Europe Itinerary 2 weeks: Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks

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Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks? You are at the right spot. Salil and I have been exploring Europe from Canada with full-time jobs and checked off close to 25 countries in 3 years. We traveled on Schengen visa and visa-free (on Canadian passports), so we have all the hands-on experience and tips for Europe itinerary 2 weeks. 

Europe Itinerary 2 weeks: Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks

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Our first trip to Europe was in early 2017 to Central Europe, exploring Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest, Munich, and Nuremberg. Since that Europe trip, we have visited the European continent multiple times – checking off iconic cities, offbeat destinations, microstates, and more.

We carefully choose places that are located close to each other and make use of the effective train, and bus routes to make the most of our (precious) vacation time. In Canada, we get 3 weeks of leave, and along with that we have statutory holidays each month (depends on the province/employer), and time in lieu, which we use to craft our efficient itineraries – at the beginning of the year. 

If this is your first ever trip to Europe, you must sign up for our FREE 7 day Europe e-course, where I walk you through the process of selecting destinations, getting tourist documents, packing, safety and more. 

Our perspective about exploring Europe is very different as we don’t live there, we had the same questions that you do, and we are sure you will get all the questions answered in our post. 

Before we share all of our epic 2 weeks in Europe itinerary, here are some quick tips.

Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks

• Choose destinations of your choice (pull out your bucket lists, Pinterest boards, your vision boards – everything!). Narrow down your list for this trip based on regional proximity
• Stick to 3-4 cities only for 2 weeks in Europe
• Check if you need a tourist visa
• Decide when you want to go (season, festival, vacation approval)
• Book time off at work, notify your employers
• Budget, save for the trip and track flight tickets
• Make use of day trips and high-speed trains (you don’t need a car to explore Europe)
• Book everything in advance – tours, hotels, train tickets – you want to make the most of your 2 weeks
• Stay in hotels located close to the city centre
• Essential Packing List – Universal adaptor, anti-theft backpack, comfortable walking shoes, lightweight waterproof jacket (grab our free 4 season packing list below)
• Pack, and ready to GO!

Short on time? Read our 25 sample itinerary for one week instead – 7 days in Europe itinerary ideas

Top European cities in 2 week European itinerary: London, Paris and Amsterdam

Explore the best of European cities in 2 weeks – visit London, Paris, and Amsterdam. These are the 3 capital cities of England, France, and the Netherlands. Depending on flight feasibility you can arrive in either city and spend 3 nights each (x 9 days) and add a couple of days to explore the countryside.

If you are traveling on a tourist visa – start in a Schengen zone (Paris or Amsterdam), and then conclude the trip in the UK, and fly out. 

London:

Discover one of the popular cities in Europe. If you are a history lover, you will LOVE London. In 3 days, check out all the major attractions like London Bridge and Thames river cruise, London Tower, Buckingham Palace and change of guards ceremony, Westminster Abbey, and add a few museums (like the British Museum, London Musume, National History Museum, etc) to your trip. 

Set aside time to wander Piccadilly Circus, Kensington Gardens, and shop at Harrods.

Use one day to explore some of the London neighborhoods (Notting Hill, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge), and sit down for an afternoon tea!

Visit Bath and Stonehenge on a day trip from London, and on day 5 head to Oxford and Cotswold. 

Paris:

From London, make your way to Paris on the high speed train/Thalys. Take it easy on day one in Paris, and in the evening warm up with dinner and sightseeing on a Seine River cruise.

Plan to explore the following in 3 days on the Paris itinerary. Start with the city highlights – Eiffel Tower,  Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, Luxembourg Gardens, Grand Palais, and end the day at Louvre. 

Next day check off the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saint Chapelle area, take a stroll along the pretty bridges, Shakespeare and Company, and eat at the Latin Quarter.

Spend a day in the Montmartre neighborhood – Sacré-Cœur Basilica, sit down at any of the Parisian cafes, watch a show and get dinner at the Moulin Rouge. 

Take a day tour to Versailles from Paris. 

Amsterdam: 

Travel from Paris to Amsterdam by train (Centraal Station). Spend next 2 days exploring Amsterdam – visit Dam Square, A’dam Lookout, Bloemenmarkt, and set aside time for museums if interested (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and/or the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam). 

We recommend booking tickets in advance. Special mention about Anne Frank’s House, if you are planning to visit, you MUST get your tickets (wayyyy) in advance. 

On your third day in Amsterdam, go on a day tour to Zaanse Schans or a hop on and hop off tour of (three) windmill villages. 

The Benelux Trip 2 weeks in Europe by train: Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg

Benelux comprises of the countries of Belgium – Netherlands – Luxembourg. This is an easy option for those who are planning a first trip to Europe, or who are on a single entry Schengen Visa. 

Transportation is easy, in fact, you can buy a BENELUX pass to avail yourself of train discounts. All the 3 countries can be explored in 2-5 days, with a majority of time spent in Belgium and the Netherlands (this will allow you to learn about the regional cultures, history and intimately explore each country). 

Belgium

Stay in the capital city of Brussels and spend 2 days exploring the highlights. Visit Grand Palace, City Museum, Comic Strip, the Royal Galleries, join a food tour or cooking class. Set aside another day to hit the Atomium, EU park, Mini Europe, downtown area, and shop (at Queen’s Gallery).

Keeping your base as Brussels – take day trips to the fairytale town of Bruges (day 3), Antwerp (day 4), Namur/Dinant or Ypres – cemeteries, memorials and war museums from WWI (day 5). 

Luxembourg

You can visit Luxembourg City on a day trip from Brussels, but to properly visit the country, set aside at least 3 days. You have to account for travel time while using trains (as they are not high speed trains), and stay in Luxembourg and spend 2 nights exploring the capital city.

In the heart of Luxembourg city, check out the Palace of Grand Duke – the only Grand Duchy in the world, visit the National Museum of Art and History and the Fish Market and the City Museum.

The charming centre is home to the Plaza d Armes – this is a perfect spot to go shopping or enjoy a meal. Make time to visit Gelle Fra (Golden Lady) – the Monument of Remembrance, Place de la Constitution, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Highly recommend spending a few hours at the Casemates du Bock, which is a complex of underground tunnels (from WW II). If interested, hop on a segway to enjoy the city and the stunning river valley. 

On day 3, venture on a day trip to Vianden – home to Europe’s most impressive medieval castles. It is an easy day trip from Luxembourg City, taking about 1.50 hours by train. You can return to Brussels in the evening, or stay there overnight. 

The Netherlands

Start for Amsterdam from Brussels (high-speed trains are available on this route). Keep Amsterdam as your base city for the remainder of your trip. 

Explore the city highlights in 2 days – don’t forget to buy museum tickets ahead of time.

Spend day 3 in the windmills villages (day trip). Explore Hague on day 4, and Rotterdam on day 5. On day 6, shop in Amsterdam and return to Brussels by evening. 

Fly out on day 14 – see how easy it is – keep ONE city as a base, and just take day trips – save on hotel $$, use public transportation or tours, forget all the car rental and parking hassles! 

Off the Beaten Path: Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia Herzegovina

Exploring the Balkans might warrant a car rental if you don’t love bus travel – but we explored the region using buses, tours, and private transfers. Buses were safe, and mostly on time, but expect to be on the road for a long time.

Car rentals and their rules differ from one Balkan state to another – so check with the company when you pick yours. 

You can visit these countries visa free on US and Canadian passports. Although Serbia and Montenegro are NOT Schengen countries, they do accept multiple entry Schengen visas to let international visitors in! 

Croatia

Fly to Zagreb Croatia, explore Zagreb old town center delights – check out St Mark’s Church, Museum of Broken Relationships, ride the shortest funicular and soak in city views. Don’t miss a visit to Zagreb Cathedral and hang out at the central square. 

From Zagreb, travel to Split, and spend 2 days here. Explore the city highlights on day one – Diocletian’s Palace, Split Cathedral, wander the Riva promenade, join GoT tour, and hit a beach nearby. The next day, take a trip to Krka National Park.

Continue to the Adriatic Coast and spend the next 2 days in Dubrovnik. Stay close to the centre, and explore the well-preserved city walls, Rector’s Palace, Franciscan Church, and Monastery. Don’t forget to take a walk at the Stradun, or stop at a cafe or the Buza Bar. 

The next day visit one of the islands nearby like the Lokrum Island – there are a ton of tours to choose from, including the popular 3 Islands Tour.

Montenegro

From Croatia, make your way to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Kotor is a wonderfully fortified town with a lot of history. It is often overlooked by visitors heading to Europe, so you will find plenty of spots to relax and soak in the views of the old town and the bay. 

In Kotor don’t miss the Old Town/Stari Grad and check off the Gothic-style Drago Palace and the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. If you are up for a hike head to the towering Castle of San Giovanni (also known as St. John’s Fortress), standing at 280 metres above Stari Grad. 

When in Kotor you must also hop on a sightseeing cruise tour, and explore Perast and its pretty churches. 

If you have time on your hands, go on a day trip to Budva and Sveti Stefan. Budva’s bay is lined with sandy beaches, and it is located only a half hour drive from Kotor.

Sveti Stefan is a fishing village that is another 15 minute drive from here. You will LOVE amazing views of the shores of the Adriatic from there (they will give you reasons to go back again). 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

From Kotor head to Mostar to Bosnia Herzegovina. Mostar is one of the prettiest cities in the Balkans. 

Mostar’s old town, Bazar and the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) will win you over. Spend time wandering through the markets and narrow alleys in and around the (re-constructed) medieval bridge. With a long history and colorful shops, you must spend some time discovering the city’s past.

Join a walking tour, or head to the Old Bridge Museum.

Stay here for 2 nights, and give yourself time when you are traveling from Kotor. 

Spend the remainder of the itinerary (2 days) in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia Herzegovina.

During your visit explore the Baščaršija, which is the historic old town of the city. Enjoy a walk in the cobblestone lanes where the east meets the west, and admire the postcard-worthy fountain. 

Sarajevo is very unique, and you will be amazed at the Eastern European and Turkish nuances in the old town. Right outside the Baščaršija is the Latin Bridge – a historic landmark of WWI. 

We highly recommend taking a tour of the Tunnel Museum (Siege of Sarajevo) and the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track, originally built for the 1984 Winter Olympics. This tour will surely help you understand the history of the Balkans, and the present status in Bosnia and beyond. 

Belgrade 2 days (+1 day to return back to Zagreb to fly out)

After spending time in Sarajevo, take a bus to Belgrade (you can also opt for an overnight bus if you prefer). 

Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia, it was also the capital of erstwhile Yugoslavia. During your time in Belgrade visit the Museum of Yugoslavia to learn about its history (and of Tito).  The old town is home to the National Museum, and the beautiful Knez Mihailova Street – this is where you can pig out eating cevapi or shop. The Manufaktura Cafe is super pretty – do visit. 

Belgrade’s primary landmark is their fortress – Beogradska Tvrđava which is located near the old town. From the Belgrade fortress you can soak in views of the Danube and the Sava rivers. The fort is a home to a lot of heritage and it showcases the rich past of Belgrade at the confluence of two historic rivers. 

You can check out remnants of the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Serbian and Austrian empires in the museums located here, and at the Kalemegdan park. 

Iberian Peninsula Itinerary: Barcelona, Seville, Lisbon and Porto 

The Iberian Peninsula is another epic region where you can spend 2 weeks in Europe. This itinerary is all about culture, beaches, and sun & sand. Spend a little bit over a week in Spain, and the remainder of the time – in exploring Portugal. 

Barcelona:

Arrive in Barcelona, the largest city in northern Spain (Catalunya), and visit Gaudi’s masterpieces, museums, touristy boulevards and more in 3 days. 

Check out the unfinished Sagrada Familia (Gaudi’s masterpiece to be completed in 2024), Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and Park Guell in the evening. We highly recommend booking tickets or attractions passes ahead of time. All of these sites are also great for soaking in city views in Barcelona.

In the next couple of days, hit the popular leafy boulevard La Ramblas, go on a walking tour at the Gothic Quarter, see the Barcelona Cathedral, and eat at the La Boqueria market. You must also head to La Barceloneta Beach located close to the city. Port Vell and the Columbus Column will also ignite those maritime stories. 

Barcelona is known for football, so if you are an enthusiast head to Camp Nou and go on a tour. The city hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics, and you will see many nuances from the event including the stadium/pools used, to the ceremonial structures at the Montjuïc park. 

From Barcelona, you can add a day trip to Girona or Montserrat (or both). Girona is known for its medieval architecture including of Roman remains and the walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell). If you are a GoT fan you will love Girona filming locations. Even if you are not a fan, you will enjoy wandering the old town, and climbing on watchtowers to soak in those mesmerising views. 

The Monserrat hills and the abbey – Santa Maria de Montserrat also makes for an easy day trip from Barcelona. 

Seville

From Barcelona, visit the southern part of Spain – Seville – for cultural immersion in Andalucia. Spend 2 days in Seville exploring the iconic landmarks including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Royal Alcázars of Seville, Seville Cathedral, and Archivo General de Indias. 

The gorgeous Plaza de Espanya should be on your itinerary, along with the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold), Metropol Parasol, and pick a neighbourhood to intimately explore (like Tirana), and enjoy a show of flamenco and go tapas hopping!

Add a day tour to Granada to check off the Alhambra. Alhambra is a palace, fortress and citadel in Granada. It’s site dates back to the 8th century, and with views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Alhambra will remain as of the memorable images from your Spain vacation. 

Lisbon:

Make way to the capital city of Portugal – Lisboa, and spend 2 days here. Admire the beautiful architecture from the post 1775 earthquake, and brush up on maritime history in the Belem neighbourhood. Watch a show of fado, eat your heart out, and go wandering through the lanes of Chiado, Baixa and Bairro Alto. 

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as you visit iconic neighbourhoods such as Alfama, and take in city views from their famous Miradura(s). 

On day 3, add a day trip to Sintra to explore the Pena Palace, Quinta de Regalia, and the Moorish Castle. From here, continue on to Porto to the North of Portugal. 

Porto:

Porto is the last stop in the Iberian peninsula itinerary. It is one of the prettiest cities to visit in Europe.

The old town with the charming River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your trip, you have to soak in the golden hues from the Luis Bridge (or any of the five other bridges). 

Porto is also home to the gorgeous library/bookstore and the staircase will blow your mind away. The Livraria Lello is known to be the world’s most stunning bookshops.

Did you know that JK Rowling lived and worked in Porto, and the architecture is rumored to have inspired Harry Potter’s Hogwarts depictions? 

After spending 2 days in Porto, leave the last day for a day trip to enjoy some wine tasting (Port wine) in the Douro Valley!

Best of Central Europe: Munich, Prague, Vienna – Salzburg, Budapest (+ Bratislava)

Countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary make for a perfect winter Europe itinerary 2 weeks. 

Munich & Nuremberg 

In this Europe trip itinerary began with exploring Munich (2 days). Munich is the capital of Germany’s Bavaria region. It is home to centuries-old architectures, remnants of the Wittelsbach, and a ton of museums. 

The old town of Munich – Marienplatz is home to many such stunning structures. Starting with the Mary’s Column, City Hall – Rathaus, shops and restaurants, you must include Marienplatz square. Don’t forget to visit the Royal Brewery – Hofbräuhaus, Opera House, Frauenkirche, Odeonplatz and the Munich Residenz. 

Munich is also home to the beautiful English Gardens, and we highly recommend visiting it.

From Munich head to Nuremberg, this is where many of your Christmas bucket list items will come alive. From cute festive stalls to drinking mulled wine to shopping and soaking in the cheer at the heart of Altstadt (old town). 

You can either go on a day trip (and return to Munich), or continue to Prague in the evening on the same day. 

Prague:

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is one of our favorite cities in Europe. With a gorgeous city centre, Vltava River and the iconic Charles Bridge – Prague will melt your heart. 

Stay near the city centre in Prague, and soak in the ambiance night and day. Do add the Prague Castle complex to your 2 days in Prague itinerary, St. Vitus Cathedral (beautiful stained glasses), and visit the vineyards, 

You can also add a day trip from Prague to Kutna Hora or Český Krumlov. 

Budapest

Budapest is one of the delightful places to visit in this Central Europe itinerary. It has historical sites (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), museums, Jewish cemetery,  and everything for an epic (and an active) vacation.

Stop by the ruin bars, go on a Danube sightseeing cruise and after all the sightseeing relax in the waters of thermal spa. 

You can also add a day to Bratislava, and check off their old town highlights. Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia. 

Vienna

From Budapest, head to Vienna, the capital city of Austria. Vienna is one of the beautiful cities in Europe, very clean, and oh so elegant. The elegance of Vienna is personified in their pretty architecture and expansive gardens like the Hofburg, Schonbrunn and the Belvedere Palaces.  

During your trip don’t forget to eat Sachertorte, and visit the interior of the Stephansdom/ St Stephen’s Cathedral. 

When visiting in the winter, you will find many Christmas markets in the city centre. 

From Vienna join a day tour to the Wachau or the lower Danube Valley. 

Salzburg

The last stop of this Europe 2 week itinerary is to explore Salzburg for 2 days. Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart, it is a charming city with breathtaking views of the Eastern Alps. 

With the Salzach River flowing through the city, Salzburg prime landmark is the towering Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the Altstadt which is filled with numerous medieval and baroque buildings. 

The popular movie, ‘Sound of Music’ was filmed here, you can go on a guided tour in Salzburg that checks off all the movie locations, and provides a glimpse into the landscape of the city. 

If visiting in the winters, Christmas markets will be set up at the Old Town.  

From Salzburg, you can head back to Munich to fly out. 

Leaving Munich/Bavaria, this region is also known as Eastern Europe. (Eastern Europe itinerary 2 weeks inspiration). This itinerary was from our first time visiting Europe. 

Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria in 2 weeks Europe Itinerary

Explore the best of Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria in 2 weeks. 

Switzerland & Liechtenstein Europe Itinerary 2 weeks family 

Arrive in Zurich, and stay there for 2-5 days. Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland.

Walk the Altstadt, soak in views of the Limmat River from the Lindenhof Hill, and shop or window shop at the Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich’s prettiest lanes are filled with cute cafes, luxury shops, a lovely lake promenade, and luxe hospitality in their 5-star resorts. 

Zurich is a perfect base to explore Bern, the capital of Switzerland. On a day trip, you can wander the lanes of historic old town, check out the Parliament building, flower clock, and the Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent (+ other medieval churches). 

Set aside one day to visit Vaduz – the capital city of the microstate of Liechtenstein. Go on a tour of the vineyards, hike to the castle, and adore this cute little tiny country!

If you wish to stay overnight in another Swiss city, consider Interlaken for 2 nights (instead of 5 nights in Zurich). Interlaken is a popular resort town in Switzerland with stunning views of the mountains, 2 lakes, and gorgeous landscapes.

You can hop on a cable car ride to Mount Titlis or Pilatus from here! 

From Interlaken travel back to Zurich on day 6, and then take a bus to Vienna, the capital city of Austria. 

Austria

Spend 2 days each in Vienna, and Salzburg. Add a day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg. 

Vienna is one of the amazon European destinations, and with beautiful palaces, museums, and lanes you won’t want to leave this city. The city centre is very walkable and is home to the Hofburg Palace, shopping areas, and the beautiful St Stephen’s Cathedral. 

Don’t miss the museums here, or the Opera House. In one of the evenings, enjoy a cool joy ride at the Wiener Riesenrad – Vienna Ferris Wheel. 

From Vienna make way to Salzburg. The charming old town of Salzburg is filled with medieval baroque buildings, cathedrals and a towering – Hohensalzburg Fortress. From where you can soak in views of the city, Salzach River and the views of the Eastern Alps.  

Some of the must do activities are – sightseeing cruise on the river, Sound of Music tour, visiting Mirabell Palace and gardens, Salzburg museum and shopping at Getreidegasse. Don’t forget to check out Mozart Square, and his residence – afterall it is the birthplace of the composer. 

Enjoy a day in the fairytale town of Hallstatt. You drive there or join a tour. Hallstatt is located on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore, and with the picturesque 16th-century Alpine houses, and cute lanes you will love wandering here and spending a relaxed day.

Take a funicular ride to visit the Salzwelten salt mine, and soak in mesmerizing views from Skywalk.

Best of Italy, and the Vatican in 2 weeks

This 14 days in Europe itinerary takes you to Italy, and the Vatican City – a microstate. 

Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy, and it is home to popular historic sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum ruins, Markets of Trajan, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon to name a few. 

You can easily walk and explore many of the city attractions as they are located within 3-4 mile routes. Do wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy it though, Rome is known as the City of Seven Hills, for a reason.

You must go on a history tour in Rome, and witness the systems invented by the Ancient Romans that are used even today. 3 days in Rome is good enough time to visit all the main sites and a little more. 

Other than the iconic landmarks, Rome is an amazing foodie destination. From spaghetti, lasagna, pizza to gelato, Rome will surely throw your diet plan to the back burner. 

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest European microstate. It is the home to the Pope and a plethora of Roman art and architectural remains that will delight your visit. Spend some time on your Rome trip to explore the Vatican.  

Naples

From Rome, make way to the southern coast. We recommend staying in Naples for the remainder of the Italy itinerary and take day trips to the Amalfi Coast. 

Known as the birthplace of pizza, Naples is full of historic sites dating back to the 2nd century BC. The city’s main cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is one of the iconic landmarks, and one that is filled with beautiful frescoes. 

You can spend 1-2 days exploring Naples, checking off the Royal Palace, Piazza del Plebiscito, Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle, Ovo Castle, Opera House/Teatro Reale di San Carlo and Catacombs of San Gennaro. There is so much history, and a plethora of museums and cultural activities to choose from in Napoli. 

Pompeii

From Naples, add a day trip to the town of Pompeii – and become an archeologist for a day! I mean, I always wanted to see/visit the town that was wiped away by Mount Vesuvius, and check off the bucket list. 

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast is home to stunning blue waters, with pretty colorful houses perched on cliffside, and blue grottos with twinkling waters at the island of Capri. 

The route from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is served by Trenitalia’s regional trains. You can travel from Naples to Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi in about an hour. 

If you don’t wish to take trains from Naples, then consider – Sorrento for your base city to stay overnight, and then take day trips from there to explore the Amalfi Coast.

Highly recommend setting aside a day in Sorrento checking off views from marinas, epic villas and sipping limoncello. 

Positano and Amalfi towns are next on the list. You will be delighted with their stunning (but touristy) beaches, cliffside colorful homes and gorgeous picturesque landscape. 

Note: You can swap the Naples and Amalfi Coast for Venice and the Italian Riviera in the north of the country.

Northern European Itinerary 2 weeks: Best of Iceland & Norway

Spend a week exploring the best of south and west Iceland, and then make your way to Norway.

Iceland

Known as the ‘land of fire and ice’, Iceland welcomes you with dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, ice caves and hot springs. Add a relaxing day at the Blue Lagoon and your vacation is set.

Base yourself in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. Explore the cute alleys, shops, and the tallest church in Iceland – Hallgrímskirkja. From here you can either take day trips, or rent a car/campervan and check off the Golden circle route and the south coast of Iceland (1-4 days with arrival day).

Set aside 1-2 and enjoy unique experiences such as going on a glacier hike in Falljokull, or an ice cave tour at Vatnajökull National Park or Skaftafell. 

Visit the iconic Snæfellsnes Peninsula in west Iceland, and enjoy ‘mini Iceland’ (for a day or two).

Norway

Hop on a quick flight from Iceland to Oslo Norway, and spend the next 6 days here. Visit the museums, learn about the Vikings and maritime history (1-3 days) and then venture outside the capital city to Bergen.

You can take a train which is a full day journey, and experience one of the scenic rides. Bergen is a small city – you can spend a day exploring, and checking out some of the finest museums. And then set aside the next 2 days to hit the Fjords.  

This Fjord Region is popular as many of the fjords are in this area like the Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Lysefjord. 

Greece, Bulgaria & Romania Europe trip itinerary 2 weeks

Visit the capital cities and beyond in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania in 2 weeks

Greece

From beaches, islands to history Greece is an amazing destination for a girl’s trip or a weekend couples getaway. And if you are a culture lover, this is even better.

Visit Athens, the capital city of Greece, and spend 2-3 days there. Known to be the birthplace of many intellectual and artistic ideas Athens is a delight for any history lover. Take a tour of the Acropolis and surrounding areas, the Pantheon, Erechtheion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more. 

You must also visit the National Museum here that houses historical remnants from prehistory to late antiquity. 

Spend a day to embark on a trip to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi (by bus or tour).

If you are keen on visiting Santorini add extra 2 days to your Greece itinerary (so spend a week in Greece), and then fly to Sofia the capital city of Bulgaria.

Bulgaria

Spend the next 3 days in Sofia. The city is sprinkled with more than 2,000 years of history from the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and later of the Soviet occupation.

Add a city tour, and explore the National Opera and Ballet of Bulgaria, the National Palace of Culture, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Serdica Amphitheatre.

Don’t forget to capture the elegant St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral, designed in Neo-Byzantine style. 

The mountains of Vitosha can be visited from Sofia. On day 3 you can go on a day tour there.

Or to Plovdiv the second largest city in the country. Explore main historic attractions from Roman Theatre to Ottoman houses in old towns and the Regional Ethnographic Museum. In the evening, soak up city views from Nebet Hill. 

Romania

Fly to Romania on day 11, and settle in Bucharest for the next 2-3 days. The capital of Romania is nicknamed, ‘little Paris’, due to its elegant architecture, and French influence as seen in the early 1900s.

In Bucharest, you will find iconic landmarks from the communist-era, and an amazing nightlife scene (making it perfect for a city break). Explore attractions like the Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church, Romanian Athenaeum, National Museum, and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace. 

Plan to visit the open air ethnographic museum, called the Village Museum or the National Museum of the Village “Dimitrie Gusti”. 

2 weeks in Europe Trip: French Riviera and Monaco

This is one of the slow Europe travel itinerary for you. Enjoy luxury, and relaxed vibes in celebrity approved resorts and beaches. 

Arrive in Nice in France to kick start this itinerary. Nice is known for its warm weather, charming Old Town, amazing hospitality, and culinary. Spend 1-2 days in Nice, and check out Belle Epoque and other Baroque-influenced buildings.

Nice is your perfect base to explore Tour Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera in the South of France. In the next few days, hit Cannes and Saint-Tropez. You can add some time sailing around islands or hiking in the Alps. 

Set aside a day to explore Monaco from Nice (40 minutes travel time). Principality of Monaco is a microstate, and on a day tour explore the Palais du Prince, visit the Monte Carlo Casino, Musée Oceanographique, Les Jardins Saint-Martin and the Monaco Cathedral. 

If interested you can also set aside another day to watch a race at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. 

From Nice, add a 2 day trip to Provence, and wander pretty villages and lavender farms. 

Planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks: Detailed Tips 

The European continent is the sixth largest in the world. It comprises 50 countries and sovereign states (44 countries and 6 microstates).

Size-wise it is only largest as compared to Australia (we have 7 continents), but it is FILLED with so many touristy destinations and landmarks that it can easily fill your bucket list. 

Quick Europe Facts: 

• No of countries: 44 recognized
• Microstates: 6 
• Regions in Europe: Eastern Europe, southern Europe, Western Europe, and northern Europe. You will also hear terms like, ‘Scandinavian, Nordic, Balkans, Iberian Peninsula’ – that refer to regional or cultural clusters within the European continent
• European Union: There are 28 European countries that belong to the EU. They promote peace, inclusion and combat discrimination, and open up trade and borders among the member nations. Euro is their official currency.
• Currencies in Europe: Most of the EU member states use the Euro as their official currency, but you will also find countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary that also have their own national currencies. 
  • Most countries in Europe will accept Euros, but change will be returned in their national currency (Switzerland, Iceland, Hungary, Croatia are such examples)
  • You can exchange currencies at the airport, or in city centres.
  • Credit cards are often used in restaurants, hotels, train stations. But cash is still important
• Schengen Zone: The Schengen area refers to 26 European countries that have officially abolished all passports and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. You will find a few countries that are not EU members but are a Schengen country (meaning that they allow you into the country if you have a Schengen visa like Switzerland)

Choosing Destinations for Europe Trip

With so many destinations to choose from, you can easily narrow down your top pick for 2 weeks in Europe, based on your personal choice (pull out your bucket lists, Pinterest boards, your vision boards – everything!). 

Pro tips:

• Further narrow down your list for this trip based on regional proximity
• Stick to 3-4 cities only for 2 weeks in Europe
• Sometimes travel restrictions, tourist visas, and flight connectivity from your home destination are just as important and it plays a pivotal role in determining where you should travel. 
• Research history and culture of the destination
• For best photos start early for landmarks and attractions

Check if you need a tourist visa

Depending on your passport, you might have to apply for a tourist visa. For most of Europe that are part of the European Union, a Schengen Visa is required. It is not a visa on arrival, so it has to be applied for prior to your visit. 

If you have a US or Canadian passport, you can travel visa free for upto 90 days (for personal/tourism purposes). ETIAS to be applicable prior to leaving for Europe (tentative 2022 onwards). 

• UK has their own tourist visa application process
• Serbia allows visa free entry for Indian passport holders

Decide when to visit Europe (season, festival, vacation approval)

When you travel is just as important as where you travel. The timing of your trip can mean the difference of hundreds possibly thousands of dollars in flight cost.

We recommend researching the peak and off-peak season for your destination. 

• For Europe generally, summer is a popular time for people to travel but it’s typically high season for most countries. That’s the time of year most tourists will visit, leading to high costs on flight and accommodation. 
  • If you are planning to visit in high season, book all of your accommodation, tickets and tours in advance. Be patient as you might be waiting in queues (in most tourist attractions)
• Off seasons are our favorite time to travel. These are typically spring and autumn/fall months. 
  • Spring: March to May. Fall: September to November

Book time off at work, notify your employers

Once you have narrowed your destinations, apply for leave from your employer. 

If you are a University student, a mom, or a working professional, it is hard to be flexible with your dates of travel. But at this time once you have researched the best season/time you want to go, book it on your work/school calendar.

Europe itinerary 2 weeks budget, save for the trip, track flight tickets

Here are saving tips for your 2 week Europe trip. 

Flights: Remember being a little flexible helps to secure a better flight deal. Leaving on a weekday is also a great idea, as it is easy to find good seats. 

We use SkyScanner to track flight prices. It’s one of the most powerful flight search engines on the net, both easy to use and with a multitude of features to make flight hunting easier. You can easily set up alerts to get email updates for price changes. 

If you are locked into fixed travel dates, or you can only fly on weekends or during popular holiday periods, it’s going to be more of a challenge in finding cheap flights, but still not impossible.

Planning ahead is key!

At this stage, this is good to be aware of prices, and start saving for the trip. 

• Think about how much you feel comfortable spending on the trip. Then do some real deep thought on how much you can realistically save each week (or month) to get there.
• Keep a savings journal. 

Make use of day trips and high speed trains: How to get around Europe

Due to close proximity of destinations, you can cover a lot of ground in Europe on a short trip (as long as you are active, and open to a variety of places).

We also like doing day tours to learn about a destination that was not on the list. 

Here are some ways to get around Europe within a city,

• Walking: If you are staying near the city center, you can easily walk and wander off to the tourist attractions
• Public transportation: From buses, trams to subway trains major European cities have efficient public transportation. It is an affordable means of transport. You can also save money by purchasing a transit pass (for a specific duration). Many of these passes also include discounted tickets to major tourist attractions. You can purchase them from GetYourGuide 
• Hop on and Hop off: We love taking sightseeing buses like Hop on and Hop off style tours. They are not guided tours, but they allow you to conveniently cover all the touristy attractions without remembering all the addresses and landmarks. Even if you have not done any research, just hop on and get down if any attraction excites you! Easy-peesy. You can book them through GetYourGuide 
• Taxi & private transfers: Always an easy option. Many cities also provide Uber services

To connect within Europe, there are day tours, high speed trains, and budget flights.

• Trains: Trains are a great way to connect within a zone (like the Benelux) or network of high speed Thalys trains. We recommend booking high speed trains ahead of time (to avoid disappointment). Regional trains are fine to book the day before or even same day – many don’t have seat reservations so you take a spot when you hop on the train
• Budget flights: Airlines like Ryanair, TAPAIR Portugal, Vueling, etc are good options to connect within Europe, especially where train networks do not exist or take longer. Depending on the city network, you can score a flight deal or as low as $30 USD one way. 

Book everything in advance

Because you are on a tight 2 week trip to Europe, it is recommended that you book everything in advance, from tours, hotels, to train tickets. This is more important when visiting in the peak/summer months, during festivals, or in popular tourist destinations.

We use Booking.com to book hotels and Get Your Guide for day tours, attractions tickets, and walking tours. 

Book accommodation close to the city centre

When it comes to booking your accommodation, opt to stay in hotels close to the city centre. You will easily find luxury to mid budget properties there (like iBis Styles, easyHotel brands). 

By staying at the city centre, you can save on transport, and pretty much walk to most of the city highlights. Plus it will be easy to find restaurants, and join walking/food tours.

Essential Packing List for Europe + Free printable Europe packing list

We have a detailed guide on what to pack for Europe in all 4 seasons, and another guide on Europe accessories – you can also grab a free packing list here

Here are some quick tips for packing to Europe

• Universal adaptor: Europe uses the round power pins, so carry a universal adapter. Here is what we have
• Anti theft backpack: Because we travel in trains, and use other means of public transportation, we recommend carrying an anti theft backpack (or a daypack). We use the same backpack as a carryon (and – I carry 4-5 dresses, 4 blouses, 2 light jackets, a small cosmetics bag)
• Comfortable walking shoes: Walking shoes are a must for all of your Europe trips. You will end up walking/wandering/strolling quite a bit (in old towns, transiting through transport, neighbourhoods, etc). Many old towns are also care free, and pedestrian friendly – so lace up!
• Lightweight waterproof jacket: Highly recommend carrying a lightweight waterproof jacket, as in most popular destinations (especially in western Europe) gloomy, rainy days are common. 

As always don’t forget your travel documents, credit cards, currency and travel insurance. 

Pack, and ready to GO! Here is how we do it!

Here is how our Europe trip planning looks like,

• 3 to 6 months: Decide where to go (pick a cluster of countries). Apply for time off at work for the two of us. Check passport validity for the trip. Budgeting. 
• At 3 months: Book flights, hotels (some of the tours). 
• At 1 to 3 months: All the tours are booked. Buy outfits, any other essentials for the trip. 
• Less than a month: I usually pack around this time – set aside clothes in packing cubes, cosmetics, save photo spots, and detailed hotel addresses (train station/route details screenshot or online Google Maps). Pack clothes according to the sightseeing itinerary, make notes on my travel journal. 
• 1 day before the trip: Salil packing his backpack. Inform friends/family and house sitter. Both of us don’t sleep at the night (because we are super EXCITED!)

Additional Tips: 2 weeks in Europe trip itinerary

We hope you found our tips on planning a two week Europe trip. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Do sign up for our Savvy Europe Traveler e-course!

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