Start off your European trip in London! Visit the iconic Big Ben, followed by a ride on the London Eye for stunning views of the city. Dedicate some time to learning about the British monarchy at Buckingham Palace and see the famous Changing of the Guards ceremony. For a taste of London's nightlife, check out Piccadilly Circus.
Take a train from London to Paris, and start your day by exploring the Eiffel Tower. Afterward, head to the Louvre Museum to see priceless art pieces up close. Visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and grab a coffee at the nearby sidewalk cafes for some people-watching. Cap your day by heading to the Palace of Versailles.
Travel by plane from Paris to Rome, and head straight to the Colosseum before it gets too crowded. Afterwards, discover the rich history of ancient Rome by visiting the Pantheon and the Forum Romanum. End your day at the Fountain of Trevi, and don't forget to make a wish before tossing a coin in the fountain.
Take a train to Florence, the heart of Renaissance Italy. Start off at the Uffizi Gallery to see the famous artwork of Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio bridge and explore the stunning Palazzo Pitti. End your day with an authentic Florentine meal accompanied by a glass of Chianti.
Catch a train from Florence to Barcelona, and start exploring the city's breathtaking architecture, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Visit the historic Gothic Quarter and have some tapas at La Boqueria market. For a night out, check out Razzmatazz, one of the city's most popular clubs.
Take a train to Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain. Start off at the Prado Museum, then visit the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid. Stroll in El Retiro Park or visit the Mercado de San Miguel for a sampling of local cuisine.
Take a train from Madrid to Amsterdam, famous for its canals and colorful architecture. Start by visiting the historic Rijksmuseum, then head to the Van Gogh Museum. Take a stroll to the Red Light District, and end the day with a visit to the Anne Frank House.
Take a train to Berlin and visit the famous Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag building. Visit the post-modernist Sony Center in Potsdamer Platz and take a breather at the Tiergarten Park. End the day with a visit to the East Side Gallery.
Take a train to Zurich to experience the stunning scenery of Switzerland. Appreciate art at the Kunsthaus Zurich and grab a chocolate bar from the famous Swiss chocolatier Sprüngli at Bahnhofstrasse. Take a walk around the beautiful Lake Zurich and finish off the day with dinner at one of the city's traditional Swiss restaurants.
Take a train from Zurich to Vienna for your final destination. Visit the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace and the magnificent Hofburg Palace. Appreciate the city's architecture like St. Stephen's Cathedral and The Austrian Parliament. Finally, end the trip with a cozy coffee at one of Vienna's classic coffee houses.
Travel by Eurostar and planes between destinations. Tickets are best booked in advance to ensure availability. Public transportation in each city is widely accessible and affordable, averaging €2.80 per trip. Estimated transportation cost: €400.
If you have more time, consider exploring other iconic European cities such as Athens or Venice. If you have less time, you may consider skipping Rome or Zurich, as these cities can take up more time than the others. Be prepared for long travel days, and pack light to make getting around easier.
Major airports in Europe include London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Barcelona–El Prat (BCN), Madrid Barajas (MAD), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Berlin Tegel (TXL), Zurich Airport (ZRH), and Vienna International Airport (VIE). These airports have easy access to public transportation, and all are located less than 20 miles from the city center.