history around every corner…literally, while on the Amalfi Coast you will be overwhelmed by breathtaking ocean views.

Spend several days in Rome, then head south to the Amalfi Coast via Naples and spend a few more relaxing on the beach and driving the coast. It’s one of the best European beach vacations you can take! Amalfi is also one of the most popular Europe vacation spots during the month of August, so you may want to take that into consideration when planning your trip.

Check out these other 5 amazing itineraries for Italy. Italy is one of the best countries to visit in Europe due to its size and variety of landscapes, cultures, and attractions.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Rome

GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Getting from Rome to Amalfi is easy. Take the train from Rome to Naples, from there take the bus to Sorrento. There are many tour buses that travel along the coast, or you can rent a car and do the driving yourself.

WHERE TO STAY Rome | Amalfi RESOURCES How to Spend One Day in Rome Family Guide to Rome How to Spend 2 Days in Naples How to Survive Train Travel in Italy The Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy Tips for Renting a Car in Europe i Heart Italy

If you’re looking for a European vacation with a lot of history and class, this is it! I can’t even count the number of times that I have done the Paris/London combo. I’ve done it with kids, as a couple, as a girls’ trip, and as a field trip. No joke! And every time I go, it’s like completely different cities. You can follow completely different options for London and Paris itineraries and have an amazing time no matter what you choose. In my opinion, these are two of the best cities to visit in Europe as they offer a huge amount of culture, food, and entertainment bang for your buck!

When I plan our family trip to Europe each year, I make sure to always include both Paris and London. These are two of my favorite places in all of Europe. They are popular for good reason. Both Paris and London are so vast and diverse that you can have a new experience each time you visit. The best part about visiting these two cities is that they are very easy to travel between with the help of the Eurostar. It’s a quick journey from the heart of one city to the next that requires no airports, no flying, and no hassle. Note: You will need a passport or visa to travel between England and France and you will need to go through customs before boarding the Eurostar.

I’ve created an easy-to-use day-by-day itinerary for Paris and London so that you can show up and enjoy your trip.

GETTING THERE: Fly into London or Paris GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Take the Eurostar

WHERE TO STAY Paris | London

RESOURCES Paris Walking Guide Paris with Kids Foods You Must Try in Paris Paris Neighborhood Guide How to Use the Paris Bike System London Travel Guide Perfect London Itinerary London with Kids Christmas in London Paddington’s Guide to London How to Use the Paris Bike System

If you’re looking for a European vacation with wild nature and rural beauty, this option is a winner. While both of these spectacular islands really deserve their own week (or weeks really), a trip combining the two is possible, thanks to affordable flights between Iceland and Ireland. A good route would be Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, combined with the west of Ireland including Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and the Cliffs of Moher. These countries are some of the best places to go in Europe if you love majestic natural beauty.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Iceland as its one of the cheapest ways to get to Europe. GETTING BETWEN COUNTRIES: From Iceland , take a quick flight to Ireland. Dublin , Belfast , Cork, or Shannon Airports are usually where you’ll find the best deals.

WHERE TO STAY Ireland | Iceland

RESOURCES Iceland on a Budget Bucket List Things to do in Iceland Iconic Things to do in Dublin Day Trips from Dublin What to do in Killarney Perfect Ireland Itinerary Ireland with Kids Ireland Packing List

This one-week European itinerary includes two of my favorite cities in Europe! Heidelberg, Germany, known for its ancient castle and walkable downtown is a perfect companion to Strasbourg, France only an hour and a half away, in the Alsace region of France, known for its impressive cathedral and half-timber houses. These towns are particularly spectacular during the Christmas season and some of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe. This will be the best Europe itinerary for those looking to spend time in provincial looking towns!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Frankfurt, Germany GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Drive for 1.5 hours or take the train for 1.5 hours.

WHERE TO STAY Heidelberg | Strasbourg

RESOURCES Best European Christmas Markets European Christmas Market Treats What to do in Strasbourg What to do in Heidelberg, Germany What to do in Strasbourg, France

If you want to spend your Europen vacation wandering charming streets and feeling like you’re in a fairytale, this is it. Basel, Switzerland holds a special place in my heart and is often an overlooked town. Only a quick 45-minute train ride from the popular and iconic Colmar, France, Basel offers a unique culture that only a town on the border of three countries can. Basel is especially fun during Herbstmesse, the local Autumn Fair when the city literally turns into a fair! Combine these two beautiful cities for a one-of-a-kind holiday.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Basel or Zurich GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 45 minutes or Train 30 minutes

WHERE TO STAY Colmar | Basel

RESOURCES What to do in Basel Guide to Colmar, France

No European vacation list would be complete without including the unimaginable beauty of the Swiss Alps. Switzerland is a wonderland of natural beauty for the outdoor enthusiast or even anyone who has a remote interest in pretty scenery! It’s one of the best countries in Europe for those who love outdoor activity and natural beauty. It’s just jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

For such a small country, there is so much to see and with two of Switzerland most breathtaking areas just a few hours from each other, it’s worth visiting both of them. These areas offer pristine lakes, ancient gorges, colossal mountains, and a vast array of cultural activities.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Zurich, Switzerland GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Train to Lucerne, Train to Interlaken

WHERE TO STAY Interlaken | Lucerne

RESOURCES Switzerland Itinerary Swiss Food Guide Switzerland Packing List 24 Hours in Zurich What to do in Interlaken What to do in Lucerne

If you’d like your Europe trip to have a good mix of beach and mountain time, this is the perfect combination. Lake Como is probably one of my top favorite places on the planet. It is totally magical and peaceful, and I’ve written about it multiple times and helped friends and family plan trips there. Don’t skip Lake Como on your next trip to Italy. One of my favorite parts of Lake Como is its proximity to the Swiss border. You can actually hike over the borer and into Switzerland! But if you’d rather not hike, hop in the car and take a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland, home of the famous towering mountain, Matterhorn.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Milan, Italy GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 3 hours to Zermatt or take a 4 hour Train ride from Milan

WHERE TO STAY Lake Como | Zermatt

RESOURCES Guide to Lake Como Boating Lake Como Guide to Zermatt Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy i Heart Italy

This is a European vacation full of charm, but also a healthy dose of history and reality. A Paris-Normandy itinerary of Europe combines all the glamor and romance of the city of light with the charm, history, and beauty of Northern France. Spend several days in Paris, taking several day trips, including the impressive floating Mont Saint Michel. This area is one of the best places to visit in Europe for history lovers.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Paris GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Drive 3 hours

WHERE TO STAY Paris | Normandy

RESOURCES Paris Itinerary Paris Walking Guide Paris with Kids Foods You Must Try in Paris Paris Neighbgorhood Guide Guide to Normandy Guide to Visiting Mont Saint Michel France with Kids

Two naturally and culturally beautiful countries are just a short and cheap flight apart and a great combination for a one-week European itinerary, although both countries could take weeks to explore on their own. Spend a few days in Iceland, then take a cheap hopper flight and explore the mystical highlands of Scotland.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Reykjavik GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Fly into Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, or Aberdeen

WHERE TO STAY Iceland | Scotland

RESOURCES Iceland on a Budget Scotland Itinerary What to do in Inverness What to do on the Isle of Skye Scotland Packing List

Some of my favorite Italian destinations, Venice and Lake Como, both built on water, are ideal locations for aquatic enthusiasts. Taking a ride on a gondola in Venice is one of the best things to do in Europe! Take the Vaporetto (water bus) in Venice, then take a short drive or train ride to Lake Como and enjoy boating and relaxing on the beach in one of the adorable villages lining the lake.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Venice or Milan GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 3.5 hours by car or 10 hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Venice | Lake Como

RESOURCES Guide to Lake Como Boating Lake Como Surviving Train Travel in Italy Guide to Venice Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy i Heart Italy

If you’re interested in cheap Europe trips, the gorgeous Ionian islands of Greece are one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Naturally and culturally diverse, affordable, and downright beautiful, Kefalonia and Corfu make great choices for one week in Europe.

Explore ancient ruins, relax on pristine beaches with locals, and dine, affordably, like a Greek god. If you’re travelling Europe on a budget, this is a great option and Greece is one of the best places to visit in Europe in summer if you’re looking for gorgeous beaches at affordable prices.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Kefalonia from London on Ryanair GETTING BETWEEN ISLANDS: Take a ferry between the Ionian Islands from Greek Ferries

WHERE TO STAY Kefalonia | Corfu

RESOURCES Guide to Kefalonia Greece The Ionian Islands The Best Beaches on Corfu What to Wear in Greece Guide to Athens

Two countries on one island? Yep! Take a visit to Ireland AND Northern Ireland. Two countries that are very similar, but also very different. Explore the entire island with this perfect itinerary.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Dublin or any airport in Ireland GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: Rent a Car. Driving in Ireland can be tricky and slow, but worth the views and the adventure.

WHERE TO STAY Ireland | Northern Ireland

RESOURCES The Best Places to Visit in Ireland Perfect Ireland Itinerary Ireland with Kids What to do in Killarney Scotland and Ireland Itinerary Ireland Packing List

Scotland is one country that should really be given an entire week. You could definitely say that about any destination, but for a relatively small country, but it has so much to offer that you could spend years here and not see it all.

For one week in Scotland, I recommend visiting Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, including the Isle of Skye. Read here for an entire Scotland Itinerary, here for Edinburgh , here for Inverness and the Highlands , and here for the Isle of Skye.

GETTING THERE: Flying into Edinburgh is usually the cheapest option. GETTING BETWEN AREAS: It’s best to rent a car or hire a driver or tour company. Be sure to read my guide to driving in Scotland.

WHERE TO STAY Ediburgh | Inverness | Isle of Skye

RESOURCES Perfect Scotland Itinerary What to do in Edinburgh What to do in Inverness What to do on the Isle of Skye Scotland Packing List

What could be more charming than a week spent in these “poor provincial towns.” Ok, so they’re definitely not poor or provincial, but you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Belle’s hometown from Beauty and the Beast .

The ancient half-timber homes built along scenic rivers provide a feast for the eyes, while the patisseries, boulangeries, shops, and restaurants provide a feast for the tongue. Split your time between these two idyllic towns and enjoy a peaceful trip back in time.

If you visit Colmar or Strasbourg during Christmas, these towns will be even more magical! Strasbourg is known as “The Capital of Christmas” and both towns have incredible Christmas markets and decorations!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Zurich GETTING BETWEEN COUNTRIES: 30 minutes by train or 1 hour by car

WHERE TO STAY Colmar | Strasbourg

RESOURCES 24 Hours in Zurich Guide to Colmar Guide to Strasbourg The Most Magical European Christmas Markets Must-Have European Christmas Market Treats

Divide your time between the ancient and modern city of light and the historic Loire Valley , home to magnificent palaces, stunning gardens, and green pastures. This one-week itinerary is the perfect balance between city and country life and will provide you with a mix of excitement, peace, and romance. It can be hard to squeeze everything you want into one week European itineraries, but this is a must!

Be sure to map out the castles and palaces you want to see along the way. Our favorite is Chenonceau ! Don’t miss it!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Paris GETTING AROUND: Rent a car and drive two hours to the Loire Valley

WHERE TO STAY Loire Valley | Paris

RESOURCES Walking Guide to Paris Paris with Kids Day Trips from Paris Foods You Must Try in Paris Guide to the Loire Valley 15 Affordable Castles You Can Stay In

This London and Cotswolds Itinerary provides the best of both British worlds, encompassing both the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s oldest and largest cities and the peace and tranquility of the quaint cottage speckled Cotswolds.

As much as I love London (it’s my favorite city), I do get tired of the crowds and the constant noise. It is so refreshing to get into the countryside and have a change of scenery during your time in London. The Cotswolds are a fairytale-like dream trip. Be sure to grab cream tea every chance you get!

GETTING THERE: Fly into one of three London Airports GETTING AROUND: Rent a car and explore the whole Cotswolds area

WHERE TO STAY London | Cotswolds

RESOURCES London Travel Guide Complete Guide to London Perfect London Itinerary London with Kids Paddington’s Guide to London Christmas in London Guide to the Cotswolds

I call this itinerary the best of Northern Italy. Italy is huge and has so much to offer geographically and culturally, but one of my favorite parts of Italy is the train system. The trains in Italy allow for easy access to most major sites, but it can be slightly confusing, so be sure to read this guide to train travel in Italy before you go. Getting between Florence and Cinque Terre is simple with the right knowledge.

The great thing about this itinerary is that you will get to see a big city full of culture, history, and art, and also spend time swimming at the beach and on a boat soaking up rays in in the Liguerian Sea. Read here for Florence, here for Cinque Terre, here for Trains in Italy.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Florence GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: Two hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Cinque Terre | Florence

RESOURCES Guide to Cinque Terre Guide to Florence How to Survive Train Travel in Italy Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy

I think Prague and Vienna might be some of the most underrated cities in Europe, and they are worth dedicating an entire week to. Stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and cultural activities abound in these cities that are just a few hours apart.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna or Prague GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 3-hour drive or 4-hour train ride

WHERE TO STAY Prague | Vienna

RESOURCES One Day in Prague What to do in Vienna

If you’re looking for cheap European vacations, the farther east you go, the cheaper it generally gets. These are two cities that had never really been on my bucket list, and to be honest, I had never even heard of Bratislava, which is in Slovakia by the way! Both cities are charming and culturally rich. They are especially festive and beautiful around Christmas time.

Bratislava is on the way between Budapest and Vienna (you can even cycle between Budapest and Vienna ) and Budapest and Prague, so if you’re thinking of doing a combination of any of those cities, it’s a great stop.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Budapest GETTING BETWEEN CITIES: 2 hours by car, 2.5 hours by train

WHERE TO STAY Budapest | Bratislava

RESOURCES What to do in Budapest European Christmas Markets What to do in Bratislava

These incredible destinations in Italy are not well known, but that is part of the appeal. I would say they are a good option for a cheaper and less crowded alternative to the Florence and Cinque Terre itinerary.

Lucca is a walled city in Tuscany offering stunning architecture and culture with great family fun activities such as riding bikes along the top of the medieval wall around the city. Sardinia is a heavenly island, just a ferry ride away full of breathtaking beaches, delicious food, and friendly locals. Known as one of the five blue zones in the world- places in the world where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth-Sardinia will make you feel younger and more alive just by visiting.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Rome or Florence GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a Ferry from Civitavecchia to Olbia

WHERE TO STAY Lucca | Sardinia

RESOURCES One Day in Rome What to do in Lucca Sardinia Best Places to Visit in Italy How to Spend 10 Days in Italy What to Wear in Italy

Portugal is a beautiful country full of diverse landscapes, amazing beaches, and cultural city centers. Lisbon is a stunning city and the Algarve region in the south of Portugal offers sunny beaches with world-famous surfing. There are some really cheap flights to Lisbon from the US right now and you can either drive, train, bus, or fly to the Algarve easily. As a southern European country, Portugal is a great choice for a winter destination. We were there last January and could still get in the water. There are many towns to choose from in the Algarve and they are all equally unique and beautiful.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Lisbon GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a plane, car, or bus to the Algarve.

The Perfect Portugal Itinerary

This one week in Europe spent in Austria is a dream. Combining the culture of Vienna and Salzburg with the picturesque feel of Hallstatt, it’s sure to satisfy any traveler. In my opinion, this is a great winter destination if you don’t mind the cold. Vienna and Salzburg have several amazing Christmas markets and Hallstatt is simply a dream to see in the snow!

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a train to Salzburg (2.5 hours). A great way to see Hallstatt is to take a day trip from Salzburg.

Hallstatt Day Trip

European Christmas Markets

Christmas Market Treats

If you’re into coastal towns, walled cities, and breathtaking scenery, this combination is for you. The Dalmation Coast is absolutely stunning. The bordering country of Montenegro is really the hidden gem of Europe, offering the same draw as Croatia, but with far fewer tourists. I recommend going during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to be able to enjoy warmer weather with fewer crowds.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Dubrovnik, Croatia GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take a Day Trip to Montenegro

Two of the most underrated cities in Europe if you ask me, Budapest and Bratislava are both cities that offer an amazing array of culture and also incredible food. If you’re up for the cold weather, these cities all have incredible Christmas markets and stunning decorations around the holidays. These cities are also all connected by rail so you can easily navigate between them.

GETTING THERE: Fly into Vienna or Budapest GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Take the train between each city. Bratislava would be a good day trip from Vienna.

25 | Berlin + Prague

If you love history and architecture, then these two cities will captivate you! Split your time between the two, rent a car and take a road trip between them to enjoy some beautiful scenery.

GETTING THERE: Fly into either Berlin or Prague, whichever airport is cheaper. GETTING BETWEEN DESTINATIONS: Rent a car and take a road trip between Berlin and Prague.

Whichever Europe Itinerary you choose, you’re guaranteed to love it. You can definitely see so much of Europe in a week and you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Just remember to relax and enjoy and also remember that this probably won’t be the last Europe trip of your lifetime.

Not the Trip You Need?

Not exactly the trip you’re looking for? Don’t worry, I also offer custom trip planning by request for many destinations! Learn more here.

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my resource page for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

Wanderlust Crew

9 thoughts on “ 20 one-week europe trip itinerary ideas ”.

Hi there, My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary next March and would love to go somewhere in Europe for a week. I have only been to Italy (over 20 years ago) and he’s never been. I’m a bit overwhelmed by even trying to figure out where to go. Can you help? Thanks! Hannah

Hi Hannah. I can definitely help! I’ve got several Italy Itinerary ideas for Italy here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/10-days-in-italy/ I also do custom trip planning, specifically for Italy, if you’re interested in that, you can find more info here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/custom-travel-planning/ Italy will be so much fun! One of my favorite places on earth! xo Vanessa

Very helpful! Thank you. We are planning a one year stay & this helped with our itinerary tremendously.

Oh that sounds amazing! You’ll see so much!

Great ideas! We hope we’ll be able to travel to Europe again soon!

Thanks so much! Me too! Going as soon as it’s safe!!

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Very good these tips I was even thinking about taking a vacation for a few days, thank you

7-Day Europe Tours & Cruises

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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

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

Classic Voyage North

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

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

European Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine

Tour Strasbourg
Explore Route des Vins d'Alsace
Visit the Meteor Brewery
Tour Sarrebourg

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

Explore Helsinki
Discover Spitsbergen
Experience Krossfjorden
Explore Smeerenburg

European Classic Cruise - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Visit Château de la Bussière
Cruise the aqueduct at River Loire
Enjoy wine tasting
Tour of the historic city of Dijon
Visit Château de Germolles
Tour Château de Chamirey
Eat lunch at a Michelin restaurant
Tour of ancient Autun
Walk and bike to explore

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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Paris Top Attractions

Paris has always been enveloped by an enchanting aura of romance and vigour and standing in the heart of the city, lies the Eiffel Tower, wrapped in its air of beauty and cultural elegance. Your Paris trip, enhanced by exploring Europe trip packages, would surely remain incomplete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower. Built of 18,000 iron parts, the Eiffel Tower is popularly and aptly known as the “Iron Lady”.As you lay your foot on the grounds of Champ de Mars, the towering structure of one of the seven wonders of the world will pop up right in front of your eyes. Every year, hordes of tourists from different parts of the world flock to this place to behold the architectural beauty of the tower.As you ponder about it’s history dating back to 1889, you will surely get surprised at its cause of origin. Constructed to serve as a mere entrance to the World Fair back in 1889, today it stands as one of the most integral cultural icons of France. As you engage in an exploration of the three different levels of the tower, you will get mesmerised to find cafeterias, restaurants, souvenir shops, and scenic vantage points tucked in at each floor.The panoramic view of the Paris cityscape spread against the azure skyline is a pleasing sight to behold from the tower’s summit. As night descends, another spectacular sight of the Eiffel Tower illuminated with myriad bulbs will leave you in sheer awe. Thus, one can well understand that the tower is undeniably a tour de force of structural elegance and will turn out to be a worthwhile memory to cling onto for a lifetime.Planning A Paris Trip, Checkout: Best Holiday Tour Packages to ParisDetailed Guide to visit : Monuments in Paris

The historical museum is a piece of art in itself which symbolises different cultural innovations introduced in its architecture overtime since its construction in 1190. Enhanced by exploring Europe trip, Extended over an area of 652,300 square feet, the museum was built in 1682. When Louis XIV shifted his royal residence from the palace to Versailles, it was left deserted and later on converted into a heaven for the art curators. In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned its transformation into a proper museum that would offer regular exhibitions of its member’s works here.This baroque styled building holds as many as 35,000 works of various artists, antiques, historically important archeological items and much more. The most renowned of all the works presented at the museum are the painting of Mona Lisa made by Leonardo da Vinci, Samothrace’s Winged Victory, Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, Venus de Milo etc. The collection at the Louvre presents European art from all the different time periods as well as the personal collections of the kings of jewellery and other valuable items. The Egyptian antiques collected by Napoleon Bonaparte in the late 19th century are of particular notice. The museum is located in the centre of the city of Paris and is covered by a range of attractions like Place Colette, Place de la Concorde and Eiffel Tower, in close vicinity. Planning A trip To Paris? Checkout & Book: Disneyland Paris Tour Package From IndiaBook Now - Paris Trip Packages

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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

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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.

Airfare Booking Sites I Use & Recommend

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.

Madrid to Andalusia, Self-drive 7 Days, $680.63
Treasures of Crete 7 Days, $612.96
Best of Serbia in one week - SMALL GROUP 7 Days, $756.74

Which 7-day tour options are available in Europe?

Here are the important factors:

307 trip options analyzed
$258 average price per day (USD)
4.67 of 5 average rating
26 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 4.67 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 26 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, and self drive, 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 307 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

Madrid to andalusia, self-drive.

Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours lasting 7 days.

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 4 out of 5 rating from previous guests. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. With a duration of 7 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 4 people, and is good for people of any age. This itinerary covers 4 captivating destinations, with stops in Cordoba and Granada, among others. Madrid will be the beginning and end of your trip. This fantastic option, organized by Destination Services Spain , presents an unbeatable value at just $97 per day.

Sightseeing
In-depth Cultural

Treasures of Crete

Spanning over 7 days, this trip has a maximum size of 50 individuals. Welcoming travelers aged 18 or older, it is organized by Destination Services Greece , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 5 destinations, featuring Spinalonga, Knossos, and Chania. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Heraklion. Available at an unbeatable price of only $88 per day, this option also has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

Best of Serbia in one week - SMALL GROUP

High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey that has garnered a 4.8 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 7 days, this jouney will have 8 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers aged 2 to 90 years old. This terrific trip also highights local culture and family-friendly activities. Expertly organized by Victor Tours DMC , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $109 per day.

Irish Escape

This memorable voyage is offered by Globus which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $171 per day. Traverse through 11 enchanting destinations, with Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, and Adare among the must-see stops along the route. Dublin kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities. The maximum group size is 46 people, welcoming travelers aged 5 to 80 years old.

Coach / Bus

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 journey 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 $178 per day.

Road to Paris (7 Days)

With this option you can experience an unparalleled trip 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 $162 per day.

Imperial Escape

This fantastic voyage has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, visiting Hungary, Austria, and Czech Republic. Budapest marks the starting point, while Prague 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 46 people, and it's good for travelers aged 8 to 80 years old. Organized by Globus , this is a great deal because it's only $183 per day.

7 Days Transylvania & Bucovina from Budapest to Bucharest

With a stellar 4.5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary journey, visiting Hungary and Romania, is the perfect choice. Discover a journey that spans 16 destinations, with notable stops in Sucevita, Gura Humorului, Voronet, and Brasov. Beginning in beautiful Budapest, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Bucharest. Spanning across 7 days, the journey accommodates 7 individuals, and is suitable for travelers aged 14 to 75 years old. Offered by Trip2ro , this remarkable journey is priced at just $131 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Campania Thermal Baths, Private Tour

On Sale: 20% Off See Prices

This exceptional trip offering by TUI Italia has received a 5 out of 5 rating. On this 7-day journey you can unwind while also making new memories. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Naples. With a group size of 50 people, it's suitable for travelers aged 15 to 80 years old. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $161 per day.

Cultural Athens & Island Hopping Mykonos - Santorini (Self-guided)

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 4.7 out of 5 rating. On this amazing journey, you'll experience sightseeing and island hopping. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Athens. This terrific trip also highights beaches and family-friendly activities. Spanning across 7 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 50 participants, and it's great for people of any age. Brought to you by the renowned Dot Travel , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $153 per day - an unbeatable value.

Island Hopping

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 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 Mountain Biking 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 307 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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Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Europe Road Trip – 24 Incredible Routes

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The Best Road Trips in Europe

Europe is perfect for an epic road trip! From the rolling fields of Tuscany and the soaring mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of the South of France and the mighty Alps, you can find a European road trip route to suit your taste and travel style.

Whether you’re road tripping in Europe for a week, a month, or a year, our top Europe road trip itinerary ideas will give you plenty of inspiration to get on the road.

We have lived on the road in Europe for over five years, and in our Europe trip planner, we share our top routes and itineraries, ideas about what do to and see, and accommodation recommendations. If you’ve got wheels there’s a European road trip here for you!

Europe Road Trip Planner

We have traveled every single one of these European roads in and on a variety of vehicles! Whether you ride a motorbike, drive Europe by car or you’re traveling in a motorhome or RV, you’ll find some of the best Europe road trip ideas here.

If you’re on a flying visit and or want a 3 month Europe road trip , we have the best Europe road trip itineraries for you. Our road trip planner Europe includes specific road trip routes, amazing hotel recommendations, and insider travel tips to help you plan a driving holiday in Europe.

RELATED POST: Why We Think These Are the Best Driving Roads in Europe

Are you planning to rent a car in Europe? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip through Europe.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in France. We recommend Auto Europe for their large range of fully equipped vehicles, competitive pricing, and great customer service. Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Europe Road Trip Map

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Europe . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

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Fodor’s Vienna and the Best of Austria
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Vienna to Innsbruck Road Trip

Vienna – graz – hallstatt – salzburg – zell am see – mayrhofen – innsbruck.

May-October

We recommend starting your two week Austrian road trip in Vienna and concluding the itinerary in Innsbruck.

As you leave Vienna, beautiful and quaint Austrian towns and villages will greet you as you travel south toward the foodie city of Graz, the next major stop on your Austrian itinerary. From here, it’s north to Hallstatt, a small, alpine village situated on the western shores of Hallstätter See, also known as Hallstatt Lake, that offers iconic views and outdoor experiences.

Next up is Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend leaving enough time in your itinerary to explore the Baroque architecture of the city and visit the Salzburg Fortress for stunning panoramic views. From Salzburg, head to Zell am See, a charming mountain town surrounded by the unforgettable mountain peaks of the Alps.

Zell am See is the perfect spot from which to drive the spectacular Glossglockner high alpine pass, a mountain road that twists and bends itself along the Alps mountains, providing panoramic scenery and an unforgettable experience.

Your journey will continue on to Mayrhofen, a popular skiing destination known for its vibrant nightlife, unrivaled winter sports, and stunning alpine scenery.

Finally, finish your Austria road trip in Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. This Austrian city is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is home to several impressive landmarks. Innsbruck is the perfect place to end your road trip and reflect on the stunning beauty of Austria.

Driving the gorgeous mountain roads, when you feel like you’re on top of the world!
Listening to Mozart in Salzburg, his birthplace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking out 1,48 feet onto the Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk for breathtaking views of the Hallstätter See.

Where to Stay

Vienna ⇒ Jaz in the City Vienna for its city center location, modern interior, and funky bar.

Salzburg ⇒ Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich for its old town setting, luxury spa, and fantastic breakfast.

Innsbruck ⇒ Hotel Grauer Bär for its perfect downtown location, light and stylish rooms, and excellent customer service.

snow capped mountains with wooden huts and green pastures in the foreground

Lonely Planet France
DK Eyewitness Road Trips France
Fodor’s Essential France
France Travel Guide
France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries
South of France Road Trip: Route, Highlights & Tips
Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip
Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary
Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide
Driving to France from UK: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know
Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

Loire Valley Road Trip

Orleans – Blois – Tours – Angers – Nantes

Centre-Val de Loire is a landlocked region, located to the southwest of the French capital Paris. As the name suggests this region is all about the magnificent river Loire. Just four to five hours from Calais to the capital of Orleans, and three from Paris, this region is a popular holiday region and makes an ideal destination for a road trip.

This is a real France bucket list trip. Fine historical cities and towns, many of which stand on the banks of the Loire, offer superb Renaissance religious buildings and architecture and of course, the fabulous and extravagant chateaux the region is best known for.

Follow this Loire Valley road trip between famous cities and marvel at the natural wonders, opulent architecture, charming towns, and breathtaking castles of one of France’s best-loved regions.

You’ll visit the many chateaux on the route, including the famous Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Villandry, and explore the Loire’s historic towns, learning about French history, architecture, and culture and you go.

Discover Joan of Arc’s legacy in Orleans and take a ride on a giant machine elephant in Nantes as you take in the beautiful Loire landscape.

Taking a vineyard tour to taste the delicious white wines, like Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume, and Sancerre, which are produced here.
Visiting the world-famous Chateau Chenonceau, the only castle on the Loire built by women.
Watching the iconic steampunk elephant strutt its stuff at Machines de L’Ile on the Ile de Nantes, an urban island in the Loire river.

Orléans ⇒ Empreinte Hotel & Spa for its riverbank location, beautiful bathrooms, and private spa.

Tours ⇒ Château Belmont for its wonderful grounds, stylish bedrooms, and excellent restaurant.

Nantes ⇒ Okko Hotels Nantes Château for its city center location, cool decor, and private parking.

Fine French chateau with turretssurrounded by lush grass and foliage

Pyrenees Road Trip

Lourdes – cauterets – gavarnie – arreau – bagnares-de-luchon.

May-September

This is a Pyrenees road trip and hiking tour all in one. With four easy-to-moderate classic Hautes-Pyrenees hikes en route plus an extra in Spain just over the border and some of the most spectacular mountains on the map of Europe at your feet, this is an amazing route.

One of our go-to happy places, get our detailed seven day Pyrenees hiking tour guide, including an interactive map of hikes and the suggested route.

Taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of the beautiful Lac de Gaube on a hot summer’s day.
Braving the nail-biting drive up the Pic du Midi and the incredible views from the Col du Tourmalet.
Standing at the top of Pic de la Pahule with the entire Pyrenees mountain range at your feet.

Lourdes ⇒ Villa L’Orante for its commanding views, beautiful bathrooms, and delicious homemade breakfasts.

Gavarnie ⇒ Hotel Le Taillon for its location, views, and hearty mountain food.

Bagnares-de-Luchon ⇒ Le Castel d’Alti for its elegant decor, heated jacuzzi and pool, and live music in the bar.

South of France Road Trip

Lyon – st croix du verdon – aups – cassis – aix-en-provence – bezier – carcassonne – toulouse.

avoid July & August

A road trip in France is one of the best ways to see this beautiful country, and because France is so accessible, this is an easy 2 week Europe road trip from UK and the rest of Europe

Start in the foodie city of Lyon, a five hour drive south of Paris , before using the historic Route Napoleon to travel south. It’s one of the best drives in Europe , free and incredibly scenic.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a gorgeous little town and worth a stop before you take a jaunt around the stunning Gorge du Verdon.

Try some wild swimming in the Lac de Sainte-Croix here before making your way to Aups for their authentic farmers market and Provencal vibe.

Stop at Cassis to explore the Calanques, huge gashes in the coastal cliffs, often only accessible by boat. Take a day trip out for a picnic and an idyllic afternoon of soaking up the sun and snorkeling.

Head north to the vibrant and pretty French city of Aix-en-Provence and spend an evening strolling through the charming squares and winding alleys of this elegant and cultured city.

Next up is the drive east across the hauntingly beautiful and off-the-beaten-track Camargue, before arriving at Bezier, famous for the nine locks of the Midi Canal.

Move on to Carcassonne, dipping into the Pyrenees en route to see the incredible Peyrepertuse Castle, before spending a few days marveling at La Cite, the Disneyesque medieval citadel of Carcassonne.

The pink city of Toulouse is your last stop and what a road trip destination it is! Head into the old town for great food, live music, and a typically Occitan atmosphere of noise, heat, and fun.

Walking through the fragrant iconic lavender fields of Valensole in Provence (June is the best month).
Kayaking to hiffen beaches in the stunning Calanques National Park from Cassis.
Discovering the atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage site of the medieval citadel in Carcassonne.

Lyon ⇒ Mob Hotel Lyon for stylish design, contemporary dining, and live DJ sets.

Aix-en-Provence ⇒ Le Pigonnet for its beautiful location and luxury with a touch of glamour.

Carcassonne ⇒ Hotel de la Cite for the Citadel location, traditional character, and spa.

Getty images - Colourful houses and yachts in front of pine covered hills

Lonely Planet Germany
The Rough Guide to Germany
DK Eyewitness Germany
Germany Travel Guide
Six Unmissable Germany Road Trip Routes
Deutsche Märchenstraße: Germany’s Fairy Tale Road
Romantic Road Germany: Itinerary, Map & Tips
Deutsche Alpenstrasse: Route, Map & Highlights
Motorhome Germany: Complete Touring Guide
Driving from UK to Germany: Best Routes, Costs & Tips

The Fairy Tale Road

Frankfurt – steinau – marburg – kassel – gottingen – hamelin – bremen.

This central to north Germany road trip from Frankfurt does not technically start in the city, but Frankfurt is the perfect place to fly into and pick up a rental car. If you’re spending the night, make sure you visit the South Bank, where you’ll find an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

The Fairy Tale route, or Deutsche Märchenstraße , offers travelers a series of charming towns, half-timbered buildings, castles, beautiful parks, and museums, most of which reference one fairy tale or another from the story collection of the Brothers Grimm .

The starting town of Steinau an der Strasse is straight out of their fairy tales, complete with typical half-timbered houses, twisting cobbled alleys, and the turreted Schloss Steinau which overlooks the whole town. Visit the Brüder Grimm Haus and Museum Steinau, both of which showcase the works of the brothers.

Take the back roads to Marburg and enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and slower pace for a few hours. Marburg’s altstadt is full of medieval houses and the hilltop Landgrafenschloss, a dramatic castle holding exhibits on sacred art and local history.

From Marburg, head to Kassel, where the Brothers Grimm spent their teenage years whilst working as librarians for the King of Westphalia, Jerome Bonaparte, the younger brother of the infamous Napoléon. Make sure to visit the Brüder Grimm Museum, and the Schloss und Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a tranquil green space and the largest hill park in all of Europe.

Gottingen is home to the University of Gottingen, where the Grimm Brothers once served as professors. Make for the traditional and atmospheric central market square, where the statue of Ganseliesel, the little goose girl of German lore, is one of the most kissed statues anywhere in the world. It is said that the kisser is rewarded with good luck, but maybe post-virus this practice will change!

Hameln (or Hamelin) is next up and one of the most famous fairy tale destinations in Europe. Hameln is the home of the Pied Piper, or Rattenfänger, who rid the town of rats in 1284, only to be cheated out of his payment.

The Pied Piper returned to Hameln a year later and lured away all the children. The story is re-enacted in the town center every Sunday between May and October and is a fantastic spectacle. The Weser Renaissance architecture of the Rattenfängerhaus and the Hochzeitshaus makes a fitting historic backdrop for the streets which are thronged with locals dressed the part, stalls selling food, and live music playing.

Finally, on to the Hanseatic city of Bremen, your final stop. Good places to visit in Bremen include the traditional Marktplatz, which is located in the city’s charming altstadt, the 600-year-old Rathaus or town hall, the Roselius-Haus Museum, and the stunning St. Petri Dom, the 11th century gothic cathedral.

Another landmark can be found in the city’s central town square – a statue of the Bremen musicians and heroes of the Brothers Grimm story, ‘The Town Musicians of Bremen’.

Watching the lively re-enactment of Hameln’s Pied Piper luring away visiting children.
Exploring the altstads of towns en-route, where half-timbered houses and cobbled streets are common.
Indulging in northern Germany’s hearty and tasty cuisine, like wurst , Germany’s delicious sausages, Bremer klaben , a yeasty cake of candied fruit and nuts, and kluten , a delicious dumpling.

Frankfurt ⇒ Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch for its proximity to the airport and city center, fantastic spa, and beautiful surroundings.

Marburg ⇒ The Vila Vita Rosenpark for its central location, excellent regional restaurant, and stylish bedrooms.

Bremen ⇒ Atlantic Grand Hotel for its perfect riverside location, bike rental from reception, and ultra-stylish bathrooms.

Tradtional German altstadt with colourful houses and a castle perched on a rocky crag

Southern Germany Road Trip

Wurzburg – rothenburg – ludwigsburg – burg hohenzollern – fussen – oberammergau – linderhof – munich – chiemsee.

This route follows parts of southern Germany’s famous Romantic Road and the Deutsche Alpenstrasse and has a good mix of Alpine views, historic schloss and castles, and typical Bavarian towns and villages.

As you head south, enjoy the views of the magnificent Alps ahead.

You could rush around in a week but we think ten to fourteen days gives you enough time to visit a few other places of interest when you’re all castled out!

Visiting in the summer will provide you with sunshine and clear skies but if you can do this route in winter, then you’ll be rewarded with some of the best Christmas markets in the world, fairytale snowy landscapes, and schloss decorated for the festive season.

More of a palace than a castle, the Wurzburg Residence is a huge Baroque palace. Beautiful inside, the real draw here is the gardens, laid out in a typically formal French style.

From here, head to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a fairytale Bavaria town packed with medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets.

Next up is Ludwigsburg Residential Palace one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany. Its sumptuous interiors, with gold leaf and painted ceilings, are on a similar scale to Versaille, and the Palace Theatre is pretty impressive.

Schloss Lichtenstein is a pretty little Neo-Gothic castle built in the romantic style. It may not have the scale of other castles but it’s charming and quirky, with amazing views.

Hohenzollern Castle does have the scale, along with grandeur, Rapunzel towers, and a long royal history. It’s one of the most magical castles to visit in Germany .

Hohenzollern Palace (also known as Sigmaringen Castle) sits 50km to the southeast, can be seen on the horizon for miles around, and is a real hidden gem in Germany .

Our next stop is the daddy of German castles, Neuschwanstein. Just outside Fussen, in the village of Schwangau, Neuschwanstein is a truly stunning Cinderella-esque schloss built by the fascinating historical figure of King Ludwig II, who ruled Bavaria in the 19th century.

If you have time when visiting Neuschwanstein Castle , take a walk out to Marienbrucke bridge where you can take the perfect images of the castle, the earlier the better! This castle gets very busy every day through the year, so make sure you book tickets online before arriving.

Next up, take in Oberammergau, home of the famous once-in-a-decade Passion Play. There is also a fantastic public spa here, which may be just the thing after a few days of driving. The Germans know how to do a spa and this is one of the best we’ve visited.

If you’ve time to spare, visit the Zugspitze , you’re only an hour away from Germany’s highest mountain in the northern Alps . This natural wonder is easy to summit, with the help of the cogwheel train and cable car; it is absolutely worth the detour, and the views are stunning.

The next stop is Linderhof Palace , our favorite of the German schloss. This beautifully symmetrical and elegant palace is arguably King Ludwig’s finest creation. Check out the grottos in the landscaped grounds; they’re pretty special!

Finally, drive on to Munich for the Nymphenburg Palace, one of the premier royal palaces in Europe with magnificent interiors and gardens. Spend a day discovering Munich and if you’re road tripping in autumn , you could also take in Oktoberfest, Munich’s famous beer festival.

Herrenchiemsee Palace is the last stop on this Bavaria road trip. Known as the ‘Bavarian Versaille’, this palace is in a beautiful location on Herreninsel, the largest island on the Chiemsee lake.

Discovering the pretty medieval houses and architecture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Admiring King Ludwig’s before-their-time building innovations at his fairytale castles .
Taking fantastic images of Neuschwanstein from Marienbruck at dawn, when the light is perfect and you’ll have the bridge to yourself.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber ⇒ Hotel Reichs-Kuchenmeister for its altstadt location, traditional Bavarian decor, and fabulous breakfast!

Oberammergau ⇒ Mammhofer Suites for their family-run hospitality, central location, and kitchen access for self-catering.

Munich ⇒ Roomers Munich for stylish design, superb customer service, and an excellent restaurant.

fairytale castle in mountains of Bavaria

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France.

Lonely Planet Greece
The Rough Guide to Greece
DK Eyewitness Greece: Athens and the Mainland
Motorhome & Campervan Greece – Complete Guide

Mainland Greece Road Trip

Athens – delphi – galaxidi – nafpaktos – parga – meteora – mount olympus – thessaloniki.

The beautiful landscape of mainland Greece is dotted with ancient Greek monuments and temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, hot springs, roadside churches, lemon trees overhanging the roads, and traditional tavernas where you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

This trip hits all the big highlights of Greece, taking you from the modern yet historic capital city to the most charming coastal towns before exploring the mountainous interior, all on one road trip.

You’ll visit the most important archaeological site in Greece, Ancient Delphi, and be in awe of the gravity-defying monasteries in Meteora, before making your pilgrimage to the most mythical of all sites in Greece, Mount Olympus.

Looking across the magnificent landscape of Meteora, to capture that once-in-a-lifetime iconic image.
Sipping a carafe of chilled Greek rose on the harbourside in Parga.
Taking the hike up to the Acropolis in Athens in the early morning, before the crowds arrive.

Ancient Delphi ⇒ Fedriades Delphi Hotel , for its perfect location and fantastic Greek breakfast.

Parga ⇒ Villa Coralli apartments for its perfect location overlooking Krioneri Beach and 200m from the center of town.

Thessaloniki ⇒ Plaza Hotel in Ladadika, for its beachside location close to all the major attractions.

Turquoise sea by small Greek coastal town

Peloponnese Road Trip

Athens – corinth – kalavryta – olympia – kalamata – the mani – sparta – nafplio – mycenae – athens.

This two week Peloponnese itinerary and road trip starts in the capital city of Athens. Spend a day or two in this incredible city, which is both ancient and edgy.

As you head west from Athens towards Ancient Corinth, you’ll cross the Corinth Canal, which splits the Corinth Isthmus, the narrow strip of land between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, and joins the Aegean and Ionian Seas, it’s worth making a stop to see what was a major feat of engineering back in the day.

Home to the legendary Jason of the Argonauts, of Golden Fleece fame, Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BCE. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BCE before building a new city in its place in 44 BCE, which became the provincial capital of Greece.

Next up, head to Kalavryta, known officially as the place where the Greek War of Independence started when Greece revolted against the Turks in 1821, and where 500 souls were massacred by the Nazis in World War Two. The latter event is depicted in the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust, a moving tribute to those residents and the story of the struggle between Greek partisans and the occupying forces.

The Diakofto-Kalavryta Railway is a vintage rack and pinion railway between the two towns. The route is incredibly scenic, passes through seven tunnels, and twists along the dramatic Vouraikos Gorge, clinging to its narrow ledge over the churning rapids below – make sure to fit this into your visit before moving on to Ancient Olympia.

The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia is where the Games took place every four years, for over 1100 years! The Olympic Flame is still lit here for the modern Games. This beautiful, shady archaeological site is incredibly evocative – wandering through the ruins, it’s easy to imagine the ripped athletes and excited spectators of its heyday, amongst the magnificent temples and athletic facilities.

Our route has two options at this point – head inland for spectacular scenery and mountain passes, or take the coastal route around the middle peninsula of the Peloponnese through the wild and rugged Messinian Mani, with picture-perfect Kardamyli and the colorful harbor of pretty Gythio awaiting.

Your final stop is Nafplio , often called the most romantic city in Greece, and blessed with pretty streets, elegant neoclassical architecture, and interesting independent shops, bars, and tavernas.

Hiking the incredible Vouraikos Gorge from Kalavryta to Diakofto, and admiring the limestone formations along the route.
Driving the 59km Langada Pass across the Taygetos Mountains from Kalamata to gory Sparta and the Byzantine capital of Mystras.
Walking along the Cave of the Lakes boardwalk to view the incredible rock formations and thirteen crystal clear subterranean pools formed by millennia of mineral deposits.

Athens ⇒ The Athens Gate Hotel for its central location, Acropolis view, and stylish decor.

Kalamata ⇒ Messinian Icon Hotel & Suites for its spa and pools, sea views, and large, bright rooms.

Nafplio ⇒ Amymone and Adiandi for its perfect location, gorgeous decor, and homemade Greek breakfast.

Busy beach with sun shades and mountains behind

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Lonely Planet Iceland
The Rough Guide to Iceland
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland
Iceland Road Trip – 26 Epic Things to See & Do
One Day Reykjavik Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide
South Coast Iceland: 18 of the Best Things to Do & See

The Golden Circle Road Trip

Reykjavik – thingvellir national park – geysers of haukadalur valley – gullfoss waterfall – reykjavik.

June-September

Close to Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik , the Golden Circle is easily the most touristy thing to do in the land of fire and ice, and traditionally the first stop on Iceland’s Ring Road, so it can get very busy, especially in peak season.

Start early if you can, and hop onto the Iceland ring road (route 1), which takes you first past the Reykjavik waterfront, and then out to the three stops on the Golden Circle. It’s a short drive away from Reykjavik, and should only take about 40 minutes to get to the first stop, Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located right in Þingvellir (or Thingvellir) National Park , you can walk through the middle of the large area where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have been splitting apart over the course of the centuries. This is one of the coolest things to do while you’re visiting the Golden Circle.

Don’t miss the other attractions in the national park where the Continental Divide is located. It’s home to Iceland’s first Parliament, where chieftains formed the first laws and court proceedings at what is known as the Lögberg, and has lots of trails and beautiful nature to explore if you have the time. You can even go snorkeling at Silfra, and see the divide in the tectonic plates underwater!

The next stop, about 60 kilometers from Þingvellir, is the two geysers at Haukadalur . These geysers are easy to visit because they erupt very regularly, so you’ll definitely see at least one eruption while you’re there. Strokkur is the larger of the two, but don’t get too close as the water really is boiling hot!

The last stop on the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss waterfall, just one of Iceland’s incredible waterfalls, of which there are 10,000! The waterfall, located at the end of the Hvítá River, is absolutely gigantic and produces beautiful rainbows and light prisms from every angle.

There are viewing places galore here. A concrete path makes it easy to see the waterfall at various points, though there are clearly marked signs and ropes warning you where you should stop, as it can be very windy and slippery the closer you get to the edge.

After you’ve finished seeing Gullfoss, it’s about an hour and a half drive back to Reykjavik to complete the circle. There are add on’s which aren’t traditional Golden Circle stops, but you may want to take a lovely warm bath at the Blue Lagoon just outside the city, enjoy a slightly more natural thermal experience at the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, or head to the Kerid Crater if you’re in an off-road vehicle.

♥ Spending an hour lounging in the Reykjadalur Hot Springs whilst taking in the incredible scenery. ♥ Standing at the continental divide where Europe becomes North America, and being in awe of Iceland’s geology. ♥ Doing the Golden Circle in reverse and getting to Gullfoss before the crowds arrive.

Reykjavik ⇒ Sand Hotel for its city center location and Icelandic character and design.

Lonely Planet Ireland
DK Eyewitness Ireland
The Rough Guide to Ireland
Wild Atlantic Way: Itinerary, Map & Tips
One Day in Dublin – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
Motorhoming in Ireland – A Complete Guide

Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

Co. donegal – co. sligo – co. mayo – co. galway – co. clare – co. limerick – co. kerry – co. cork.

From Co. Donegal to Co. Cork and passing through counties Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, and Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way winds down the intricate coast of western Ireland and the edge of Europe.

Taking in the must-sees of Malin Head, the Killarney National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula, this is a truly epic Ireland road trip covering many of the Emerald Isle’s most beautiful spots .

This huge trip from the north to the south of Ireland is best done with time on your side. Three weeks is just about enough, four weeks or longer will give you time to explore more and perhaps participate in some activities along the way.

If this is too long for you, then pick out one of the six regions that appeal the most and take a couple of weeks to cover that specific area. You can find out more about these from the official Wild Atlantic Way website.

The Bay Coast stretches south from Erris to Galway Bay and takes in the wild beauty of Connemara, the incredible 365 islets of Clew Bay, pretty Georgian Westport, dramatic Downpatrick Head, and medieval Galway, our favorite city in Ireland .

There’s plenty of things to see and do in Ireland if you love wide open spaces, wilderness, and raw nature, one of the reasons we adore this bit of the Wild Atlantic Way.

A great alternative is to road trip from Dublin to Galway , traveling the southern half of the Wild Atlantic Way in a huge circle, and visiting Waterford, Dingle, and Cork on the way.

Dublin is a great place to start your road trip with an easily accessible international airport and lots of car rental choices.

Watching the rollers crashing from the savage beauty of Malin Head in Co. Donegal.
Tapping your foot, sipping a pint of Guinness, and enjoying a hooley (live traditional Irish folk music) in Galway.
Taking the steep and winding road to Dunquin Pier on the Dingle Peninsula for a memorable photo opportunity.

Westport Co. Mayo ⇒ Knockeranny House Hotel and Spa for sublime Clew Bay views, Irish hospitality, and elegant dining.

Rossnowlagh Co. Donegal ⇒ The Sandhouse Hotel and Marina Spa for its stunning beachfront location, contemporary decor, and excellent spa.

Glengarriff Co. Cork ⇒ Eccles Hotel and Spa for its snug and traditional decor, a superb restaurant specializing in local seafood, and proximity to the pretty village and harbor.

grass topped cliffs in front of steel grey sea and cloudy sky

Lonely Planet Italy
Fodor’s Essential Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Top Spots in Between
T he Rough Guide to Italy
Italy Travel Guide
The Ultimate Bucket List Italy Road Trip
Northern Italy Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips
Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!
Tuscan Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips
A Bucket List Amalfi Coast Road Trip
Sicily Road Trip – Itinerary, Tips & Map
Beautiful Puglia – A Road Trip Itinerary

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete Guide
Driving to Italy from UK – Routes & Tips

Amalfi Coast Road Trip

Sorrento – positano – amalfi – ravello – salerno.

avoid July-August

The Amalfi Coast road, the SS163, is a 50km spectacular stretch of tarmac, hugging the cliffs and coves of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and is a bucket list Italy road trip experience.

Like the roads around Portofino and the Cinque Terre, this is a car route only and the road is permanently closed to motorhomes and RVs.

In a car or on a bike, it is best driven early in the morning in the months of April, May, October, and November due to the monstrously high amount of traffic in the peak months.

You can do the entire road in a day and stop in Ravello for lunch, but two or three days will give you longer to enjoy the glorious views and pretty towns en route.

Start from easily accessible Sorrento and head south across the peninsula until you get to the coast at San Pietro. Your first view of the glistening sea and this epic road are pretty special, prepare to be wowed.

Stop at Positano, the quintessential coast road town and the image on a thousand travel magazine covers. Take a wander through the maze of steep streets, pastel-painted stacked houses, and steps to find charming hotels and restaurants alongside chic independent boutiques.

Next up is Amalfi itself. This hugely popular holiday resort is the largest town along the coast road. The pretty seafront, with its cafes and glamorous boutiques, gives this town a great vibe.

Head west on foot to Spiaggia del Fornillo from Amalfi, a long stretch of soft sandy beach perfect for an afternoon’s relaxing.

Ravello has to be one of the most romantic villages in Italy and is right up there on our list of favorite places in Europe. Perched high above the sea and overlooking immaculate terraced slopes full of vines, Ravello is home to lush Mediterranean planting and charming sun-dappled squares, and has to be one of the best spots in Southern Italy .

The 20km round-trip detour to Ravello from the main coast road is so worth taking. Visit Villa Rufolo, host to beautifully landscaped and dramatic gardens with superb sea views.

On to Salerno and the end of the Amalfi Coast road, surely one of the best driving roads in Europe .

The glorious coastal views from the gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello.
Taking a Limoncello tour and tasting this delicious local liquor where it’s made.
Watching the fiery sun sink into the Tyrrhenian Sea at the end of a perfect day.

Positano ⇒ Hotel Marincanto for its stunning cliff-hugging position, beautifully decorated rooms, and hands-on owners.

Ravello ⇒ Hotel Villa Maria for its romantic dining terrace, old-world Italian charm, and fabulous breakfasts.

Vietri sul Mare ⇒ Palazzo Suriano for its fragrance-filled terraced gardens, excellent homemade breakfasts on the terrace, and gorgeous decor.

the Amalfi coast road with a small town in front and the turquoise sea to the right

Puglia Road Trip

Taranto – gallipoli – santa maria di leuca – lecce – ostuni – alberobello – bari.

Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is a beautiful place for a 7 day road trip in Europe. With Trulli houses, a fabulous sandy coastline, and whitewashed villages, there is a lot to see and do here.

The abundance of fresh, local produce means you will eat and drink well on this road trip! We spent an amazing seven days exploring beautiful Puglia and fell in love with the region.

Visiting the UNESCO Trulli houses at Alberobello for an other-world experience.
Discovering Gallipoli’s atmospheric, oh-so-Italian old town and castle.
Finding a salumeria (deli) and enjoy the local specialties over a lazy lunch.

Gallipoli ⇒ Palazzo Presta for its fabulous old town location, eclectic design, and excellent service.

Lecce ⇒ La Fiermontina Urban Resort for its contemporary art and sculpture, outdoor pool set in an olive grove and gorgeous rooms.

Alberobello ⇒ Tipico Resort for its superb location, fabulous breakfast and for being a Trulli!

A large castle built jutting out into the sea

Sicily Road Trip

Catania – syracuse – ragusa – agrigento – marsala – palermo – cefalu – taormina.

A coastal road trip around Sicily can take a few weeks or a few months, there is so much to see. From ancient, immaculately preserved temples to modern and vibrant cities like Palermo , via jaw-dropping natural wonders, this rich and diverse island is a world away from anywhere you’ve ever been before.

Read our detailed guide to road-tripping eclectic Sicily , which includes an itinerary along the island’s coastal ring road, and start planning your trip!

Taking a hike above the clouds to the summit of Mount Etna and look deep into the rumbling magma below.
Being awed by the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
Wandering the charming historic back streets of Ortigia, the old town of Syracuse.

Syracuse ⇒ Hotel Gutkowski for lovingly crafted and unique interiors, beachcomber chic, and a cool roof terrace.

Palermo ⇒ BB22 for its perfect piazza location, a cozy home-from-home feel, and palazzo style.

Taormina ⇒ Hotel Villa Ducale for spectacular views, a relaxed vibe, and legendary cocktails!

an Italian hilltop town with houses stacked together

Tuscany & Umbria Road Trip

Pisa – lucca – florence – san gimignano – siena – arezzo – cortona – pienza – montepulciano – assisi – spoleto.

avoid August

Italy is a gorgeous country for a road trip , no area more so than Tuscany and Umbria, which are easily accessible by car from the UK and Europe. The rolling fields of vines and golden wheat, studded with tall cypress trees and creamy stone villas are iconic.

This is a truly epic journey packed full of culture, great food, wine, and fantastic roads. There is much to see and lots of interesting places to stop between the main route destinations, make sure to do your research before leaving home!

Pisa in northern Italy is a great place to start this road trip. The leaning tower is a bit cliched but has to be seen. Lucca is perfect to explore on foot, with narrow lanes opening onto charming piazzas lined with historic buildings.

Florence is the jewel in Tuscany’s crown. A surprisingly compact city with the imposing Duomo at the center, a must-see. Book well in advance for anything to do with the Duomo, it’s strictly ticketed and you won’t be able to buy a ticket on the day.

You’ll probably want at least two days in Florence to see everything at a manageable pace, although you can see Florence in a day if you plan well. Leaving Florence is the time to set your sat nav to ‘no autostrada’ and get off the beaten track in the Tuscan countryside …yes, it may take a little longer but it will be worth it!

San Gimignano, famous for its thirteen towers, sits high on a hill south of Florence. Between April and September, this thriving hill village is busy with tourists visiting the churches, palazzos, independent shops, and restaurants.

Onwards to Arezzo and then Cortona, one of the oldest and most scenic hill towns in Tuscany. Pienza is a delightful village and has perfect, interesting streets for wandering and admiring the 15th century architecture.

The drive through the Val d’Orcia from Pienza to Montepulciano on the SP146 is like driving through a film set! Sweeping curves, rolling vineyards, and photo opportunities at every bend; this is quintessential Tuscany.

From Montepulciano , follow the road around the tranquil Lake Trasimeno to Assisi, our favorite Umbrian destination. The imposing Basilica of St Francis can be seen hugging the hillside for miles around. Your last stop is the gorgeous hill town of Spoleto, stuffed with monuments, churches, and other historic buildings.

For us, this has got to be one of the best European road trips we have taken; for the fabulous ride (we did it on a motorbike, highly recommended!), the stunning landscapes, and the beautiful Italian hospitality.

Taking the breathtaking drive through the Val d’Orcia to Montepulciano with photo opportunities galore and a glass of local red waiting for you!
Discovering Siena’s perfectly laid out, beautiful fan-shaped Piazza del Campo.
Climbing the dome of the Duomo in Florence for spectacular views, inside and out!

Florence ⇒ AdAstra Suites for their stunning location, classy and interesting decor, and magnificent terrace.

Montepulciano ⇒ Palazzo Carletti for attention to detail, gorgeous frescoed interiors, and central location.

Assisi ⇒ Nun Assisi Relais and Spa – for its lavender-filled gardens, incredible Roman spa, and fabulous restaurant.

road lined with Italian Cypress trees winding through green fields with an orange sunset sky

Lonely Planet Norway
Fodor’s Essential Norway
The Rough Guide to Norway
Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes
Atlantic Road Norway: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!
Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips
One Day Oslo Itinerary – Map, Guide & Tips
Campervanning in Norway – Tips, Routes & Destinations
Flåm Norway: Visitor Guide & Tips

West Coast of Norway Road Trip

Bergen – loen – geiranger – trollstigen – kristiansund – trondheim – jektvik – bodo – tromso.

Taking in the iconic sights of Norway ‘s west coast, this route will take you through tunnels, over fjords, along the Atlantic Ocean Road, and the infamous Trollstigen Mountain Road.

This is a route for those that love the journey more than the destination; it’s all about the road – even getting to Norway is a road trip in itself!

Start in beautiful Bergen , the city surrounded by seven fjords and seven hills. There are lots of things to do here, including visiting the lively Vagen harbor in Bergen’s old quarter, Bryggen.

From Bergen, take the E39 motorway north to Loen where you’ll find the awesome new Loen Skylift which takes you to the top of Mount Hoven for spectacular views of the white-blue Jostedalsbreen glacier.

If you prefer to get to the top under your own steam, then take the via Ferrata up and the zip-line down! Is sea-level activity more your thing? Then head for glacial Lake Lovatnet where you can swim and kayak.

At Hellesylt, you’ll take the ferry through Geirangerfjorden to Geiranger itself before picking up the RV63, the Trollstigen Mountain Road. Incredibly beautiful, this road was opened in 1936 and includes eleven hairpin bends and a 9% incline. Stop at the Ornesvingen viewing point for incredible vistas and again at the top to admire the Stigfossen waterfall.

Once you reach Andalsnes, head west and then drive north on the E39 to Vevang, and the start of the Atlantic Ocean Road, which runs across seven bridges and follows the islands between them like a silver ribbon. If you want to visit picture-perfect Alesund on the way, take a slight detour and head south on the E39 instead of north – if you have a few extra days, you won’t regret it!

Next up is Trondheim, Norway’s original capital city before you head to Jektvik. You can either take the E6 Arctic Highway all the way or around 80km north of Trondheim, and just after Steinkjer, pick up the FV17 and take in the glorious landscape and coastal views from the magnificent Kystriksveien Coastal Route.

This Atlantic road route will add a fair few kilometers, two days, and six fjord ferries to your journey, but the detour will be worth it if you have the time. You’ll cross into the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees, on the ferry between Kilborghavn and Jektvik.

At Bodo, you can get a ferry out to the Lofoten Islands if you are making this a longer trip. Perfect for hikers and nature lovers, Lofoten has become Norway’s go-to place for adventure – you can even swim with Orca whales here!

Mount Romvik, outside Bodo and with minimal light pollution, is a good place to see the Northern Lights.

Otherwise, keep on trucking to Tromso , Norway’s party city. From here, you can head on to Nordkapp where the sun never drops below the horizon from mid-May to the end of July.

Hauntingly beautiful but incredibly busy, you may prefer the true northernmost point of continental Europe at Knivskjelodden, an 18km hike away and inaccessible to vehicles.

You could also take a ferry to Svalbard and visit the polar bears, catch the Hurtigruten ferry back to Bergen or Oslo , or get on a flight to pretty much anywhere in the world. Wherever you end up, it will take you a while to forget what is surely one of the best road trips in Europe.

Driving the thrilling and impressive Trollstigen Road from Geiranger to Andalasnes
Crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the midnight sun and Northern Lights.
Following the Kystriksveien Coastal Route and see the real coastal Norway of fishing villages and subsistence agriculture.

Bergen ⇒ Det Hanseatiske Hotel for its harbourside location, dining options, and cozy decor.

Narvik ⇒ Narvik Mountain Lodge for its truly spectacular location, traditional log cabin style, and amazing coastal views.

Tromso ⇒ Scandic Ishavshotel for its harbor location, fabulous breakfasts, and excellent customer service.

red and green shed by the edge of lake surrounded by mountains

Western Fjords Road Trip

Stavanger – preikestolen – kjeragbolten – trolltunga – flam – bergen.

This is an outdoor enthusiasts’ adventurous road trip ! If you’ve ever looked at those amazing images of people perched on tongues of rock, sheer cliffs, or precipitously balanced boulders whilst gazing out over stunning blue fjords, then this is the road trip for you. We did this Norway route by campervan , and it’s got to be one of our favorite travel experiences!

You’ll start in the pretty and typically Norwegian city of Stavanger before heading off to hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) which is 4km and can be done in half a day with an early start.

Next up is the Kjeragbolten hike, the site of a giant boulder wedged in a crevasse 1084m above Lysefjorden, where you can also base jump. This is a longer hike at 10km and you will need a full day to complete it.

Both hikes can get busy and you may have to wait if you want the obligatory photo, so allow plenty of time. If you’re not a confident hiker, consider taking a guided hike, you’ll learn lots on the way.

Everywhere you drive in Norway, you are surrounded by mountains, fjords, and waterfalls. The scenery is simply spectacular, with new thrills around each bend in the road. Route 13 from Stavanger to Odda is known as the Ryfylke National Scenic Route, one of Norway’s eighteen official touring routes designated for their stunning scenery and tourist-friendly infrastructure.

As you drive through Norway you will motor through tunnels and need to get a ferry to cross a fjord. Allow several hours drive time longer than Google Maps suggests; this is a full day drive and you should start early.

Your next stop is Odda, for the infamous Trolltunga (literally Troll’s Tongue) one of the best hikes in the world. The most challenging of the three, this hike is 20km distance across mainly flat terrain but can be tricky underfoot with changeable weather. Hiking Trolltunga is not for the faint-hearted or unprepared but is an absolute must-do on your Norway road trip.

Take a few day’s downtime in Flam, a small village right at the top of the beautiful Aurlandsfjord. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and water this is a playground for hikers, water sports enthusiasts, and mountain bikers.

From Flam, you can drive to Bergen or take the spectacular Flamsbana railway there, considered one of the most spectacular train rides in the world.

Taking the incredible Flam Railway to Myrdal and cycle the Rallar Road.
Standing on the edge of the Troll’s Tongue with the world at your feet.
Discovering the imposing and dramatic Lysefjorden by boat.

Stavanger ⇒ Sola Strand Hotel for the breathtaking beachfront location and a modern spa.

Odda ⇒ Vikinghaug Apartments for their amazing fjord views and the post-Trolltunga bath!

Flam ⇒ Flåmsbrygga Hotel for its superb central position, cozy traditional decor, and micro-brewery.

A small black clapboard church by a gree and white river

Lonely Planet Portugal
DK Eyewitness Portugal
The Rough Guide to Portugal
Road Trip Portugal – Two Incredible Itineraries
Driving from Lisbon to Porto: Itinerary, Route & Tips
Driving to Portugal from UK – Routes & Tips
Campervanning in Portugal: Complete Guide

Atlantic Coast Road Trip

Porto – coimbra – nazare – sintra – lisbon.

Portugal is a tiny country but it packs one hell of a punch. This Portugal road trip itinerary can be managed in five days, but seven gives you the opportunity to revel in the cities of Porto and Lisbon and enjoy a beach stop en route.

You could easily drive from Lisbon to Porto as a 7 day road trip in Europe from UK if you fly into Porto and out of Lisbon, or vice versa. One-way car rental is possible from either airport.

Porto is a lively and fun city, intimate and friendly. There’s a lot to do in Porto but walking over the mighty Douro river on the iconic Luis I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and the historic port lodges, has to be top of the list.

Head south from here to the less-traveled city of Coimbra , Portugal’s ancient capital. Stacked on the banks of the river Mondego, the Moorish old town is dramatic and atmospheric. This is a great place to stop at a bar for authentic live fado or Portuguese guitar music.

Halfway between Coimbra and Lisbon, take a short detour to Nazare on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Known for its monster waves and daredevil surfers, this is a great place if you like huge beaches and dramatic landscapes.

Heading south, Sintra, in the mountains of the same name, is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of place. Home to Portuguese royalty for centuries, the lush landscape is dotted with pastel-colored palaces, villas, and houses.

You can also take a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon if you’d prefer to base yourself in the city. Visit and decide for yourself!

Finally to wonderful Lisbon for picture-postcard panoramas and fabulous food! This most Portuguese of cities serves up fantastic bacalhau, pastel de nana, and port from the Douro Valley. Head for the exotic Tropical Botanical Gardens and stroll amongst giant banana plants before visiting the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a haven of peace amongst the bustling city.

If you want to stretch your week in Portugal, you’ll find the beautiful Algarve region just three hours south of Lisbon. This stunning part of Portugal is famous for its incredible beaches and perfect climate. Make for the charming town of Lagos and stay at Vivenda Miranda , a beautifully restored boutique hotel.

Taking a port wine tour and tasting in one of Porto’s historic port wine lodges.
Heading to a fado bar to hear the traditional and haunting music of Portugal played live.
Tasting hundreds of delicious foods at the Mercado de Ribeira, Lisbon’s buzzy food hall.

Porto ⇒ Flores Village Hotel and Spa for its central location, roof-top bar views, and stylish design.

Coimbra ⇒ Sapientia Boutique Hotel for the perfect location, stylish design, and warm hospitality.

Lisbon ⇒ Valverde Hotel for its gorgeous interiors, walkable location, and courtyard pool.

red roofed colourful houses and domed topped church in front of sea and cloudy sky

Lonely Planet Spain
DK Eyewitness Road Trips Spain
The Rough Guide to Spain
Spain Travel Guide
Six of the Best Road Trips in Spain
The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips
North Spain Road Trip: Itinerary, Route & Tips
Madrid in One Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
One Day in Barcelona – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
Driving from UK to Spain – Routes & Tips
Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide

Andalucia Road Trip

Marbella – ronda – cadiz – jerez de la frontera – seville – cordoba – granada.

Andalucia epitomizes Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colorful, and passionate. This itinerary will take you to the major cities of Andalucia, bringing Spain alive.

If you’re looking for a longer holiday, it’s perfect for a 3 week European road trip itinerary with a bit of beach time thrown in, even if you visit in winter .

This is a perfect road trip to start and finish in Malaga. Fly in, hire a car, and within a few hours, you can be on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, enjoying year-round sunshine.

In Marbella, spend a day soaking up the sun and visiting the charming old town. Make for Taberna Casa Curro Marbella where you’ll find great tapas and fruity Spanish wine.

Head north to Ronda and the stunning mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. If you have a few extra days, now is the time to visit the atmospheric cities of Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera, two of our favorite places in Spain .

Your next stop is Seville , a city almost too good to be true, and everything you ever through Seville would be.

Cordoba is home to the breathtaking Mezquita, or mosque-cathedral, started by the Moors and finished by the Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century. Seeing this alone would make a visit to Cordoba worthwhile.

Pass through Antequera and learn the local legend of the Lovers Rock before making your way high into the Sierra Nevada to Granada and the famous Alhambra. Make sure you book your priority tickets online at least three months in advance, this ancient palace of kings sells out quickly.

Visiting the beautiful La Casa del Rey Moro in Ronda for unrivaled views of the Puenta Nuevo.
Watching steamy live flamenco in Seville’s atmospheric Barrio Santa Cruz.
Being wowed by the incredible Moorish architecture of the Mezquita in Cordoba.

Marbella ⇒ Amare Beach Hotel for its fun adults-only vibe and glamorous beach club.

Seville ⇒ Casa del Poeta for the beautifully renovated interiors, Barrio Santa Cruz location, and roof-top views to die for.

Granada ⇒ Hotel Santa Isabel la Real for cozy rooms, spectacular Alhambra views, and a really special cooked breakfast.

creamy coloured palace with snow capped mountains behind

Northern Spain Road Trip

San sabastian – bilbao – comillas – oviedo – ribadeo – a coruna – santiago de compostela.

April-October

This Spanish road trip will take you through the beautiful and lush, aptly named Green Spain, hugging the north coast along the Bay of Biscay.

From the border with France and through the regions of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, you’ll see some of the most picturesque landscapes in Spain, enjoy amazing food, and crisscross the famous Camino de Santiago .

Start in San Sabastian, a sophisticated city with a renowned restaurant scene, famous for seafood and pintxos (pronounced pinchos), which are similar to tapas.

Take a gastronomic tour for the best experience. Eat your fill and head west to Bilbao, home of the incredible Guggenheim museum . The building itself is a work of art, with beautifully curved and sweeping architecture.

Head west, making sure to stop at the cave of El Castillo to see the 35,000-year-old drawings there.

Continue along the coast to the stunning Santillana del Mar, known as the town of the three lies; not holy (santi), flat (llana) or by the sea (del mar) .

This medieval town is beautifully preserved and worth a wander before you make your way to Comillas, further along the coast. Traditionally low-rise, you’ll find a pretty beach, a tiny fishing port, and a charming cobbled old center here.

Don’t miss El Caprichio, a Gaudi-designed villa. If you have a few extra days, head into the Picos de Europa , the small but perfectly formed mountain range.

Oviedo is the next stop and the starting point of the lesser-known Camino Primitivo (the oldest Camino). This compact and elegant city is another foodie delight, with a lively gastronomic scene.

Home to Spanish cider (who knew?), you’ll find traditional sidrerias along Calle Gascona, known as cider boulevard. Visit in September for Fiestas de San Mateo , a live theatre and music spectacular. If you go in October, you’ll be in the middle of the Asturias apple harvest.

A Coruna is up next, passing by the spectacular Playa de Las Catedrales en route. There is so much to do in A Coruna, a dynamic city that is home to a busy modern port, a relaxed beachfront resort, and an atmospheric old town.

The seafood here is some of the freshest and finest in Spain, with seafood tapas being a specialty. Take a walk out to the Tower of Hercules, the least-looking lighthouse we have ever seen!

Finally, you’ll reach Santiago de Compostela , the end point of the famous Camino de Santiago, and your last stop. As you enter the town, you’ll see pilgrims covering the final few miles into one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, proudly displaying their vieira, the scallop shell badge that you’ll have seen along your route .

Twisting alleys, dramatic squares, and historic religious buildings make up this labyrinth of a city, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are too many must-sees to list so consider a walking tour with a local to make the most of the time you have in this gorgeous city.

Eating delicious pintxos straight from the bar in the Basque Country.
Walking along the boardwalks at Playa de Las Catedrales and marvel at the extraordinary natural arches.
Exploring the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela and make the climb to Las Cubiertas , the cathedral roof, for incredible views of the city and landscape beyond.

San Sebastian ⇒ Lasala Plaza Hotel for a big dose of glamour, sea views, and a cool rooftop pool.

Oviedo ⇒ Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes for its laid-back vibe, modern decor, and smooth service.

Santiago de Compostela ⇒ Parador De Santiago de Compostela for its history, traditional decor, and HUGE breakfast buffet.

Large and ornate Roccoco cathedral in Spain

Switzerland

Fodor’s Essential Switzerland
Rough Guide to Switzerland
DK Eyewitness Switzerland
Switzerland Road Trip: The Best Itinerary + Map & Tips
One Day in Zurich – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Road Trip to the Alps

Zurich – bern – lausanne – geneva – montreux – nendaz – zermatt – interlaken – lauterbrunnen – grindelwald – furka pass – lucerne – zurich.

This two week Switzerland summer road trip will take you on a spectacular, circular drive through Switzerland’s iconic landscapes covering roughly 1000km south across western Switzerland to Geneva before heading east towards Zermatt and eventually back north to Zurich.

Starting in Zurich, your first stop will be Bern, found within the curves of the Aare river. Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and is known for its 12th century architecture that forms the old town or Alstadt . Your visit to Bern would be incomplete without exploring Lake Brienz, just north of the Alps, which offers breathtaking mountain views and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland .

After your trip to Bern, begin traveling south to Lausanne, Geneva, and Montreux, visiting Lac Léman en route.

The following stretch of your trip will provide unrivaled views of Les Diablerets as you head towards Zermatt where you will be met with the iconic Matterhorn, a mountain in the Swiss Alps.

At this point, your road trip starts the route east taking you to Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald where hiking, mountain views, waterfalls and plenty of exciting adventures await.

As you leave Grindelwald, make sure you save time for the Furka Pass as you head to Lucerne. Our Swiss road trip itinerary will continue north to our initial starting point, the city of Zurich.

Driving the incredible Alps passes of Furka and Susten, high in the picturesque Bernese Highlands.
Taking one of the many cog-wheeled trains or cable cars into the big mountains that Switzerland is famous for.
Exploring the incredible Jungfraujoch from Lauterbrunnen, an absolutely epic day trip!

Zurich ⇒ Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle for its very cool interiors, accessible location, and free bikes to help you explore the city.

Geneva ⇒ Hotel Mon Repos for its excellent location, beautifully decorated rooms, and comfy beds.

Lauterbrunnen ⇒ Hotel Schützen Lauterbrunnen for its Swiss chalet style, cozy restaurant and terrace, and friendly service.

United Kingdom

Lonely Planet Great Britain
DK Eyewitness Great Britain
Rough Guides Make the Most of Your Time in Britain
United Kingdom Travel Guide
UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes
Eight Incredible Scotland Road Trips
North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips
Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes
Wales Road Trip – A Stunning Route & Itinerary
A South England Road Trip to Dorset & The New Forest
Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips
Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?
Belfast in A Day: Itinerary, Map & Tips
Atlantic Highway: An Epic Devon & Cornwall Road Trip

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Derry-londonderry – port rush – bushmills – cushendun – carrickfergus – belfast.

The wild and unspoiled Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland is made for a road trip. Peppered with fascinating places to see and exciting things to do, this route will appeal to outdoor adventurers.

If you are a Game of Thrones fan , there are lots of places along this route which featured in the show or book a tour to find them all.

Start in the walled city of Derry-Londonderry, one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe and the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. The walls, which are around 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town.

From here head north on the coast road, past the magnificent and unmistakable mountain of Binevenagh, and stop at Benone beach for a bracing walk along the sands. Don’t miss the Mussenden Temple perched on the cliff edge at the easternmost point of the beach.

Make your way to the pretty seaside town of Port Rush for a local ice cream and local craft shopping before meandering along the coast to Bushmills, home of the whiskey distillery. This is the perfect starting point for the gloriously breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO site.

As you head west, make sure to stop at the picture-perfect harbor of Ballintoy and test yourself at the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.

Take in the conservation village of Cushendun, steeped in character and folklore before heading on to Carrickfergus Castle. This imposing Norman castle stands on the northern shore of Belfast Lough and is one of the best-preserved medieval structures on the island of Ireland.

Belfast is your final stop; don’t miss the fantastic Titanic Quarter, historic Crumlin Road Gaol, and the buzzing nightlife of the Cathedral Quarter. Check out this detailed post for more things to do in Belfast .

If you have longer, start in Belfast and head in the opposite direction. From Derry-Londonderry head across the border into raw and wild Co. Donegal and pick up the Wild Atlantic Way. This makes for a great island of Ireland 2 week road trip in Europe.

Discovering the Giant’s Causeway, a truly spectacular natural wonder.
Crossing the iconic Peace Bridge in Derry-Londonderry and then walking the ancient city walls.
Taking a black cab mural tour in Belfast for a unique cabbie’s take on local politics and the troubles.

Londonderry ⇒ Bishop’s Gate Hotel for its perfect location, fascinating history, and tasteful decor.

Bushmills ⇒ The Bushmills Inn Hotel for its homely peat fires, great Irish breakfast, and proximity to the Giant’s Causeway.

Belfast ⇒ Ten Square Hotel for its superb central location, fantastic grill restaurant, and contemporary decor.

narrow road running by sea with green hills on the other side

Norfolk Road Trip, England

Norwich – wroxham – winterton – cromer – hunstanton – sandringham – king’s lynn.

Distance 175km
Duration 5-7 days
Drive Time 3 hours

This delightful coastal road trip will take you through the county of Norfolk to the Norfolk Broads, old-fashioned English seaside resorts, and onto the beautiful and unspoiled North Norfolk coast .

Summer road trips in the UK are best if you want sunshine, but visit the UK in winter for more cost-effective travel and you’ll enjoy incredible beaches, big skies, and perfect solitude, especially when you road trip in Norfolk , England.

From the historic and pretty city of Norwich , head east towards Wroxham, the self-styled capital of the Broads. The dramatic landscapes and raw natural beauty of the Norfolk Broads were created when peat digs flooded in the 14th century.

This area is now a national park and a haven for wildlife and birds. Take a Broads cruise, hire a boat, or head off for a long walk along towpaths and through fields, where seeing flapping sails in the river is an everyday occurrence.

Nearby is the loud and bright town of Great Yarmouth , a traditional bucket and spade destination, with great nearby beaches and lots to do – you certainly won’t get bored here!

From the Broads, head east to explore the pretty towns and incredible beaches of the Norfolk coast . Winterton-on-Sea is a perfect place to see seal pups in the winter. Further north is the popular seaside town of Cromer , renowned for its lively pier.

From Cromer make a short detour south to the stunning Jacobean Blickling Hall , home of Anne Boleyn.

Continue along the coast road to Blakeney and practice your crabbing skills from the harbor. Make a stop at the beautiful and huge Holkham Beach, where the ending of ‘Shakespeare in Love’ was filmed.

Onwards from here to Hunstanton, another bucket and spade destination , which is close to the medieval and Hanseatic port town of King’s Lynn .

From here it’s a short drive to Sandringham , home of the Queen. There are lots of things to do here, including visiting the house, gardens and country park.

If you have time, head to 12th century Castle Rising before making your way to the Hanseatic town of Kings Lynn. The town’s heritage is reflected in the fine merchants’ houses which stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House that overlooks the harbor.

Walking on Holkham Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Traditional, delicious and fresh fish and chips from No 1 Cromer .
Discover the stunning historic estates of Blickling Hall and Holkham Hall.

Norwich ⇒ The Georgian Townhouse for its informal vibe, lively bar and restaurant, and contemporary decor.

Thornham ⇒ The Lifeboat Inn for its romantic retreat-style location, open fires, and really seriously good pub grub.

King’s Lynn ⇒ Bank House for its prime location, Grade II exterior, and go-to, lively brasserie.

red and white stiped lighthouse in a field of ripe rapeseed

North Coast 500 Road Trip, Scotland

Inverness – wick – john o’groats – durness – lochinver – ullapool – applecross.

Distance 830km
Duration 2-3 weeks
Drive Time 12 hours

A favorite of motorhomers and campervanners, this iconic Scottish road trip is a 516 mile route that wends its way around the spectacular north coast of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness.

Passing through the remote and wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and the spectacular west coast, the North Coast 500 route delivers dramatic roads with spectacular views and is one of the must-do road trips in the United Kingdom .

Hiking to beautiful Sandwood Bay Beach , for the incredible sight of the Am Buachaille sea stack, a remnant of when the Highlands and North America were connected, millions of years ago.
Whale watching from Gairloch, where you might also see porpoise, dolphins, and sharks, as well as seals, otters, puffins, and maybe white-tailed eagles.
Driving Bealach na Ba, the legendary Applecross Pass, and one of the best (but also most dangerous) roads in the UK.

Inverness ⇒ Kingsmills Hotel for its traditional Scottish decor, lively bar, and spa.

Wick ⇒ Mackays Hotel for its award-winning service, great restaurant, and ideal location.

Gairloch ⇒ Shieldaig Lodge Hotel for its wonderful lochside location, traditional hunting lodge style, and seriously good breakfast.

Scottish loch with a small bothy beside in in fall

Snowdonia to the Brecon Beacons, Wales

Snowdonia – portmeirion – barmouth – new quay – pembrokeshire – gower peninsula – mumbles – brecon beacons.

Distance 256km
Drive Time 7 hours

Small but perfectly formed, the glorious country of Wales is a road tripper’s dream. With soaring mountains and valleys, miles of golden sands, craggy headlands, and some incredible roads, head to Wales for an adventurous and eclectic road trip.

Start your road trip itinerary in the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, or Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri in Welsh, in north Wales for drama, huge skies, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Perfect as a base for a few days, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town in a beautiful valley, full of companies offering outdoor adventures, shops selling outdoor gear, and pubs and restaurants full of hikers talking about the day’s activities.

Your next stop is Portmeirion, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Wales. Portmeirion is best known for Portmeirion Pottery (now made in Stoke-on-Trent) and its role in the 1960’s cult TV show The Prisoner . Look beyond the obvious though and enjoy local walks, tropical gardens, and interesting architecture.

Families with love Barmouth and its location on the west coast has to be one of the most beautiful in Wales. Steeped in a history rich with connections to the shipping and slate industries, this is a good old-fashioned seaside resort with a west facing beach ideal for sea swimming and watersports.

Head south through coastal mid-wales to the vibrant seaside town of New Quay, following the Coastal Way along the length of Ceredigion Bay. Popular with tourists for its picturesque harbor and sandy beach, New Quay is an ideal base for water sports like sailing, stand-up paddle, kayaking, and canoeing – you’ll find lots to pack in for a couple of days.

Next up is Pembrokeshire, famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches, and remote islands. The coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and is one of the most stunning places in the UK.

Pembrokeshire boasts that it invented coasteering, and it’s an activity you must try. The sport of jumping from land to sea, cliff scrambling, and swimming between rocks will stretch you mentally and physically but give you hours of fun. There is also lots of opportunity for swimming, paddling and generally messing about on the water.

Your next stop is the spectacular Gower Peninsula in south Wales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famous for its breathtaking coastline, 30 or so unspoiled beaches and coves, and coastal walking, including the gorgeous Rhossili Beach and the dramatic Worm’s Head, whose long ridged back rises straight from the sea.

Stop at Mumbles, a traditional seaside town, and walk along the bustling prom, where rollerbladers weave between pedestrians, and ice-cream parlors tempt.

Make a detour to the infamous Top Gear road, the Black Mountain Pass, as you head into the Brecon Beacons, or Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh, for more fantastic hiking, especially if you tackle Pen y Fan, and incredible views.

Driving the Black Mountain Pass and the Gospel Pass through the Brecon Beacons.
Paddleboarding at the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire.
Visiting the puffins and wildlife of Skomer Island.

Snowdonia ⇒ Ty Gwyn Hotel in Betws-y-Coed for its great location, friendly welcome, and traditional decor.

New Quay ⇒ Rooms @ The Dolau Inn for its location close to the beach, cozy rooms, and Welsh hospitality.

Pembrokeshire ⇒ Heywood Spa Hotel in Tenby for its luxury facilities, comfortable rooms, and great location.

brightly painted houses and a beach with small fishing boats

European Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for planning a European road trip.

Search for affordable flights to Europe with Skyscanner
Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Europe with Booking.com
Find and book the best campsites in Europe with Eurocampings
Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Europe with Rentalcars.com
Best for ferries around Europe are Ferryhopper
Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Indie Campers
Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in Europe

Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know
How to Plan a Road Trip – Your Complete Guide
19 Helpful Long Distance Driving Tips
Road Trip on a Budget: 36 Tips to Save Money in Europe
The Best Printable Road Trip Checklists
150+ Road Trip Songs: Your Ultimate Driving Playlist
Podcasts for Road Trips: 26 to Keep You Entertained
Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip
113 Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Trip
You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Europe. If you’re traveling to Ireland , your passport must remain valid for the duration of your stay (UK citizens do not need a passport to visit Ireland, which is in the Common Travel Area).
You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
Most of Europe drives on the right, except the United Kingdom which drives on the left.
Most European countries, especially those with mountains, have rules about snow tires and snow chains. Make sure you check these rules if you’re taking a road trip to Europe in colder weather.
You may want to consider carrying an electronic toll pass for the duration of your European road trip itinerary. These devices deduct the toll fees from a credit card automatically, meaning you don’t have to stop at a booth or barrier.
Many cities across Europe have low emissions zones, which can be easy to stray into accidentally. The Urban Access Regulation in Europe website has information on a country and city-by-city basis, to help you plan your trip. They also share links for purchasing LEZ and ULEZ stickers online.
Make sure you’re aware of the specific rules for each European country that you intend to visit. Some have obscure rules about driving in flip-flops or eating road trip snacks at the wheel! You can find more information about the rules of the road and what to carry in your vehicle here .
Although it is strongly advised, you are not required to have breakdown cover. UK registered vehicles may be able to add this to an existing policy or take out a policy for the duration of the trip. If you’re hiring a car to road trip around Europe, make sure to check breakdown arrangements with the car rental company.

Looking for more Europe itinerary ideas? Check out these top posts…

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The Restless Worker

Work | Travel | Blog | Repeat

7 Of The Best One Week Itineraries For Europe

I’m a fan of one week itineraries for Europe. It’s the only continent where you can really see a number of different countries in one trip, and for relatively cheaper. There is so much to see and do it’s really hard to narrow down just a few one week itineraries for Europe but I’ve taken a good stab at it.

If you’re anything like me, you want to travel and see as much as you possibly can in as little time as you can manage . Often this means you’re returning home much more exhausted than when you left. However, it also means you managed to squeeze in one, two or maybe three different countries at one time in one trip. Disclaimer: you’re not going to be an expert in that country or city upon returning home, but you will have a good impression of the place which will help you decide if you want to return later.

As I’ve mentioned many times before, in order to travel hack your limited vacation days you need to be creative. It also means, being a full-time employee you probably don’t have time to spend months on end in any given destination. Most of my trips are around 7-10 days which make for the perfect length of time for any of these one week itineraries for Europe. You can easily get to 10 days of holiday using only 5 vacation days if you travel over a long weekend, which is perfect for some of these one week itineraries. Just note, the flights will likely be a bit more expensive.

Lisbon + Algarve + Seville + Gibraltar

| 3 countries | 4 cities |

This is probably one of the busiest of the one week itineraries as this trip brings you to 3 different countries in one go. Starting in Lisbon , you’ll get to experience the infamous Portoguese culture. Enjoy wandering through the colourful streets, riding a tram, epic views, and eating unreal seafood.

The best way to get around on this trip is by renting a vehicle if you’re up for driving. The roads are easy enough to navigate and because you have a busy schedule, it’s best to make the most of your time. From Lisbon, travel to the Algarve for some R&R. Algarve is famous for its natural beauty, beaches, and views.

The next lag of the trip takes you into a new country, Spain! Seville is one of the most incredible cities we’ve visited, definitely underrated in our opinion. The architecture and details of some of the buildings is unmatched. You can’t miss the Royal Alcazar , Plaza de Espana, or La Giralda.

Last but certainly not least, is Gibraltar . This micro-country is a pretty surreal place. As you cross the border from Spain into Gibraltar, you will almost immediately see a British telephone booth. This is because the Brits actually still ‘control’ the country. British pounds are used here and English is the most widely spoken language. One of the best things about Gibraltar is that the airport is so central, you have to drive through the runway.

24 hours in Lisbon

24 hours in Seville

Gibraltar travel tips

Lisbon hotels | Algarve hotels | Seville hotels | Gibraltar hotels

Dublin + ring of kerry + edinburgh.

| 2 countries | 3 cities |

If you’re looking for one week itineraries with some charm, beautiful landscapes and fun cities than it’s hard to beat this one. Travelling around Ireland is still one of my all-time favourite trips. The country is just so beautiful.

It’s easy enough to drive around Ireland if you know how to drive standard, and on the other side of the road. If not, you’ll still be able to get around, you might just have to pay a bit more for a tour or bus trips. When in Ireland you definitely need to set a couple of nights aside for the pubs. The live music is unmatched and the food (and beer) are definitely something to write home about.

You would most likely spend most of your trip in Ireland before catching a short (and cheap) flight to Edinburgh. I have yet to visit my homeland of Scotland but it’s definitely on the bucket list.

The ultimate Ireland Roadtrip

Dublin in a weekend: itinerary and guide

Dublin hotels | Killarney hotels | Edinburgh hotels

London + paris + brussels.

| 3 countries | 3 cities |

If you’ve never been to Europe before than this of the one week itineraries is probably the best. With this itinerary you’ll be starting off with some of the biggest and most known cities in Europe. London is by far my favourite city in “Europe.” While it’s not technically part of the continent and not part of the European Union, North Americans still classify London as a part of Europe.

Give yourself at least 3 days in London to hit all the major touristy spots. Once you have a good taste, you can take the Eurostar into Paris. It’s a pretty easy train ride and usually takes no more than a couple of hours.

Another 3 or 4 days in Paris would be perfect. The city will feel so clean and spacious after coming from London. While our experience in Paris was a bit, disjointed (thanks to Airbnb), it’s still a city I would love to go back to. There’s something so romantic about the small cafe’s lined up along the streets, the smell of fresh pastries, the greenery, and the Seine.

From Paris you can hop on another train to Brussels. I know what you’re thinking, this isn’t necessarily a hotspot for first-time travellers to Europe but it should be. The city oozes oppulence and trust me, there is nothing better than Belgium chocolate or a Belgium waffle right from the source. Feel free to indulge as much as you want here, after all you’ll be home soon and can worry about the calories then 😛

The perfect London walking route

36 hours in Paris

How to see Belgium in one week

London hotels | Paris hotels | Brussels hotels

Ghent + ypres + bruges + amsterdam.

| 2 countries | 4 cities |

Looking to visit some of the cutest towns Europe has to offer? This itinerary is perfect for you. Of all the one week itineraries, this one is actually best suited for Christmas time to experience the Christmas markets. Not visiting in the winter? This itinerary is still a good one for a slower-paced visit any time of the year.

All of these cities are easily seen within a day or two so 4 cities in a week isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Admire the architecture in Ghent, learn about war history in Ypres, eat chocolate in Bruges and wander the canals in Amsterdam.

Driving between these cities is fairly easy but so is taking the train. A lot of your time will be spent walking around the small quaint streets.

How to spend a weekend in Ghent

How to spend one day in Ypres

The perfect weekend in Bruges

Amsterdam in a weekend

Ghent hotels | Bruges hotels | Ypres hotels | Amsterdam hotels

Dubrovnik + split + zadar.

| 1 country | 3 cities |

Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Split are some of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen in Europe. The easiest city to fly into is Dubrovnik. Spending a good three or four days in Dubrovnik would be plenty and from there you can make the drive to Split. Traveling by car in Croatia is easy, their highways are well maintained, although a lot of them have tolls.

Croatia in general is a pretty affordable country to travel around. The food and drink prices are reasonable compared to some of the other cities in Europe. Croatians are wonderful people and made our experience in the country one of the best I’ve had. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I actually can’t wait to get back here.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, I would recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons. Croatia can get quite busy during the summer and for “yacht” week.

The best Croatia road trip itinerary

How to spend a weekend in split

Zadar in one day

Top things to do in Dubrovnik

Top 7 Croatian Cities To Visit On Your Next Trip

Dubrovnik hotels | Zadar hotels | Split hotels

Reykjavik + vik + copenhagen.

If you’re looking for a trip where you’re surrounded by some of the happiest people in the world than this is definitely the trip you wan to take. This is a bit of an ambitious itinerary but with Icelandair offering free stopovers in Iceland , why wouldn’t you want to take advantage? You don’t need that much time to explore Reykjavik, maybe a day or two and I would highly recommend spending a day or two exploring Vik. On your way to visiting Vik you can easily see the Golden Circle as well.

While 7 days may be a bit ambitious for this itinerary when you consider travel times, 10 days would be totally doable. Rent a car and spend a couple of days touring south Iceland (trust me you won’t regret it). Take the short flight to Copenhagen to end your trip with some city sightseeing, cycling and history.

South Coast Iceland highlights: 5 day itinerary

How to see the best of Iceland in 10 Days

Here’s How You Should Spend Your Iceland Stopover

How To Spend A Weekend In Copenhagen

Reykjavik hotels | Vik hotels | Copenhagen hotels

Rome + naples + amalfi coast.

| 1 country | 4 Cities |

Honestly, I could have created 7 different one week itineraries just with Italy. The country just has WAY too much to offer. A good start however would be to explore the Southern coast. It’s a pretty laid back trip to do as well. Take your time eating all of the delicious pizza and drinking all of the amazing wine you possibly can for this trip. This is the one country even I would recommend you not worry about staying fit .

Take the train from Rome to Naples and again from Naples to the Amalfi coast (Sorrento and Positano). It doesn’t really matter what city you stay in as it’s a pretty easy trip to get between Positano and Sorrento. Make sure you take a boat trip to get some truly unbelievable views of the cities as well!

How to spend 5 days in the Amalfi coast in Italy

One day in Rome: How to make the most of your time

How to spend 2 days in Rome: Full Itinerary

10 Reasons Why You Need To Visit The Amalfi Coast Now!

Rome hotels | Naples hotels | Amalfi coast hotels

*This post contains affiliate links

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28 comments.

Your London-Paris-Brussels trips sounds rather ambitious for a 7 – 10 day trip. Having been to Paris four times, I’d recommend just keeping it to just London and Paris. You’re right about needing about 4 days for Paris alone. I think 2 – 3 days to explore the French countryside to see nearby castles, like Versailles, or the beaches of Normandy would be warranted. Brussels is better paired up with a trip to Amsterdam and Luxembourg. But, I see that you recommend pairing up Amsterdam with Ypres, Ghent, and Bruges. That makes more sense since Belgium and Netherlands are located right beside each other.

These are some great suggestions, Madi! We did Dubrovnik/Split in a week and are planning the Spain/Portugal one (over 2 weeks) this summer. Pinned!

I want to do ALL of these! We’re thinking of doing a Spain trip later this year, and were considering adding some time in Portugal and/or Gibraltar onto it as well. It’s good to know that we’re not completely crazy for possibly going that route. 🙂 We spent 2 weeks road tripping in Ireland in 2016, and it was one of the best trips in recent memory. Iceland is also high on our radar right now–I just need to find some room in the travel budget to make that happen!

You may think it’s ambitious but you haven’t traveled with me 😉 I do agree though Paris is such a beautiful city you should aim to stay as long as possible!

Amazing! Where are you planning on going in Spain and Portugal? The countries are absolutely gorgeous I only wish we had have had more time to explore.

I’m so excited someone else had thought of Gibraltar! I think everyone thought I was nuts when I brought it up lol. It’s such an interesting place to visit. Amazing that you had 2 full weeks in Ireland, by far one of the most beautiful countries I have visited in my life. I hope you get to Iceland soon, the country is wonderful.

Wow, that’s amazing, I loved your article. I believe I’ll get to know Europe, I’m sure 🙂

I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for popping in 🙂

Great choice of destinations, Madi!

Thanks so much Agness!

[…] Europe […]

I live in Europe and I’ve practically visited every country here. There’s an itinerary that’s definitely lacking in your list: The Imperial cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest combined. Prague is in my opinion the most beautiful city in the world and combining them 3 together would be great. Another trip could visit the Baltic states: the cities being Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn and possibly Helsinki.

YES! You are totally right. I plan on doing another one of these posts so I’ll include that on the list. We actually plan on doing that trip next May ironically. Thank you for sharing!

Will be coming in to Brussels (also leaving from Brussels since the deal was too good) and looking to see a few cities. Hubby defintiely wants to see Amsterdam. Suggestions?

Hi Ingrid! I would recommend Amsterdam for sure. During our trip we visited Brussels, Amsterdam, Bruges, Ypres and Ghent. All were absolutely wonderful! Bruges is one of my favourite cities, it’s very quaint. I hope you have fun!

Madi, you sound like my kind of traveler! 🙂 I’m doing a 7 day trip in March and my goal is to see as much as possible.

[…] https://www.therestlessworker.com/7-best-one-week-itineraries-for-europe/ […]

Amazing Suvada! Where are you hoping to get to?!

My husband and I just booked our flight to London for 6/28-7/8. We have talked about going to Brussels. We are just looking for one more city to visit. I would love to take a sleeper train. Thank you!

Hey great post and awesome website name haha! I’m thinking about doing a 1 week trip to get some of my wanderlust under control until I can do the 3-4 week trip I’ve been wanting to do since November. I’m just wondering how “worth it” it will be with jet lag… I would literally still be adjusting by the time I turn around and head back to the US. Although, I’ll be working remotely on a US schedule, so that might help… or maybe it’ll make the trip even harder. Any thoughts advice?

Also, it looks like your comment box needs to be resized just a little smaller or some padding added to it 😉

Excellent blog post, and thank you for sharing some very helpful thoughts!!! Best of luck with your travels

Hi, reading through this has been wonderful so thank you! I am super excited to be making my first trip to Europe and I’m taking my 14yr old daughter with me so we will be experiencing this together. So much I want to see, however I have to also fit in Sweden (personal visit) and Amsterdam (personal visit) I dont know what would be the best trips to do and the best places to visit to get the most out of our trip (up for anything but walking haha). I’m looking at up to 10 days max (including Amsterdam before going to Sweden). A mini tour (4 days max) in Sweden would be good if possible and 5 days for peronal visit. Our trip is 3.5 weeks in total (including travel to and from NZ) Any recommendations? (Hope that all makes sense!)

Hi Catherine – I’m hoping this reply isn’t too late, I’m so sorry! This sounds like it’s going to be such a fun trip. I think it would depend on what your interests are. Belgium is a great option and close to Amsterdam if you love chocolate, beer, beautiful buildings and history. We particularly loved Ghent, Bruges and Ypres. Because Amsterdam is such a hub for flights you’ll be able to find flights basically anywhere in Europe for a reasonable price. Italy would be fun (Rome and Sorrento) or if you’re looking for a more classic trip, you can’t go wrong with Paris and London (you can take a 2 hour easy train from Paris). Hopefully that helps you a bit. Looking forward to hearing where you decided! Have fun 🙂

Hello, so glad I came across this post! I booked my first trip to Europe and my children decided to join me. I’m doing 3 1/2 days in Barcelona and 3 days 3 1/2 days in Paris . We are flying into Paris from Barcelona and will have the late afternoon and 3 following days . Do you think this is doable or should I have just stayed in Barcelona or Paris for the full stay? My boys are adults and one has been all over Europe so it will help us with out day to day schedule.

I think this is totally doable! I haven’t been to Barcelona yet but I’m dying to get there. As long as you plan a day of travel you should be fine. Or try splitting up up the travel and stay somewhere in the middle for a night. If you want to hit up the highlights in Paris you can do it in 2 and a half days. Hope that helps – have fun 🙂

Hi Madi, This has been very helpful! We will be traveling in late July with a 12 yr old and a 17 year old. Any specific suggestions? This will be their first time traveling to Europe.

It depends on what you’re looking to do and what your family finds insteresting 🙂 The Lisbon and Algarve trip is great because you get some city and some nature aspects together. You can’t go wrong with London and Paris either. Good luck choosing! That’s half the fun

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Watch CBS News

Beryl maps show path and landfall forecast of tropical storm that could become a hurricane again

By Cara Tabachnick , Emily Mae Czachor

Updated on: July 7, 2024 / 9:32 AM EDT / CBS News

After hitting Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Tropical Storm Beryl was churning across the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday and is expected to regain hurricane strength before it makes landfall in the southern Texas Gulf Coast on Monday morning.

The storm blew past the Cayman Islands and Jamaica earlier in the week, initially making landfall over the island of Carriacou in Grenada while tearing through the Caribbean , strengthening at times to a Category 5 hurricane — the strongest rating .

What is Beryl's projected path?

Tropical Storm Beryl is moving through the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday and is forecast to regain hurricane strength before it approaches South Texas and Northeastern Mexico late Sunday, according to the hurricane center. It is forecast to make landfall in Texas on Monday morning.

A portion of the Texas Gulf Coast could see a total of up to 15 inches of rain beginning Sunday and into midweek, the hurricane center said, along with life-threatening storm surge and powerful hurricane-force winds.

Tropical storm conditions were expected to begin late Sunday, followed by hurricane conditions on Monday, the hurricane center forecast.

"Beryl is forecast to bring damaging hurricane-force winds to portions of the lower and middle Texas coast late Sunday night and Monday," the hurricane center said, adding that storm preparations "should be rushed to completion before tropical storm conditions begin late Sunday."

A storm surge warning was in effect for an approximately 300-mile stretch from the Padre Island National Seashore north to High Island, including Corpus Christi Bay, Matagorda Bay, and Galveston Bay. Texas coastal areas could see storm surges of up to 6 feet above ground, the hurricane center forecasted.

"The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline," the hurricane center said.

Beryl had made landfall in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula Friday as a Category 2 hurricane, just northeast of the resort town of Tulum, before weakening to a tropical storm.

As of Sunday morning, Beryl was centered 220 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, and 225 miles south-southeast of Matagorda, Texas. It was headed northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. A Category 1 hurricane has minimum sustained winds of at least 74 mph.

A hurricane warning was in effect for the Texas Gulf Coast from Baffin Bay north to Sargent, a town about 70 miles southwest of Houston. A hurricane watch was in place from Baffin Bay south to the mouth of the Rio Grande River. Tropical storm warnings were also in place for portions of the northeastern coast of Mexico.

Hurricane center senior specialist Jack Beven told the Associated Press that Beryl is likely to make landfall somewhere between Brownsville and a bit north of Corpus Christi.

Beven told the AP the official forecast has Beryl gaining 17 to 23 mph in wind speed in 24 hours, but noted the storm intensified more rapidly than forecasters expected earlier in the Caribbean.

"People in southern Texas now need to really keep an eye on the progress of Beryl," Beven said.

Where is Beryl bringing rain and flooding?

Hurricane conditions were possible in South Texas on Monday, preceded by tropical storm conditions on Sunday.

"Heavy rainfall of 5 to 10 inches with localized amounts of 15 inches is expected across portions of the Texas Gulf Coast and eastern Texas beginning late Sunday through midweek. This rainfall will likely produce areas of flash and urban flooding, some of which may be locally considerable. Minor to isolated moderate river flooding is also possible," the center said.

Beryl became the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season on Saturday and rapidly strengthened. It first reached Category 4 on Sunday, wavering back to Category 3 before returning to Category 4 on Monday and then becoming a Category 5 later Monday night. It is the first major hurricane east of the Lesser Antilles on record for June, according to Philip Klotzbach, Colorado State University hurricane researcher.

Brian McNoldy, a tropical meteorology researcher for the University of Miami, told the AP that warm waters fueled Beryl, with ocean heat content in the deep Atlantic the highest on record for this time of year.

Beryl has also set records as the first June hurricane ever to hit Category 4, the farthest east a storm has ever hit Category 4, and the first storm before September to go from tropical depression to major hurricane in under 48 hours, CBS News weather producer David Parkinson reported.

Beryl was also the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin and was only the second Category 5 storm recorded in July since 2005, according to the hurricane center.

Brian Dakss, Alex Sundby and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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My 7 Favorite Cruises In And Around Europe

W hat I love most about cruising around Europe is the huge choice in types of cruises you can go on. Because Europe includes hot and sunny destinations like Spain and Italy, and cold and interesting places like Scandinavia and Scotland, you can take a very different cruise each time around Europe. You can pull up in pretty ports in Greece and swim from the boat and you can sail around the shores of Scotland and take a cold water plunge — if you’re brave enough.

The coastlines of Europe are vastly different to one another and the types of cruises you can take are too. River cruises, yachts, island cruises, and large fun-packed cruise lines all sail around these shores. Plus, you can start your cruise in Europe and sail off beyond the continent, and then return after an adventure.

Here are my 7 favorite cruises in and around Europe.

1. Starclippers

Rome round trip .

This seven-night cruise begins and ends in Rome, visiting Lipari, Sicily, Amalfi, Sorrento, and Ponza. What I love about the Starclipper cruises is they are informal and casual — you dine with other guests or by yourself, you don’t have a set table for meals, and you can wear what you like as there’s no dress code. But at the same time, the interior of the ship and the cabins are sophisticated and semi luxurious, so it feels casual and chic all in one go.

This particular cruise is on the Starflyer , which has two pools and a sun deck. There’s no entertainment on board, though there might be some games in the evening, but children are welcome over the age of 6 months. I love these small-yacht ships that can get you into ports the larger cruise ships can’t, and this one is a beautiful ship with an atmosphere of relaxation and easygoingness. You can even join with the crew and help to sail the ship if you like.

2. French Waterways

Hotel barge prospérité: côte d’or.

If you like things really intimate, you can book a six- or eight-person cruise with French Waterways and have the barge to yourselves. This one is a canal cruise in France, but they also offer river cruises. The rooms on the barge are hotel standard and there’s a sun deck and a hot tub on board. The cruise ambles along the canals in the Côte d’Or, stopping off for a walking tour in Dijon, shopping and markets, and wine tasting at a vineyard.

This is a really relaxing way to cruise in France with family or friends, but you can’t book onto this cruise as a single person or a couple. This is a chartered barge that is priced for the maximum number of people it sleeps — six or eight. If you’re experienced, you can also choose to pilot the boat yourself.

3. G Adventures

Sailing from split to dubrovnik.

Sailing along the Dalmatian Coast is a unique experience and visiting Croatia is a trip full of historical sites and exploration. The yachts you’ll travel on with G Adventures give you a truly small-boat experience. If you want a luxurious cabin and lush interiors, this isn’t for you, but if you want a sense of adventure and an authentic sailing experience, this is definitely it.

The yacht accommodates a maximum of eight people, but you don’t have to be a part of the group, you can book onto this as a single person or couple. Note: If you book a solo trip, you will be sharing your cabin with someone else. It’s also worth noting that you’ll need a medium level of physical fitness to take part in the activities on this tour, which can include kayaking and hiking.

This is a self-catering trip, and while there’s plenty of opportunities to eat at the destinations, there aren’t any meals offered on board. This also means that when you eat your own food on the ship and/or cook for yourself in the kitchen, you are expected to tidy up after.

4. Hebridean Adventures

Hebridean island odyssey.

Sailing on board the MV Hjalmar Bjørge with the Northern Light Cruising Company, Hebridean Adventures brings you a trip like no other around the Hebrides Islands in Scotland. This nine-night cruise stops at Mull, Coll & Tiree, the Small Isles, and the Isle of Skye. Most people who take this cruise are wildlife enthusiasts and are sailing with the hope of spotting dolphins, puffins, eagles, and more. But even if you only have a passing interest in wildlife, this is a stunning way to get a bit closer to it.

Facilities are limited on board and the cabins are no-frills, with some only including bunk beds. You do have to share bathroom facilities, which is a challenge for some people, but guests are all aware of this and are very considerate. The onboard chef is a real plus on this cruise and they cater for any dietary requirements, cooking all meals fresh every day. The boat might be basic, but the scenery is breathtaking and it’s a unique type of cruise.

5. Celebrity Cruises

Egypt & israel.

Beginning in Athens, Greece, this 10-night cruise with Celebrity Cruises will stop off at Israel and Egypt before returning to Athens. There are 3 days at sea on this cruise, and on board the Celebrity Infinity , there’s a casino, an art gallery, a sun deck, indoor and outdoor pool areas, a spa, tennis, nightlife, and restaurants and bars.

This is a large cruise ship experience with capacity for 2,170 people. Rooms are hotel standard, some with verandas, and the experience of being on the ship is as much a part of the trip as exploring the stop-off destinations. The cruise gives you the perfect mix between Europe and a little further afield. For anyone who hasn’t strayed beyond Europe before, it’s a great way to get a taste of Egypt and Israel.

6. Variety Cruises

Italy & malta.

Beginning in Naples and sailing along the coast of Italy and around its islands, this small boat intimate cruise with Variety Cruises ends on the 8th day in Malta. At first, I thought it was unusual to end in a totally different place than where the cruise began, but actually, I loved the chance to get to know somewhere separate from the starting point.

The ship has capacity for 44 people and is a laid-back experience with just a sundeck, informal restaurant, bar, and swim platform. Most of your time is spent off the boat, exploring parts of Italy tourists don’t usually visit, and that’s the real draw with these small-boat cruises. These are ports large cruise ships can’t enter, so you feel like you’re on a voyage of discovery. Rooms are comfortable and pleasantly decorated and designed, but you won’t be spending much time in them. The Italian islands and Malta are beautiful places to explore.

7. Princess Cruises

Grand 11-day mediterranean.

This big cruise ship experience with Princess Cruises begins in Rome and travels to Greece, Turkey, Sicily, and Mallorca, ending in Barcelona, Spain. Aboard the Sun Princess ship, it’s all about fun on a large scale, with climbing walls, swimming pools, a spa, bars, cafés, restaurants, evening entertainment, and kids clubs.

It is aimed at families and there’s lots for all ages to do, but it’s also a great cruise to take as a couple or by yourself. There’s something going on all the time, but you can still find some quiet time on the sun deck. There’s 3 days at sea on this 11-day cruise and you’ll certainly never get bored. I love the stop-offs and visits to four different countries, with some really diverse excursions offered at every stop.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

Where to go in Europe in September

Jul 4, 2024 • 6 min read

A stone bridge over Bybrook River in Castle Combe.

September starts the shoulder season in Europe, where the heaving crowds of summer ease off and the temperatures start to cool a bit. That makes it the perfect time to explore everything the continent has to offer, from cozy English villages to sparkling Turkish coastlines.

We’re sharing some recommendations from our book Where to Go When Europe that are sure to make for an epic early autumn holiday. Here are six of the best places to go in Europe in September.

Cotswolds, UK

Why now? Explore idyllic English villages in early autumn sunshine.

In the golden light of September, the Cotswolds seem to ooze honey. This land of rolling hills ("wolds"), hiding historic towns and stone hamlets in their clefts and valleys, has long attracted urbanites seeking an English idyll. Visit in September not just to miss the heaviest onslaughts of coach tours, but to enjoy the countryside at its finest and to admire the leaves beginning to spark into their fiery autumn finery in the wonderful arboretums at Westonbirt and Batsford. True, this region is hardly an undiscovered gem: chocolate-box favorites such as Castle Combe and Bourton on the Water can get thronged with tourists in summer. But it’s not hard to find peace, especially if you’re prepared to stretch your legs: a comprehensive network of footpaths laces the region, while the 164km (102 miles) Cotswold Way traces the escarpment, linking charming towns and villages strung along the route between Chipping Campden and Bath .

Cyclists on trails at Cape Kamenjak, which follows the rocky coastline.

Istria, Croatia

Why now? Pedal a culinary and cultural cycling odyssey.

Overflowing with asparagus, olives and oysters, there are few tastier destinations than Istria , the triangular peninsula nudging into the Adriatic in far northwest Croatia . And there are few tastier times to explore Istria than September, when grapes are harvested and truffles ripen beneath the forest floor. Bank calorie credits by cycling between feasts: there’s relatively easy pedaling along the coast, where tourist numbers are thinning in September, and where you can roam the lovely Venetian port of Rovinj and admire Pula’s impressive Roman amphitheater . But for the real gastro treats, crank up the calf muscles and explore the truffle-centric hilltop settlements of medieval Motovun, Buzet and tiny Hum in the north, and the wine regions around Buje and Momjan to the northwest – white Malvasia and red Teran are top local tipples. Easing you into your edible odyssey is the Parenzana Trail cycle route, following 123km (77 miles) of disused railway line between Trieste in Italy and Poreč on the Istrian coast, with a short stretch in Slovenia.

People swim in a sea pool on a black volanic beach in La Palma.

La Palma, Spain

Why now? Enjoy stellar hiking through verdant valleys and volcanic calderas.

The northwesterly outpost of the Canaries is reputedly the steepest island in the world. Unsurprisingly, it offers some of the most dramatic hiking in this volcanic archipelago – and with around 1000km (621 miles) of footpaths, there’s a diverse array of options. September promises reliable sunshine but thankfully cooling temperatures, as well as improved availability of accommodation after the main summer peak. In the south, trails cross crispy black lava flows to the lighthouse and saltpans at Fuencaliente. Running north along the island’s spine is the Ruta de los Volcanes (Route of the Volcanoes), with dramatic views to coasts on the east and west. The highlight is the full-day trek down through the vast Caldera de Taburiente crater, through rocky ravines and Canarian pine forests. The streets of the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma are also made for walking, lined with enticing Renaissance churches, vintage pharmacies and 18th-century mansions. Beaches – mostly black volcanic sand – provide post-hike relaxation.

Bologna’s famous bolognese pasta sauce is always served locally with taglietelle.

Bologna, Italy

Why now? Indulge yourself in one of Italy’s tastiest cities.

This isn’t the time or place for dieting. Bologna’s nickname, La Grassa ("the fat one"), gives you an idea of what to expect ; home of ragù (aka bolognese), this is Italy’s bulging belly, where life seems to revolve around food. September – when the weather is still warm enough for outdoor eating – means the start of autumn produce: mushrooms, pumpkins, game and chestnuts. These flavors join other delicious ingredients gracing the menus of the city’s lauded restaurants and down-to-earth trattorias, as well as the market stalls and delis of the Quadrilatero (Bologna’s historic gourmet food district). Another Bologna nickname is La Dotta ("the learned one"), a nod to what’s reputedly Europe’s oldest university. Thanks partly to its large student population, the city is awash with lively bars, too. Work off some calories strolling the historic center via the Piazza Maggiore, Neptune Fountain and the Archaeological Museum, and by climbing the 498 steps of the Torre degli Asinelli or, just southwest of Bologna, ambling through 666 portici (arches) to reach the hilltop sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

A woman sits beside her bicycle on a cliffside overlooking dark blue waters with boats.

Turquoise Coast, Türkiye

Why now? Sail the Aegean or Med aboard a traditional gület.

If diving off the wooden deck of a twin-masted sailing boat into the impossible blue of the Mediterranean is your idea of heaven on a hot day, you’re not alone. Back in the 1920s, renowned Turkish writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı took to hiring local sponge divers boats to cruise along the so-called Turquoise Coast from Bodrum on what he called "Blue Voyages". Over the following decades, increasing numbers of Turkish and foreign tourists recognized the appeal, and today a wide range of vessels – some more traditional, some built specifically for the cruises – ply the waters along Türkiye 's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts from Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye, stopping to visit ancient sites such as Letoön and Patara, and to swim, lounge on a beach, eat and drink. It’s a perfect holiday for families, too. By September, temperatures (and tourist numbers) are happily subsiding, but the water’s still bathwater-warm and the sites as alluring as ever.

A winding mountainous road cross through the lush green hills.

Transylvania, Romania

Why now? Explore Transylvanian castles via the ‘world’s best road’.

The Transfăgărăşan Hwy has been described as “‘world’s best road", and it’s certainly in the running. This lofty route, 90km (56 miles) of jinking bends and high passes, was constructed over four years on the orders of dictatorial former ruler Nicolae Ceauşescu to provide a cross-mountain military route between the Romanian regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. September’s the time to traverse its hairpins: the weather’s temperate (snow closes the road between October and June) and autumn colors set hillsides ablaze. Driving north to south, you’ll pass the cascades of Bâlea waterfall and climb to mirror-like Lake Bâlea, continuing to the crag-top ruins of Poenari Castle, a key lair of Vlad Țepeș (aka ‘the Impaler’, inspiration for Stoker’s Dracula), and descending to visit the royal tombs in 16th-century Curtea de Argeş Monastery.

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I've visited over 50 cities in Europe. London and Paris were great, but these 5 lesser-known locations are worth a visit.

After traveling to over 50 cities in Europe , I've enjoyed visiting some lesser-known locations.
Bath, England, is a great place to visit for Roman ruins and beautiful architecture.
I also loved traveling to Bruges, Belgium, which is both historic and romantic.

I've visited over 50 cities in Europe, and while I love global tourist hubs like London and Paris , I also try to seek out smaller cities and towns.

With over 13 million Americans predicted to travel to Europe this summer, it could be the right time to check out the off-the-beaten-path destinations on your travel bucket list .

These are five lesser-known destinations in Europe I recommend visiting.

Bath, England, is just a 90-minute train ride from London.

As you probably could have guessed from this city's name, Bath is known for its Roman baths. These baths, dating back to AD 70, are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.

Bath is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture , which can be admired in places like the Royal Crescent, which features a crescent-shaped row of 30 houses.

I also loved visiting the Circus, which is made up of townhouses arranged in a circular pattern. These areas showcase Georgian architecture and are what makes walking around Bath feel unique.

If you're a book lover, you can visit during the annual Jane Austen Festival in September, where people dress up, and the city is taken back in time.

The train from London to Bath takes about 90 minutes, making this city the perfect day trip.

Mostar is a beautiful city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mostar really surprised me. It didn't look like anywhere else I'd been, with the towering Old Bridge connecting the two sides of the city. The 16th-century bridge, rebuilt after the 1990s war, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city also has a well-preserved Ottoman quarter with charming cobblestone streets. During my time in Mostar, I loved drinking Bosnian coffee, taking in the views of the city, and feasting on local dishes like ćevapi.

Bruges, Belgium, is a romantic city.

Bruges is a well-preserved medieval town. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visiting feels like stepping back in time.

The best thing I did was take a boat ride on the canal, admiring the architecture while cruising through Minnewaterpark, commonly referred to as the Lake of Love .

Bruges is a laid-back destination that makes a convenient day trip from nearby Paris and Brussels. The city is perfect for couples looking to indulge in Belgian beer and chocolate.

Heidelberg, Germany, embraces modern life without losing its historical charm.

Heidelberg has striking views around every corner. The city is home to a centuries-old castle as well as the oldest university in Germany .

I enjoyed walking along Philosophenweg (also called Philosopher's Way), where professors sought solitude and academic inspiration. The path was especially beautiful during my trip in the fall.

We loved spending time in the city, which had lots of nice restaurants and cool bars. Heidelberg does an amazing job of embracing the new while holding on to its historical charm.

Andorra La Vella is a hidden gem in the Pyrenees mountains.

Andorra La Vella is the capital of Andorra, a country in the Pyrenees between France and Spain .

Every restaurant we dined at featured dishes influenced by the surrounding countries. If you want to try authentic Andorran food, head to a borda — a traditional house once used for agricultural purposes . Now, these buildings are used as charming restaurants.

Andorra la Vella is a great day trip from Barcelona, but the city deserves more than a one-day visit.

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If You're Going On A European Vacation Soon, Check Out These 27 Products

These will make your trip across the pond go so much smoother.

BuzzFeed Contributor

BuzzFeed Staff

1. A digital luggage scale so you aren't nervously sweating when you show up to the counter to see if your bag is overweight. No more surprises for you!

reviewer photos of the luggage scale reading 40.56 pounds and the airport scale reading 40.5 pounds

You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.

Promising reviews: "I cannot imagine how we would have managed a big international trip without this. It saved us so much stress and, I’m sure, surprise charges at the airport." — Potter Freak

"This scale works and was accurate on four flights. First flight was a test at 46 pounds, and Delta scales said it was 46 pounds. The next two flights were at 49 pounds, and both United and Delta found it to be 49 pounds. The bag on the fourth flight weighed 49, but the United scale found it to be 48 pounds. Four different airports and scales proved that this scale is a good, low-cost, must-have item for air travel." — Robert

Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in four colors and a two-pack).

2. A portable door lock to give you extra peace of mind when it comes to safety in the hotel room or Airbnb. This is easy to clip on and attach to the door and will prevent anyone from getting in the room, key or no key.

Note: This can get flagged with going through security, so you may want to put it in an easily accessible place in your checked bag to be safe.

Promising review: "I went on a solo trip to Europe and Africa and used the door lock to boost security. The lock fits and secures the lock. It's very easy to use. I would just suggest you watch the video and practice at home before your holiday." — Jaye

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (also available in a two- and four-pack).

3. A 3D-contoured sleeping mask that comfortably molds to your face for complete blackout and utter relaxation. So yes, even if your seatmate just has to use the reading light on your redeye, you won't also have to stay awake.

reviewer wears black 3D-contoured sleeping mask

Plus, it comes with a set of earplugs to block out all the noise around you!

Promising review: "This mask lets zero light in. I wore it on an international flight and forgot I had it on. I opened my eyes and thought I had died for a second. It’s that good." — Carrie Wils

Get the set from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in six colors).

4. An RFID-blocking travel wallet since it has more than enough pockets for all your IDs and money, including space for your passport, credit cards, and cash, and has the technology to block any personal info from getting skimmed by scammers looking to steal your identity!

a reviewer's phone, cash, and cards before being put in the wallet

This wallet has a passport pocket, a boarding pass compartment, three credit card slots, an ID slot, a SIM card pouch, a coupon ticket slot, a cellphone pouch (max 5.8 inches), a money and coins zippered pocket (fits US dollars), a key holder, a pen holder, and a slim pocket.

Promising review: "I recently took an international trip. I was gone for three weeks. I needed a place for my passport, COVID test, Vaccine card, credit cards, and US and local currency. Not only did this wallet hold it all, but it snapped shut consistently and was easy to carry. I highly recommend!" — JCR

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 31 colors).

5. A pair of compression socks to keep your legs and feet from getting super puffy and swollen during the flight. Trust me, these make a huge difference.

(left) hand holding the packaging (right) two feet with the black and yellow compression socks on

Read more about compression socks for travel at Johns Hopkins and The Huffington Post .

Promising review: "I travel frequently internationally for work and often spend upwards of 20 hours on a plane as I fly to various locations. A few colleagues have told me that compression socks greatly improve travel, and I finally bought a pair to try them out. I finished a series of flights to get from Washington, DC, to Abuja, Nigeria, and after over 12 hours in the air and 24 hours in transit with my compression socks on the whole time, I feel great! It made a huge difference and definitely increased my comfort while on the plane. I plan to buy a second pair when I get back to the US." — Alexandra

Get them from Amazon for $15+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and 17 colors).

And check out our full Physix Gear compression socks review to learn more.

6. A compact iPhone portable charger for when your battery's in the red, and there's no open outlet in sight, whether that happens on a long layover, mid-flight, or when you're out touring the city.

Person holding a smartphone connected to an Anker portable charger. The background shows part of a living space, including a guitar stand and a shelf

Promising review: "This thing is a lifesaver! We were in Europe for two weeks and I used this almost every day. Phone batteries drain so quickly when you're using them for navigation, information, translator apps, etc. I use my phone as a medical device as well, so I can't have it die. I charged it overnight and it would be ready to go in the morning. It seems to add charge to your phone quickly. Love how compact it is, perfect for daily carrying in my purse. And no cords needed!" — Luvs to Read

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in six colors).

7. A Trtl pillow featuring a design that's scientifically proven to keep your head and neck in an ideal and ergonomic position as you sleep. In other words, you'll never again find yourself saying, Yeah, I just can't sleep on airplanes.

model wearing a black trtl pillow while sleeping on a plane

Promising review: "I travel on international and domestic flights quite a bit and have tried different kinds of travel 'pillows.' This is by far my favorite. I've read lots of reviews about an inferior brand. The first time I ordered the Trtl Pillow, I received the style most people prefer: the three-finger style. Anyway, it's an amazing product, and it really helps me actually sleep on long flights! I won't use anything else now. It fits in my backpack fine, but I can also strap it to the outside if I'm packed full. I bought it on the recommendation of a friend who also uses one for long-distance air travel. I'll also be taking this on car trips as well!" — M. Summers

Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in three colors and two styles).

And check out our full Trtl Pillow review to learn more.

8. Or, this bendy travel pillow if you'd prefer the freedom to twist it into whatever the most comfortable shape/supportive position is for you.

model sleeping against car door thanks to bending travel pillow

Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant, and I travel with this pillow all the time! In hotel rooms, I use it to support my neck; on the plane, I use it to support my lumbar area. When I drive, it helps my lower back. I love that it has a liner that can be removed to wash. I bought my boyfriend one too, and it goes everywhere we do!" — Debbie

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors).

9. A pair of Thigh Society cooling shorts that will save the day when you decide to wear that darling new sundress only to end up walking 20K steps in hot, humid weather. These are lightweight, breathable, and most importantly, prevent chafing.

Promising review: "I bought these to wear under dresses for a trip to Europe because it was supposed to be really hot, and they worked great. They were light and stretchy, and there was no chafing . Maybe not the most moisture wicking, but they were very comfortable, and I wore them several times." — Meghan O'Leary

Get it from Thigh Society for $39+ (available in women's sizes XS–2XL, 6 lengths, and 11 colors).

10. Some laundry soap sheets in case you need to quickly wash some clothes in the sink but don't want to deal with the hassle of having to pack any sort of liquid detergent and therefore separate it out for TSA.

reviewer image of the orange laundry soap sheets

Promising review: "I took this with me on international travel. I did laundry by hand for five weeks and made it through 'til the end with this one package. They do not sud up, but they work just fine. When I was doing a big bucket of laundry, sometimes, I put in several sheets. I felt like these did help to clean and freshen, but don't expect bubbles. Also, don't handle the soap sheets with wet hands because they do stick together." — R Mack

Get it from Amazon for $7.19 .

11. And some expandable hangers to hang and dry your clothes after you wash them like one reviewer did. Plus, you just never know when you might need a few extra hangers. Not sure why, but some places only give you two or three hangers, as if that would ever be enough.

Reviewer photo of the hanger completely folded in

Promising review: "These worked well for drying clothes in hotels during an extended international trip. Durable and easily stored in luggage when folded. Highly recommend for travel." — DD

Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $12.99 .

12. A HappyLuxe travel wrap since it doubles as a stylish scarf (or shawl!) and a cozy blanket. No longer shall you freeze on airplanes!

model wearing the wrap in black draped over their shoulders

Promising review: "This wrap is PERFECT! It was exactly what I was looking for! I love the fabric (stretchy, lightweight, and cooling — but not too much of any of these features). The size is also great! Not too big or too small. I love the many uses and that it is not sheer! This is so soft and perfect for travel. I often wear a wrap on vacation over sundresses to dinner and love the UPF in this for those sunny climates. It will also be great to use on a chilly plane or at home for a scarf or wrap! SO happy with my purchase!" — J

Get it from Amazon for $48+ (available in nine colors).

13. A hanging toiletry bag for a super efficient way to pack, organize, and access everything beauty and health-related on your trip. It folds up nice and compact for easy transport, too!

reviewer image with all the contents spread out on the bed that they were able to fit in the bag

Promising review: " I love how it kept all my toiletries organized and in plain sight when hanging. It's very sturdy and of great quality. I ordered this before I went on a two-week trip to Europe and was so happy that I did. This travel bag exceeded my expectations!" — Jackie Cooney

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two sizes and six colors).

14. A packing cube featuring built-in shelves so you can save space and organize your clothes. Once you get to your hotel or Airbnb, just hang this in the closet, and you basically have your own portable dresser.

reviewer image of packing cube with clothes in it

Plus, it has a zipper compartment at the bottom where you can put all your dirty clothes, so they don't get mixed together, and you end up just washing everything when you get home (bc that's usually what happens to me).

Promising review: "I used these while traveling around Europe with four children and then later on a cruise. They were super helpful in both cases." — Tucker Sw

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors).

15. A portable white-noise machine if you're someone who just can't fall asleep amidst all the nightlife city noise. Thankfully, this little baby can block out all the distracting sounds with soothing white noise instead.

the small circular noise machine attached to the handle of a suitcase

Promising review: " We got this for international travel, and it was one of the most important things we brought. We used it for every nap time and every night. Easy to charge, easily lasts all night plus nap time (12+ hours without failing), and the quality of noise was nice for everyone as we slept in the same room. It's compact with light but solid construction, so it doesn't feel cheap, and the rope makes it easy to hang on anything within reach. It's one of our favorite things to take with us when we're going to be away from his sound machine at home." — Jessie W.

Get it from Amazon for $25.28 (also available in two- and three-packs).

16. Or a pair of unbelievably comfy wax ear plugs since these babies actually mold to the shape of your ear, which means they're not gonna fall out or let any unwanted sounds slip by. If you want true silence on your trip, you're gonna want these stashed away.

Buzzfeed editor with silicone ear plugs in ear

Here's what BuzzFeed's Emma Lord has to say:

"The moldable silicone of Mack's Earplugs contours easily to the shape of your ear to block out noise much more effectively than other foam or plastic varieties, and the noise reduction is so good that if I pair them with a white noise machine (or just like a white noise loop on Spotify), I genuinely don't hear noises from outside my room. Not only that but once they're in place, they stay locked there until you decide to pull them out. I've also *loved* these for traveling — if you put these babies in on a plane, not only does it help reduce some of the YIKES factor when the plane takes off (it's loud!!), but it cancels out the murmuring noises of passengers on the flight and makes it easier to get some shuteye. "

Promising review : "I have always bought earplugs based on the decibel ratings, but none of them have ever worked very well for me because they don't stay in my ears. These have a lower decibel rating than any of the foam earplugs I have used in the past, but they are much more effective. They really block noise, and they don't go into your ear canal; they just cover the entrance to the ear canal. I find this much more comfortable . I am really glad I found these, and just wish I had found them sooner." — Portlandia

Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $10.98 .

17. An international power converter that'll have your device charging needs covered in over 150 different countries! The power cable comes with four different sockets, while the charging bank itself has enough plugs and outlets for up to six devices! Honestly, this is a great investment, even for when you're not globetrotting, too.

Promising review: "I was traveling to several places in Europe and needed a travel charger that can easily fit in the electrical outlets overseas and safely recharge my US-rated appliances without frying. And along came this voltage converter that did the job very effectively while traveling in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, and Spain. Although the item is a bit bulky from my own carrying convenience point of view, it's quite manageable nonetheless. I've been very happy using this as a voltage converter while traveling the continent. It's a keeper for me for any future travel." — Expatriot

Get it from Amazon for $39.98 .

18. A few reusable bottle bags so you can bring home that high-end French or Italian wine you fell in love with on your trip and not have to fret that said wine ends up spilled all over your suitcase. With this, even if the bottle leaks (which is a tragedy all on its own), at least you won't also have to cry over ruined clothes.

the white plastic bottle bag with a bottle of wine, wine glass, bottle opener, and passport next to it

JetBag is a small business specializing in creating bags to protect your wine and your stuff. It's designed with absorbent padding on the inside, so in the event that the bottle breaks, it won't get everywhere in your luggage.

Promising review: "I love these bags. I frequently travel overseas and always want to bring olive oil, wine, or the like back. These bags are perfect for protecting my finds, and I am comfortable that they will absorb the liquid if it does get broken. My husband actually put a bottle of cracked-open wine in the bag to test it, laid the bag on its side, and it absorbed the liquid!" — JHN

Get a set of three from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four colors).

19. A strap you can quite cleverly clip onto any piece of luggage and then use to attach another bag or various accessories, like your neck pillow or water bottle, because let's face it, you usually have a million things to carry but only two hands. Alas.

The black strap attaching a backpack to a suitcase

Promising review: "This is seriously so useful for traveling. I bought this last year and used it on my two Europe trips — six different countries and lots of bus, train, and plane journeys, and it made my life so much easier. I hooked it to my book bag and hooked my neck pillow, collapsible umbrella, and reusable water bottle to it. I even hooked my parka through it. I 110% recommend it. It is super sturdy, and I never had any issues with it, even with me dragging it along with all the stuff hooked to it." — Logan

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six colors and also packs of two).

20. A compact stroller that'll actually fit in the overhead bin, meaning you won't have to wait even longer to leave the airport. Oh and don't worry — it's super lightweight too!

It folds up so small that it was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the most compact stroller. It can hold kids who weigh up to 55 pounds and only weighs 9.5 pounds.

Promising review: "This thing is amazing for international travel where you do not get your stroller right away with a gate check. No more walking a mile with bags and a baby. Fits on the plane and even up and down the aisles. It's also great for tourist attractions and shops with tight squeezes and little-to-no handicap access." — Porchies

Get it from Amazon for $219.95+ (available in five styles and four colors).

21. An inflatable foot rest you can use to kick those feet up while in flight or chilling at the gate (delayed...again 🙄). The foot rest can be inflated to three heights for the perfect fit, and it also comes with an eye mask, earplugs, dust cover, and drawstring bag.

reviewer with the foot rest inflated and their feet up on a flight

Promising review: "This is a must-have for long flights! If you can't afford first-class seats like me, get this! I took a flight from LA to South Africa, and this saved me! It's easy to blow up and works great to elevate your feet to sleep. It does take up most of your space, so if you don't have under-seat room, you will not have much other space. It is a little challenging to get it back in the travel bag, but I did it." — RJS

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors and also in a two-pack).

22. An AirFly wireless transmitter so you can connect your Bluetooth headphones, like AirPods, to the airplane TV. Now you won't have to pack a separate set of wired airplane headphones (which don't have nearly half as good sound quality as your Bluetooth ones anyways), or in my case, forget to pack that second pair and experience for yourself what it's like to watch a silent movie.

AirFly Bluetooth transmitter plugged into an airplane’s in-flight entertainment system with a white audio cable attached

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.

Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009.

Promising review: "As an international traveler, I have several 8+ hour flights where I wanna watch movies or TV shows, but I hate using the airplane headphones as they’re painful. This device allows me to easily sync any of my own headphones using Bluetooth to have an enjoyable experience on my flight. I can’t not fly with this. " — Rebecca M. Moyers

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in four styles and two colors).

23. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount since it will let you turn any ol' backseat into your own private airplane TV — one that's showing your favorite movies and TV shows, of course! Reviewers have also used this to clip their phones to all sorts of other surfaces, like desks, armchair handles, luggage handles, and more.

A phone mounted to the back of an airplane tray table

Promising reviews : "So nice to not have to deal with holding the phone or propping it up! A travel essential!" — Fallen

"I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra-long-haul trip, and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes, and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table . It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel, too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer . At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built, and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far, it still feels solid, and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" — Earendil

Get it from Amazon for $13.97 (available in six colors and two-packs).

24. A Master Lock portable safe to keep your most important belongings secure in the event that your lodgings don't have an actual safe. Or, you might want to use this on the beach to protect your phone and wallet when you decide it's time for a dip in the glittering turquoise waters.

Promising reviews: "I love this safe. It's the best travel essential I can recommend. Especially as a woman traveling abroad." — Amazon Customer

"This travel safe is great. It's extremely secure and not big or bulky. I used it for international travel. Easy to set, open, and close! Get it!" — KAJ121

Get it from Amazon for $18.40+ (available in two colors).

25. A travel bottle kit that comes with refillable pouches as well as more traditional jars and pump bottles, so you can pack your toiletries as efficiently as possible. No more half-empty shampoo bottles taking up precious real estate on the flight back.

The set includes one spray bottle, two pump bottles, two mini jars, three flat pouch bottles, one reusable travel pouch, one mini funnel, one mini spatula, and one mini pipette — and they're all TSA-approved!

Promising review: "I found these a lot easier to fill than a lot of the other reviews said. I did blow them up a little before filling and then it was really easy. Perfect for travel and holds so much product. Highly recommend!" — Nicole Z

Get it from Amazon for $9.59 .

26. A few roll-up compression bags so you can take full advantage of absolutely every last square inch of space in your suitcase. These essentially squeeze out excess air, letting you fit twice as many clothes — but don't worry, you don't need a vacuum pump or anything like that.

Reviewer's suitcase with clothes in compressed bags

Promising review: "My wife and I recently traveled to the Caribbean and thought we'd try to do it with each of us only using one carry-on size backpack. These made it SO easy. I'd guestimate that we were able to nearly double the amount of clothing we'd normally fit by using these bags from The Chestnut and really compressing all of the air out of and from between each item. I did my best to evenly distribute several items in each bag so that they were loosely folded and there were no lumps at one end and low places at another. Bottom line, these allowed me to bring MORE than I needed and I came home with clothing I never even needed during the trip. BONUS TIP: Bring an extra empty bag or two folded up, as this allows you to keep damp clothing like swimsuits away from dry clothing as you travel home or between destinations. Would definitely purchase again!" — Ned Flanders

Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $15.57 .

27. A Bandolier phone case with a wallet and a strap that's perfect for keeping your phone nearby without you actually having to hold it. This is especially clutch if your outfit doesn't have pockets (and honestly, maybe keeping your phone in your pocket isn't the smartest idea anyways).

model wearing black crossbody phone case and strap

My mom and I both used these when we went to Paris in January 2020 and loved them. They're super convenient to use, and since we visited in the winter, we actually kept them under our coats so nobody (especially pickpockets) could see them. I like how nice the case and strap looked and that I could hold my phone out over the ledge of the Eiffel Tower ledge for an epic sunset shot and not worry about it falling to its death. Plus, the attached wallet is perfect to stash a credit card, ID, and even a subway ticket. Can you see it chilling at my side in the right photo? Yep, that's where it was the entire trip, and it will be every other trip I take. —Abby

Promising review: "I’m obsessed with my Bandolier. It’s so useful having my phone and metro card so accessible so I don’t have to dig through my bags. I feel comfortable wearing it, and I love the hands-free aspect. I never worry about someone stealing it, and I don’t go anywhere without it!!!" — Lo

Get it from Amazon for $98+ (available in four iPhone sizes and three color combinations).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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Biden’s Lapses Are Said to Be Increasingly Common and Worrisome

People who have spent time with President Biden over the last few months or so said the lapses appear to have grown more frequent, more pronounced and, after Thursday’s debate, more worrisome.

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President Biden, in a dark blue suit, walks up the stairs to Air Force One.

By Peter Baker , David E. Sanger , Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Katie Rogers

Peter Baker, David E. Sanger, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Katie Rogers are White House reporters. They interviewed current and former White House aides, foreign diplomats, domestic allies and financial donors.

In the weeks and months before President Biden’s politically devastating performance on the debate stage in Atlanta, several current and former officials and others who encountered him behind closed doors noticed that he increasingly appeared confused or listless, or would lose the thread of conversations.

Like many people his age, Mr. Biden, 81, has long experienced instances in which he mangled a sentence, forgot a name or mixed up a few facts, even though he could be sharp and engaged most of the time. But in interviews, people in the room with him more recently said that the lapses seemed to be growing more frequent, more pronounced and more worrisome.

The uncomfortable occurrences were not predictable, but seemed more likely when he was in a large crowd or tired after a particularly bruising schedule. In the 23 days leading up to the debate against former President Donald J. Trump, Mr. Biden jetted across the Atlantic Ocean twice for meetings with foreign leaders and then flew from Italy to California for a splashy fund-raiser, maintaining a grueling pace that exhausted even much younger aides.

Mr. Biden was drained enough from the back-to-back trips to Europe that his team cut his planned debate preparation by two days so he could rest at his house in Rehoboth Beach, Del., before joining advisers at Camp David for rehearsals. The preparations, which took place over six days, never started before 11 a.m. and Mr. Biden was given time for an afternoon nap each day, according to a person familiar with the process.

Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, said on Tuesday that “the president was working well before” the 11 a.m. start time each day, after exercising. Still, at a fund-raiser on Tuesday evening, Mr. Biden blamed fatigue for his debate performance. “I wasn’t very smart,” he said. “I decided to travel around the world a couple times, I don’t know how many time zones.” He added: “I didn’t listen to my staff, and I came back and I fell asleep on the stage.”

The recent moments of disorientation generated concern among advisers and allies alike. He seemed confused at points during a D-Day anniversary ceremony in France on June 6. The next day, he misstated the purpose of a new tranche of military aid to Ukraine when meeting with its president.

On June 10, he appeared to freeze up at an early celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. On June 18, his soft-spoken tone and brief struggle to summon the name of his homeland security secretary at an immigration event unnerved some of his allies at the event, who traded alarmed looks and later described themselves as “shaken up,” as one put it. Mr. Biden recovered, and named Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

He is certainly not that way all the time. In the days since the debate debacle, aides and others who encountered him, including foreign officials, described him as being in good shape — alert, coherent and capable, engaged in complicated and important discussions and managing volatile crises. They cited example after example in cases where critical national security issues were on the line.

Aides present in the Situation Room the night that Iran hurled a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel portrayed a president in commanding form, lecturing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone to avoid a retaliatory escalation that would have inflamed the Middle East. “Let me be crystal clear,” Mr. Biden said. “If you launch a big attack on Iran, you’re on your own.”

Mr. Netanyahu pushed back hard, citing the need to respond in kind to deter future attacks. “You do this,” Mr. Biden said forcefully, “and I’m out.” Ultimately, the aides noted, Mr. Netanyahu scaled back his response.

This account is based on interviews with current and former White House aides, political advisers, administration officials, foreign diplomats, domestic allies and financial donors who saw Mr. Biden in the last few weeks, sometimes just briefly, sometimes for more extended periods. In most cases, they spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the matter.

White House officials have said the president is in excellent shape and that his debate performance, while disappointing, was an aberration. Kevin C. O’Connor, the White House physician, said as recently as February that despite minor ailments like sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy in his feet, the president was “fit for duty.” He said tests had turned up “no findings which would be consistent with” Parkinson’s disease. The White House has declined to make Dr. O’Connor available for questions and did not respond to detailed health questions from The New York Times earlier this year .

Responding to questions from The New York Times, Mr. Bates, the White House spokesman, said Tuesday that Dr. O’Connor had found no reason to re-evaluate Mr. Biden for Parkinson’s disease and that he showed no signs of Parkinson’s and had never taken Levodopa or other drugs for that condition.

Aides to Mr. Biden responded to questions for this story by asking several senior advisers to describe their interactions with Mr. Biden.

“He’s inquisitive. Focused. He remembers. He’s sharp,” said Neera Tanden, the president’s domestic policy adviser. In briefings, she said, “he will ask you a tough question and he will say, ‘How does this relate to an average person?’ And if you haven’t thought of that in that time, you have to come back to him.”

Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, the president’s homeland security adviser, recounted a June 17 terrorism briefing for Mr. Biden in the Situation Room in which he “digested an immense amount of information” and asked questions that were “probing and insightful.” She acknowledged that Mr. Biden’s debate performance had been different. “It doesn’t reflect the experience I have with him on a daily basis,” she said.

But by many accounts, as evidenced by video footage, observation and interviews, Mr. Biden is not the same today as he was even when he took office 3½ years ago. The White House regularly releases corrected transcripts of his remarks, in which he frequently mixes up places, people or dates. The administration did so in the days after the debate, when Mr. Biden mixed up the countries of France and Italy when talking about war veterans at an East Hampton fund-raiser.

Last week’s debate prompted some around him to express concern that the decline had accelerated lately. Several advisers and current and former administration officials who see Mr. Biden regularly but not every day or week said they were stunned by his debate performance because it was the worst they had ever seen him.

“You don’t have to be sitting in an Oval Office meeting with Joe Biden to recognize there’s been a slowdown in the past two years. There’s a visible difference,” said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian. “I’ve been amazed on one hand,” said Mr. Brinkley, who has not seen the president in person in a year. “The president can zip around the country like he does. But the White House may only be showing the Biden they want us to see.”

Mr. Trump, 78, has also shown signs of slipping over the years since he was first elected to the White House. He often confuses names and details and makes statements that are incoherent. He maintains a lighter public schedule than Mr. Biden, does not exercise and repeatedly appeared to fall asleep in the middle of his recent hush money trial. His campaign has released only a three-paragraph health summary. Voters have expressed concern about his age as well, but not to the same degree as Mr. Biden’s.

Mr. Trump has seized on Mr. Biden’s debate performance and called his own often confusing and fact-free appearance that night the “greatest debate performance” in the history of presidential campaigns.

The picture that emerges from recent interviews about Mr. Biden is one of a president under stress — hardly unusual — as he tried to juggle nervous international partners, a recalcitrant ally whose continued war against Hamas was creating yet another threat to a second term and a family crisis with his own son , who was convicted of criminal charges that could send him to prison.

By necessity, it is an incomplete picture. As Mr. Biden has aged, the White House has limited his encounters with reporters. While he frequently stops for a couple minutes to answer a question or two, as of Sunday, Mr. Biden had granted fewer interviews than any president of the modern era and fewer news conferences than any president since Ronald Reagan, according to statistics compiled by Martha Kumar, a longtime scholar of presidential communication.

On the occasions that Mr. Biden has chosen to speak with reporters on short notice, it has not always gone well. In February, he angrily hit back against a special counsel’s report on his handling of classified documents , in which the special counsel, Robert K. Hur, characterized the president as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” The furious president defended himself and his memory to reporters but referred to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the “president of Mexico” in the process. On Monday, House Republicans sued the Biden administration in an attempt to procure audio of Mr. Biden’s interviews with Mr. Hur.

But those 23 days before Mr. Biden met Mr. Trump on the television stage in Atlanta may be viewed by historians as the most critical three weeks in a consequential presidency, as the president faced an opponent he not only loathed, but viewed as an existential threat to American democracy. Were the wandering, inconclusive thoughts broadcast live to more than 50 million viewers just a bad night, a product of the exhausting month, or something larger? Had he not been crisscrossing the globe so frequently — including leaving Italy for a trip spanning nine time zones to a fund-raiser in Los Angeles — would it have made a difference?

Mr. Biden’s trips to Europe were marked by moments of sharpness in important meetings — including a complex session on diverting income from Russian assets to aid Ukraine — mixed with occasional blank-stared confusion, according to people who met with him. At some points, he seemed perfectly on top of his game, at others a little lost.

In Normandy, he met former soldiers brought to France by a veterans’ group. One American who attended said Mr. Biden at times seemed disoriented. During the later ceremony, the president turned away from the U.S. flag when “Taps” was played instead of facing it, possibly to not turn his back to the veterans. Jill Biden, President Emmanuel Macron of France and Mr. Macron’s wife then followed suit.

There was an awkward moment when Mr. Macron made sure the president got safely down the ramp, then came back up to shake all the veterans’ hands. Mr. Biden had been expected to stay for the handshakes, though aides said he was leaving to lay a wreath.

During a meeting the next day with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Mr. Biden spoke so softly it was almost impossible to hear and said a new burst of aid was meant to reconstruct the country’s electric grid when it was not.

During a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, President Biden said a new round of aid was meant to reconstruct the Ukrainian electric grid when it was not.

I’ve announced six packages of significant funding. Today I’m also signing an additional package for $225 million to help you reconstruct the electric grid. And once we got the national security bill passed — that was a political issue — we were able to get it all done.

But when it came time for the president’s own speech on D-Day, he delivered it forcefully and clearly, gathering momentum and ending on a vigorous note. It was a reminder that, much like during the State of the Union address earlier in the year, he often rises to big occasions and once he gets the rhythm of a speech, adrenaline appears to kick in.

Age was a running theme throughout the visit to France as the president honored American veterans who were near the century mark.

“Age is just a number,” Hilbert Margol, a 100-year-old who served in World War II, recalled telling Mr. Biden.

“You’re right,” Mr. Biden agreed.

Bill Casassa, 98, who was also honored at the Normandy ceremony and supports Mr. Trump, said he came away with the impression that Mr. Biden was infirm. “He did not appear any different to me in person than he does on television — and that is as a person who is fragile and not really in charge,” Mr. Casassa said.

Another veteran, Marvin E. Gilmore Jr., on the other hand, said he came away with newfound respect for Mr. Biden’s energy. “He greeted me very openly, very warmly and very, very, alert,” said Mr. Gilmore, who plans to vote for him. “There was nothing I saw in him that said he was an old man — and I am 99, three months from being 100.”

After several days in France, Mr. Biden flew home briefly and dealt with the family crisis of his son’s conviction. He hosted an early concert marking the Juneteenth holiday where he was spotted standing stiffly during a musical performance. One person who sat close to the president said that he had a “dazed and confused” expression during much of the event. This person said Mr. Biden had shown a “sharp decline” since a meeting only weeks earlier.

President Biden appeared to freeze up momentarily at a Juneteenth celebration at the White House.

[music playing]

After just a couple days at home, Mr. Biden turned around and flew back to Europe, this time to Italy for a summit of the Group of 7 leaders. Throughout the meetings, the pattern was the same, according to senior officials who attended.

Mr. Biden, one said, appeared “quite sharp in the meetings,” and was well prepared. He articulated American views. He appeared on his game at a news conference with Mr. Zelensky. But at one point Mr. Biden appeared to wander off from the group of leaders to talk to paratroopers and the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, came up behind him, and gently brought him back. A clip of the event that went viral had been edited to make it appear Mr. Biden had just walked away. In fact, he was greeting a paratrooper. But the image suggested he needed guidance from his host.

A senior European official who was present said that there had been a noticeable decline in Mr. Biden’s physical state since the previous fall and that the Europeans had been “shocked” by what they saw. The president at times appeared “out of it,” the official said, and it was difficult to engage him in conversation while he was walking.

Ms. Meloni and the other leaders were acutely sensitive to Mr. Biden’s physical condition, discussing it privately among themselves, and they tried to avoid embarrassing him by slowing their own pace while walking with the president. When they worried that he did not seem poised and cameras were around, they closed ranks around him physically to shield him while he collected himself, the official said.

Two administration officials who traveled with Mr. Biden to Italy said it is common for leaders to be guided to the day’s events. They said the hotel where the Group of 7 summit was taking place was a warren of confusing corridors filled with 25 world leaders and their security details. But they said Mr. Biden was articulate and sharp through hours of meetings.

Asked if one could imagine putting Mr. Biden into the same room with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia today, a former U.S. official who had helped prepare for the trip went silent for a while, then said, “I just don’t know.” A former senior European official answered the same question by saying flatly, “No.”

Some White House officials adamantly rejected the suggestion of a president not up to handling tough foreign counterparts and told the story of the night Iran attacked Israel in April. Mr. Biden and his top national security officials were in the Situation Room for hours, bracing for the attack, which came around midnight. Biden was updated in real time as the forces he ordered into the region began shooting down Iranian missiles and drones. He peppered leaders with questions throughout the response.

After it was over, and almost all of the missiles and drones had been shot down, Mr. Biden called Mr. Netanyahu to persuade him not to escalate. “Take the win,” Mr. Biden told the prime minister, without reading from a script or extensive notes, according to two people in the room. In the end, Mr. Netanyahu opted for a much smaller and proportionate response that effectively ended the hostilities.

Mr. Biden left Italy to fly directly to Los Angeles for a star-studded fund-raiser with Hollywood celebrities and former President Barack Obama, stopping back in Washington just long enough for Air Force One to be refueled. Aides pointed to the trip as an example of remarkable stamina for an octogenarian — or for anyone, for that matter.

But Mr. Biden appeared tired during a 40-minute discussion onstage at the event, seated between Jimmy Kimmel and Mr. Obama. A few times, the president stumbled over his words, and when the other men were speaking, Mr. Biden often stared into space, his mouth slightly open, like he would later do at the debate.

Two days after finally returning to the White House, Mr. Biden invited members of Congress, former administration officials and leading immigration experts to the White House to celebrate action taken under Mr. Obama to spare young undocumented immigrants, known as Dreamers, from deportation.

Two people with a clear view of Mr. Biden said his quiet, soft-spoken mumbling and occasional fumbling over the right words despite reading from a teleprompter left some in attendance concerned over his condition. He momentarily appeared unable to say the name of Mr. Mayorkas, his homeland security secretary, before recovering, leaving some in the audience jarred.

“Thanks to all the members of the Congress and Homeland Security Secretary — I — I’m not sure I’m going to introduce you all the way,” said Mr. Biden, who has contended with a stutter since childhood. “But all kidding aside, Secretary Mayorkas.”

President Biden momentarily struggled to summon the name of his Homeland Security secretary at an immigration event on June 18.

Thanks to all the members of Congress and Homeland Security Secretary — I’m not going to introduce you all the way. But all kidding aside, Secretary Mayorkas, as well as Secretary Becerra, and advocates and families for law enforcement, faith leaders, everybody is here.

While many were celebratory at the event, in which Mr. Biden announced a new program to grant relief to roughly 500,000 undocumented immigrants, some attendees shared their concerns about Mr. Biden’s condition with each other. “People were not feeling great,” one person said. Another person hoped it was just a “one-off” bad moment before Mr. Biden’s forthcoming debate.

Since the debate, Mr. Biden has tried to demonstrate that his trouble articulating himself that evening was not indicative of a larger problem. He gave a robust speech at a campaign rally the next day and attended a string of fund-raisers where he hoped to reassure nervous donors.

“He gave a strong speech, he didn’t stumble or mumble or look confused in any way,” said Judith Hope, the former chair of the New York State Democratic Party, who attended a fund-raiser in East Hampton on Saturday. “He was his old Uncle Joe self.”

Ms. Hope attributed the president’s debate troubles to his demanding schedule. “Are you aware of where he has been in the past seven days?” she said, raising her voice. “He continues to keep up a schedule that I could never dream of doing, that would totally defeat a younger person,” she added. “I think we need to examine our expectations.”

Reporting was contributed by Michael D. Shear and Erica L. Green from Washington; Matina Stevis-Gridneff from Brussels; Catherine Porter and Roger Cohen from Paris; Sarah Maslin Nir and Steven Erlanger from Berlin; and Andrew E. Kramer from Kyiv.

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

David E. Sanger covers the Biden administration and national security. He has been a Times journalist for more than four decades and has written several books on challenges to American national security. More about David E. Sanger

Zolan Kanno-Youngs is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Zolan Kanno-Youngs

Katie Rogers is a White House correspondent. For much of the past decade, she has focused on features about the presidency, the first family, and life in Washington, in addition to covering a range of domestic and foreign policy issues. She is the author of a book on first ladies. More about Katie Rogers

Keep Up With the 2024 Election

The presidential election is 122 days away . Here’s our guide to the run-up to Election Day.

Tracking the Polls. The state of the race, according to polling data.

Issues Tracker. Where Biden and Trump stand on abortion, immigration and more.

Campaign Tracker. How the candidates are spending their time on the campaign trail.

Biden’s Age Concerns. How did Democrats get here? We asked top party leaders.

Trump’s 2025 Plans. Trump is preparing to radically reshape the government if he regains power.

UK General Election 2024: What you need to know about election day

Polling stations across the United Kingdom will open on Thursday as the nation prepares to usher in a new prime minister.

Since UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a surprise snap general election in a rain-soaked announcement outside 10 Downing Street in late May, the election campaign, which has been littered with political scandals and gaffes, has played out at breakneck speed.

Political analysts and polls suggest a historic election with the main opposition party, Labour, on course to usurp the Conservatives who, after 14 years in power , now face a run-off for the opposition with the right-wing populist Reform UK.

Keep reading

Keir starmer’s empty promise of british renewal, uk elections 2024: which are the main parties and what are they promising, ‘britain’s on its knees’: the broken uk town backing nigel farage, £10,200: how much worse off britons are after 14 years of tory rule.

All will be settled on Thursday this week, when British voters head to polling stations nationwide to cast their ballots in the 2024 general election.

Here is what you need to know about election day:

Interactive_UK Elections in maps and charts 2024_5_Voting at a glance-1719503143

How and when will the UK general election be held?

The 2024 UK general election will be held on Thursday, July 4, between 7am (06:00 GMT) and 10pm (21:00 GMT).

Registered voters in the 650 parliamentary constituencies will vote for their preferred candidate at polling stations set up for the day, usually at schools or community centres.

The UK uses a first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, an old racing metaphor applied to voting in which the candidate with the most votes becomes a member of parliament (MP) for that constituency, irrespective of whether they’ve secured 50 percent of votes cast.

FPTP differs from a proportional representation (PR) system, which most European countries use, and from a system like the one France is using in its election (first round was on June 30; second round will be on July 7), in which constituencies that don’t give a majority of votes to any one candidate go to a second round of voting.

In the PR system, parliamentary seats are allocated in proportion to the number of votes each party receives.

Once the polls close in the UK, the votes will be counted, and the MPs with the most votes in each constituency (each constituency has one seat in Parliament) will be declared winners by the early hours of July 5.

If a party wins a majority of seats – as Labour is expected to – its leader becomes the prime minister, and the leader of the party with the second-highest number of MPs typically becomes the leader of the opposition. Keir Starmer is the leader of the Labour Party, while Sunak is leading the Conservative Party in the election.

If no party achieves a majority, a hung parliament will be announced. If this occurs, the largest party can choose to form a coalition with other parties.

Why did Rishi Sunak call the elections for July 4?

General elections in the UK must be held no more than five years apart.

The last general election was held in December 2019, which meant PM Sunak had until December to call an election.

The prime minister took the nation by surprise when, on May 22, he called a snap election.

It’s a decision that John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, says remains an “utter mystery” to anyone outside Sunak’s inner circle.

Curtice said various “speculative theories” are floating around, including the idea that the Conservatives may have felt the economic forecast would not improve before the end of the year.

Another possibility was that the ruling Conservative Party was not convinced they would stem the record number of asylum seekers from crossing the English Channel that separates southern England from northern France.

The Conservatives have made several pledges to halt irregular migration across, including a highly controversial plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda .

Interactive_UK Elections in maps and charts 2024_5_Key issues-1719503121

Why are the Conservatives performing so badly in the polls?

Since 2019, when the Conservatives won the last general election with a large majority, the party has struggled with issues of “trust and competence”, Jonathan Tonge, professor of politics at the University of Liverpool, told Al Jazeera.

A scandal dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic, known as “ partygate “, affected the public’s trust in the government and led Boris Johnson to resign as prime minister in 2022 .

Johnson was accused of holding a birthday party and other events that breached the strict lockdown rules he had imposed on the British public.

He was replaced by Liz Truss, who oversaw a chaotic six-week tenure that sent markets into freefall.

Tonge said that at this point, Conservatives “lost the trust of the British public”, with Boris Johnson going from a “popular figure to one who was seen as untrustworthy” and Labour overtaking the governing party in poll ratings soon after.

Recently, another scandal struck when the UK Gambling Commission announced it was investigating individuals linked to the party, including two Conservative candidates, Craig Williams and Laura Saunders, for betting on a July election three days before Sunak announced the date. The party subsequently dropped both Williams and Saunders from its list of candidates.

Tonge said the competency issue is due to the Conservatives’ perceived lack of “real improvements” for the British public over the past 14 years.

He said that they have performed well by some measures, with inflation down again and unemployment consistently low.

However, on social aspects, which include “big increases in waiting lists for the National Health Service and a failure to deliver on key policies such as curbing immigration, the Conservatives seem to have failed to deliver on what they promised”.

What is the political party Reform UK, and what are its chances?

Reform UK , led by the populist figurehead, Nigel Farage, stood in the 2019 general elections as the Brexit Party but did not contest Conservative-held constituencies.

Then, it failed to win any seats but, according to the latest polls, this year the rebranded party is challenging the Conservatives for second place.

Farage’s firebrand campaign, which has seen a wave of jingoistic rhetoric focused on immigration, has greatly contributed to their rise.

Curtice said Farage has come across as “charismatic and articulate”, attributes that starkly contrast to Sunak’s campaign, which includes a gaffe in which he left the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings early.

Curtice said that by focusing on immigration, Reform UK did not target an issue that was particularly crucial to why people were defecting from the Conservatives, but were “advertising policy failure”.

“If you’re unhappy with the government and you are in the pro-Brexit, anti-immigration camp, Reform UK is where you go,” he said.

What is the most likely outcome?

According to the latest polls, Labour is the clear favourite to win a majority.

Curtice said the polls suggest record lows for the Conservatives, who face a very difficult “arithmetical reality” since their voters fall most heavily in constituencies they are trying to defend. Yet, unlike in 2019, Reform UK will challenge them in those areas.

Tonge said he expects turnout to be slightly down from the last election – estimated to be 67.3 percent – when the country was gripped by a national “fervour” about how the UK should deliver on the vote of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Voter engagement, he said, does not appear to be as strong this election cycle, and evidence suggests a degree of voter disillusionment with the two main parties, Labour and the Conservatives, that have traditionally dominated UK politics.

He said Labour’s rise can be attributed more to a “Conservative implosion” than any popular policy.

Tonge predicted an “apathetic landslide” for Labour, which could result in a slightly lower turnout than the last election.

Based on current forecasts, he said that getting more than 100 seats would be a good result for the Conservatives in this election. This would mark a huge drop from the 2019 general election when they won 365 seats.

Tonge said such a result would provoke an “ideological and political debate for the heart and soul of the British political right”. The Conservatives would be left with a choice of going down the “Farage route” – going tougher on immigration and tax cuts – or having nothing to do with Reform UK and trying to rebuild as a centre-right party.

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The Best Europe Itinerary That You Can Do in 7 Days

Day 1: London, England

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

Table of Contents

1. London – Brussels – Paris

2. Paris – Zurich – Munich

3. Wroclaw – Prague – Vienna

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