Multi-Country Itineraries (10 Days)
1. Rome (Italy) + Paris (France) + Barcelona (Spain): The First-Timers’ Route
Focus
A classic introduction to European history, art, and cuisine.
Duration
Rome: Days 1-3
Paris: Days 4-7
Barcelona: Days 8-10
Highlights
Rome: Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, pasta-cooking class.
Paris: Montparnasse Tower (for views), Montmartre, Jardin des Tuileries, trying flan from boulangeries.
Barcelona: Gaudí architecture (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell), Museu Picasso, Fundació Joan Miró, Tibidabo Church.
Best Time to Visit
April, September, October (shoulder months for pleasant warm weather and fewer crowds).
Travel Between Cities
Flight from Rome to Paris (approx. 2 hours), and from Paris to Barcelona (approx. 1 hr 45 min).
2. Copenhagen (Denmark) + Stockholm (Sweden) + Bergen (Norway): Scenic Scandinavia
Focus
Nordic landscapes, Viking heritage, and progressive culture.
Duration
Copenhagen: Days 1-3
Stockholm: Days 4-7
Bergen: Days 8-10
Highlights
Copenhagen: Nyhavn district, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle.
Stockholm: Djurgården island (Vasa Museum), Östermalm (shopping), Gamla Stan (medieval city center).
Bergen: Fløibanen funicular for views from Mount Fløyen, Hardangerfjord cruise, Bryggen historic houses.
Best Time to Visit
June, July, August (summer for open attractions and the sunniest weather).
Travel Between Cities
Flights are most efficient: Copenhagen to Stockholm (approx. 1 hour) and Stockholm to Bergen (approx. 3.5 hours).
3. Prague (Czech Republic) + Vienna (Austria) + Budapest (Hungary): A Medieval Fairytale
Focus
Old-world charm, ancient architecture, classical music, and rich cultural heritage.
Duration
Prague: Days 1-4
Vienna: Days 5-7
Budapest: Days 8-10
Highlights
Prague: Prague Castle, Old Town Square (Astronomical Clock), Charles Bridge.
Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, MuseumsQuartier, Belvedere Palace, Musikverein (classical concerts).
Budapest: Danube River views, Szechenyi Thermal Bath, Ruin Bars in the Pest district.
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September (shoulder months for warm weather and avoiding major tourist crowds).
Travel Between Cities
Prague to Vienna can be a 1-hour flight or a scenic 4-hour train ride. Vienna to Budapest is a quick 2.5-hour journey by high-speed train.
4. Helsinki (Finland) + St. Petersburg (Russia) + Moscow (Russia): Colorful Nordic Cityscapes
Focus
Vibrant cityscapes, sublime architecture, and a Baltic Sea experience.
Duration
Helsinki: Days 1-3
St. Petersburg: Days 4-6
Moscow: Days 7-10
Highlights
Helsinki: Design District, Market Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna sea fortress.
St. Petersburg: Winter Palace, Peterhof Palace, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
Moscow: The iconic Metro stations, GUM department store, Bolshoi Theatre, Kremlin, and Red Square.
Best Time to Visit
June, July, August for long sunny days, warm weather, and local festivals.
Travel Between Cities
Efficient train journeys connect this route: Helsinki to St. Petersburg (3.5 hours) and St. Petersburg to Moscow (3.5 hours).
5. Zurich (Switzerland) + Bavaria (Germany) + Hallstatt (Austria): A Fairytale Escape
Focus
Enchanted castles, medieval towns, mountains, and delicious food.
Duration
Zurich: Days 1-3
Bavaria: Days 4-6
Salzburg & Hallstatt: Days 7-10
Highlights
Zurich: Bahnhofstrasse (shopping), Lindenhof Hill for views, Hürlimannbad & Spa Zürich rooftop pool.
Bavaria: Museums and biergartens in Munich, and the magical Neuschwanstein Castle.
Salzburg & Hallstatt: Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, and the gingerbread houses and serene lake of Hallstatt.
Best Time to Visit
Late August through October for sunny weather and autumn festivals like Oktoberfest.
Travel Between Cities
A scenic train and bus route: Zurich to Munich (3.5-hour train), Munich to Salzburg (1.5-hour train), and Salzburg to Hallstatt (2.5-hour bus). Depart from Salzburg Airport.
6. Paris (France) + Brussels (Belgium) + Amsterdam (Netherlands): Palaces & Canals
Focus
Royal palaces, magnificent art, charming cafes, and iconic canals.
Duration
Paris & Versailles: Days 1-4
Brussels: Days 5-6
Amsterdam: Days 7-10
Highlights
Paris & Versailles: Île de la Cité, Musée d’Orsay, Sacré-Cœur, and the incredible Palace of Versailles.
Brussels: Grand Place, Royal Palace, and authentic Brussels waffles.
Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and biking through the Jordaan neighborhood.
Best Time to Visit
May and September are perfect shoulder months with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Travel Between Cities
The Eurostar train makes this trip seamless: Paris to Brussels (1.5 hours) and Brussels to Amsterdam (2 hours).
7. Porto & Lisbon (Portugal) + Seville & Granada (Spain): Iberian Explorer
Focus
Lush nature, lively culture, fairytale architecture, sunny weather, and tapas.
Duration
Porto: Days 1-3
Lisbon & Sintra: Days 4-6
Seville: Days 7-8
Granada: Days 9-10
Highlights
Portugal: Azulejo tiles and Port wine in Porto; São Jorge Castle in Lisbon; Pena Palace in Sintra.
Spain: Flamenco shows and the Plaza de España in Seville; the breathtaking Alhambra Palace in Granada.
Best Time to Visit
September and October for warm weather without the extreme summer heat of southern Spain.
Travel Between Cities
Porto to Lisbon (3-hour train), Lisbon to Seville (1-hour flight), Seville to Granada (3-hour bus).
8. Dublin (Ireland) + London (UK) + Amsterdam (Netherlands): Ales and Canals
Focus
Epic landscapes, cultural gems, and iconic landmarks.
Duration
Dublin & Cliffs of Moher: Days 1-3
London: Days 4-7
Amsterdam: Days 8-10
Highlights
Ireland: Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, plus a day trip to the stunning Cliffs of Moher.
London: Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and exploring neighborhoods like Soho and Notting Hill.
Amsterdam: Museum hopping (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh), biking along the Brouwersgracht canal, and relaxing in Vondelpark.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) for mild temperatures.
Travel Between Cities
Dublin to London (1.5-hour flight), London to Amsterdam (4-hour Eurostar train).
Budget-Friendly Itinerary Ideas (10 Days)
9. Albania + Montenegro: Best-Kept Balkan Secrets
Focus
Underrated beauty, eclectic cities, quaint hillside towns, ancient castles, and natural gems.
Duration & Route
A road trip starting in Tirana (Albania), heading to Berat, Lake Skadar, the Montenegrin coast (Sveti Stefan, Kotor), and departing from Podgorica.
Highlights
Explore Tirana's quirky Bunk’Art 2 museum, Berat's UNESCO-listed Ottoman architecture, boat tours on Lake Skadar, and hiking the medieval walls of Kotor for breathtaking fjord views.
Best Time to Visit
April-June or September-October for outdoor activities without the intense heat or crowds.
Travel Between Cities
Renting a car is the best way to explore this region's hidden corners. The drives between destinations are scenic and range from 1.5 to 4.5 hours.
10. Tallinn (Estonia) + Riga (Latvia) + Vilnius (Lithuania): The Beautiful Baltics
Focus
A storybook world of alluring landscapes, dreamy architecture, and ancient history.
Duration
Tallinn: Days 1-3
Riga & Jūrmala: Days 4-7
Vilnius: Days 8-10
Highlights
Tallinn: The Hanseatic Old Quarter and the bohemian Rotterman neighborhood.
Riga: Incredible Art Nouveau architecture and the historic House of the Black Heads.
Vilnius: A stunning Baroque Old Town and the sobering Museum of Genocide Victims.
Best Time to Visit
May-September to enjoy the region's lush forests, parks, and beaches.
Travel Between Cities
Comfortable and affordable buses connect the capitals: Tallinn to Riga (4.5 hours) and Riga to Vilnius (4 hours).
11. Romania + Bulgaria: Black Sea Cultural Gems
Focus
An off-the-beaten-path adventure with gorgeous natural landscapes and captivating cultures.
Duration
Bucharest: Days 1-2
Constanta: Days 3-4
Varna: Days 5-7
Sofia: Days 8-10
Highlights
Discover Bucharest's massive Palace of Parliament, relax on the Black Sea beaches near Constanta and Varna, and explore Sofia's stunning Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Best Time to Visit
June-August for ideal beach weather; shoulder months for fewer crowds.
Travel Between Cities
Bucharest to Constanta (2.5-hour train), Constanta to Varna (2.75-hour bus), Varna to Sofia (2-hour flight or 7.5-hour train).
12. Baku (Azerbaijan) + Tbilisi (Georgia) + Yerevan (Armenia): Caucasus Explorer
Focus
Ancient cities, eclectic architecture, and ancient cultural heritage where ‘East meets West’.
Duration
Baku: Days 1-3
Tbilisi: Days 4-7
Yerevan: Days 8-10
Highlights
Baku: The ancient Old City contrasted with modern LED skyscrapers and nearby mud volcanoes.
Tbilisi: The eclectic Old Town, historic bathhouses, and vibrant food scene.
Yerevan: Republic Square's dancing fountains and the Cascade complex with views of Mount Ararat.
Best Time to Visit
April-June and September-October to avoid the scorching summer heat and freezing winters.
Travel Between Cities
Short flights are the most convenient: Baku to Tbilisi (1 hour) and Tbilisi to Yerevan (45 minutes).
13. Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina) + Dubrovnik & Split (Croatia): Adriatic Paradise
Focus
A seaside Balkan paradise with fairytale old towns, rich history, and a lively beach culture.
Duration & Route
Start in Sarajevo, take a train to Mostar, then bus to Dubrovnik, continue to Split, and depart from Zagreb.
Highlights
Experience Sarajevo's 15th-century bazaar, watch divers from Mostar's Stari Most bridge, walk the city walls of Dubrovnik (a must for Game of Thrones fans), and explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, and October offer warm weather for beaches without the peak season crowds.
Travel Between Cities
This route is well-serviced by scenic trains and buses, with journey times between 2 and 4.5 hours.
14. Greece + North Macedonia: Ancient Temples and Historic Gems
Focus
The cradle of Western Civilization, from ancient ruins to the stunningly beautiful Lake Ohrid.
Duration
Athens: Days 1-3
Thessaloniki: Days 4-5
Skopje: Days 6-8
Lake Ohrid: Days 9-10
Highlights
Marvel at the Acropolis in Athens, explore Thessaloniki's vibrant markets, discover Skopje's unique blend of history and quirky statues, and relax by the ancient and beautiful Lake Ohrid.
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, and October provide warm weather and fewer crowds at popular sites and beaches.
Travel Between Cities
Travel from Athens to Thessaloniki by train (4.5 hours), then by bus or train to Skopje (4 hours), and finally a bus to Lake Ohrid (3.5 hours).
15. Poland + Slovakia: Eastern Europe Hidden Gems
Focus
Underrated cities, timeless architecture, UNESCO wonders, and poignant modern history.
Duration & Route
Start in Warsaw, travel to Krakow (with a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau), then explore Košice, Spiš Castle, and the High Tatras in Slovakia.
Highlights
Explore Warsaw's rebuilt Old Town and artsy Praga district, reflect at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, discover the colorful squares of Krakow and Košice, and hike or ski in the magnificent High Tatras mountains.
Best Time to Visit
May or June when the weather is warm and flowers are in bloom, or September for pleasant hiking.
Travel Between Cities
Combine trains, buses, and a rental car in Slovakia for maximum flexibility to see castles and mountains.
16. Cyprus + Malta + Gozo: A Mediterranean Escape
Focus
A sunny Mediterranean getaway with thousands of years of history, gorgeous beaches, and ancient archaeological sites.
Duration
Cyprus (Protaras & Paphos): Days 1-5
Malta (Valletta & Mdina): Days 6-7
Gozo: Days 8-10
Highlights
Relax on Sunrise Beach in Cyprus, explore the Tomb of the Kings in Paphos, wander the historic streets of Valletta and Mdina in Malta, and discover the rugged beauty and ancient Ġgantija Temples on Gozo.
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, or October for ideal beach weather without the intense crowds of July and August.
Travel Between Cities
Use a bus in Cyprus, fly from Paphos to Valletta (2.5 hours), and then use local buses and the Gozo ferry to explore the Maltese islands.
Single-Country Itinerary Ideas (10 Days)
17. Iceland: A Road Trip Around the Ring Road
Focus
Other-worldly landscapes, roaring waterfalls, unique wildlife, and the Northern Lights.
Duration & Route
A 10-day self-drive loop starting and ending in Reykjavik, covering the Golden Circle, South Coast, Eastern Fjords, Northern Iceland, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Highlights
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, see icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, witness the power of Dettifoss waterfall, relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, photograph Kirkjufell mountain, and soak in the Blue Lagoon.
Best Time to Visit
June-August for long daylight hours (Midnight Sun). November-March for the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
Travel
Rent a car in Reykjavik. A 4x4 is recommended, especially outside of summer.
18. Italy: Villages, Mountains & Lakes of the North
Focus
Mouthwatering cuisine, colorful coastal villages, and the stunning Dolomite mountains.
Duration
Milan: Day 1
Cinque Terre: Days 2-3
Venice: Days 4-5
The Dolomites: Days 6-10
Highlights
See the Duomo in Milan, hike the Sentiero Azzurro trail connecting the five villages of Cinque Terre, get lost in the canals of Venice, and take on epic treks like the Seceda Ridgeline in the Dolomites.
Best Time to Visit
September and October, when the weather is still warm and the summer crowds have dispersed.
Travel
Use trains to get from Milan to Cinque Terre. Then rent a car to drive from Cinque Terre to Venice and explore the Dolomites freely.
19. Slovenia: 10 Days of Natural Wonders
Focus
Lush mountains, crystal-clear lakes, ancient castles, and a charming capital city.
Duration & Route
A self-drive loop from Ljubljana, visiting Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, Predjama Castle, and the coastal town of Piran.
Highlights
Explore Ljubljana's Old Town, visit the iconic island church on Lake Bled, hike in Vintgar Gorge, see the incredible cave-built Predjama Castle, and enjoy fresh seafood in the Venetian-style town of Piran.
Best Time to Visit
June-September. Slovenia is less crowded than its neighbors, even in summer, making it a great alternative.
Travel
Renting a car in Ljubljana is the best way to see the country. Distances are short, with most drives under 1.5 hours.
20. France: Alsace & Southern Coast Fairytale
Focus
Medieval castles, French wines, storybook towns, and the glamorous French Riviera.
Duration & Route
Start in Paris, take a train to the Alsace region (Colmar, Riquewihr), fly to Nice, and explore the coast (Monaco, Menton).
Highlights
Wander the timber-beamed homes in Colmar (Petite Venise), see the village that inspired Beauty and the Beast in Riquewihr, walk the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, and experience the luxury of Monaco.
Best Time to Visit
March, April, September, and October offer lower rates, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Travel
Use France's excellent high-speed trains (TGV) to get from Paris to Strasbourg, then fly from Strasbourg to Nice to save time.
21. Romania: Terrific Transylvania
Focus
Rugged mountains, fairytale castles (including Dracula's!), colorful medieval towns, and great value.
Duration & Route
A road trip starting in Bucharest and looping through Transylvania to see Peleș Castle, Bran Castle, Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, and the Salina Turda salt mine, departing from Cluj-Napoca.
Highlights
Visit the opulent Peleș Castle, the legendary Bran (Dracula's) Castle, the 'houses with eyes' in Sibiu, the colorful medieval citadel of Sighisoara, and the mind-blowing underground amusement park in the Salina Turda salt mine.
Best Time to Visit
Summer offers ideal weather for hiking. May or September provide milder weather with fewer crowds.
Travel
Rent a car from Bucharest. A road trip is the only way to properly experience the winding roads and hidden villages of Transylvania.
22. Norway: Magnificent Hikes & Sublime Fjords
Focus
Majestic mountains, dramatic fjords, scenic boat rides, and some of Europe's most rewarding hikes.
Duration & Route
A hiking-focused trip starting in Stavanger to conquer Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten, moving to Odda for the Trolltunga hike, then relaxing in Bergen before exploring the Sognefjord.
Highlights
Hike to the iconic rock formations of Pulpit Rock, Kjeragbolten, and Trolltunga (the troll's tongue). Enjoy a fjord cruise from Bergen, and take the famous Flåmsbana train ride near the Sognefjord.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-June to early September is essential for long daylight hours and snow-free hiking trails.
Travel
Fly into Stavanger and rent a car. This itinerary is for active travelers and requires a good level of fitness and planning.
23. Greece: Island Hopping in Paradise
Focus
The ultimate beach destination with rich heritage, crystal clear waters, and iconic blue-domed churches.
Duration
Santorini: Days 1-3
Paros: Days 4-5
Naxos: Days 6-7
Mykonos: Days 8-10
Highlights
Watch the sunset in Oia, Santorini; enjoy the sophisticated nightlife of Naoussa, Paros; explore the ancient ruins and quiet beaches of Naxos; and experience the world-famous party scene in Mykonos.
Best Time to Visit
April, May, September, and October to avoid the huge crowds and high prices of summer while still enjoying warm sea temperatures.
Travel
Ferries are the lifeblood of the Greek islands. The routes between these four are frequent and relatively short (40 mins to 1.5 hours).
24. Portugal: A Deep Dive into Nature
Focus
Lush, beachy landscapes, stunning sea caves, sandy beaches, and magnificent coastal hiking trails.
Duration
The Algarve: Days 1-4
Madeira: Days 5-10
Highlights
Explore the famous sea caves of Benagil in the Algarve, surf at Arrifana Beach, and then fly to the 'Floating Garden of the Atlantic', Madeira, to hike above the clouds on the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail.
Best Time to Visit
April, May, June, and October for warm weather without the massive tourist crowds of July-September.
Travel
Explore the Algarve by car, then take a 3-hour flight from Faro to Funchal, Madeira, where a car is also essential for exploring the island.
25. Spain: Canary Islands Adventures
Focus
Volcanic landscapes, long sandy beaches, and charming Spanish culture across three distinct islands.
Duration
Tenerife: Days 1-3
Gran Canaria: Days 4-7
Lanzarote: Days 8-10
Highlights
Take a cable car up Teide Volcano on Tenerife, explore the mini-desert of the Maspalomas Dunes on Gran Canaria, and discover the moon-like volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote.
Best Time to Visit
The Canaries offer warm weather year-round. Visit in April, May, June, September, or October to avoid the peak tourist season.
Travel
Use a mix of ferries (Tenerife to Gran Canaria, 1.5 hours) and short flights (Gran Canaria to Lanzarote, 45 minutes) to hop between the islands.
26. United Kingdom: The Best of England & Scotland
Focus
Iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes, and medieval castles.
Duration
London: Days 1-3
Edinburgh: Days 4-6
Isle of Skye: Days 7-10
Highlights
See the icons of London, then hike to Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of Edinburgh. Finish with a scenic road trip to the Isle of Skye to see the magical Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, and the dramatic Quiraing.
Best Time to Visit
June, July, and August offer the sunniest and warmest weather, though rain is always a possibility in the UK.
Travel
Fly from London to Edinburgh (1.5 hours) to save time, then rent a car for the stunning 5.5-hour drive to the Isle of Skye.
