Start your European vacation in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Big Ben and the Tower Bridge. Take a stroll in one of London's famous parks such as Hyde Park or Regents Park. Get a dose of culture by exploring the British Museum or the National Gallery. End your day with a quintessential London experience by indulging in some fish and chips at a local pub.
Take the Eurostar train from London to Paris, the "City of Love". Start your day by visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower, followed by a stroll along the Champs-Élysées. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. End your day with some French delicacies such as crepes, croissants, and macarons.
Take a flight from Paris to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Start your day by visiting the Sagrada Familia, a spectacular basilica designed by Gaudí. Stroll along Las Ramblas, a lively street that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visit Park Güell, a picturesque park filled with colorful mosaic sculptures. End your day with some traditional tapas and sangria.
Take a flight from Barcelona to Rome, the "Eternal City". Start your day by visiting the Colosseum, followed by the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Visit the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. End your day with some authentic Italian pasta and a gelato.
Take a flight from Rome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Start your day by visiting the Acropolis, followed by the Parthenon and the Ancient Agora. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the Plaka district, a charming neighborhood filled with traditional Greek houses and souvenir shops. End your day with some Mediterranean cuisine such as moussaka and tzatziki.
Take a flight from Athens to Santorini, a picturesque island known for its white-washed houses and stunning sunsets. Start your day by visiting the Caldera, followed by the Red Beach and the Black Beach. Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, a Minoan city frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. End your day with some seafood and a glass of ouzo.
Take a flight from Santorini to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Start your day by visiting the Anne Frank House, followed by the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Stroll along the canals and visit the Jordaan neighborhood, known for its trendy shops and cafes. End your day with some Dutch specialties such as stroopwafel and bitterballen.
Take a train from Amsterdam to Berlin, the capital of Germany. Start your day by visiting the Brandenburg Gate, followed by the Reichstag Building and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Visit the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial. End your day with a taste of Germany by indulging in some bratwurst and beer.
Take a train from Berlin to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Start your day by visiting the Charles Bridge, followed by the Prague Castle and the Old Town Square. Visit the Jewish Quarter and the Kafka Museum. End your day with some Czech beer and goulash.
Take a train from Prague to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Start your day by visiting the Belvedere Palace, followed by the Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg Palace. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. End your day with some Viennese coffee and sachertorte.
Take a train from Vienna to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Start your day by visiting the Buda Castle, followed by the Fisherman's Bastion and the Matthias Church. Visit the Hungarian Parliament and the Gellért Baths. End your day with some Hungarian cuisine such as goulash soup and chimney cake.
Take a train from Budapest to Krakow, the former capital of Poland. Start your day by visiting the Wawel Castle, followed by the Main Market Square and the St. Mary's Basilica. Visit the Schindler's Factory Museum and the Kazimierz district, known for its Jewish heritage. End your day with some traditional Polish pierogi and a shot of vodka.
Take a flight from Krakow to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Start your day by visiting the Vasa Museum, followed by the Royal Palace and the Gamla Stan district. Visit the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the Fotografiska Museum. End your day with some Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam.
Take a flight from Stockholm to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Start your day by visiting the Little Mermaid, followed by the Tivoli Gardens and the Nyhavn district. Visit the Rosenborg Castle and the National Museum of Denmark. End your day with some Danish pastries and smørrebrød.
End your European trip by taking a flight from Copenhagen to Oslo, the capital of Norway. Start your day by visiting the Viking Ship Museum, followed by the Oslo Opera House and the Akershus Fortress. Visit the Munch Museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park. End your day with some Norwegian seafood and aquavit.
When traveling around Europe, the most convenient and efficient modes of transportation are usually by train or plane, depending on the distance. It's important to book tickets in advance to get the best rates. Additionally, depending on the length of your trip, purchasing a Eurail pass could save you money on train travel. When traveling within cities, public transportation such as buses, subways, and trams are usually reliable and affordable. However, when convenient, walking is the best way to explore a new city.
If you have more time, consider adding more destinations in each country, or even visiting additional countries. If you have less time, consider skipping some destinations or spending less time in certain places. Additionally, try to avoid peak travel seasons when prices are higher and crowds are larger. Lastly, when exploring new cities, leave your valuables at your accommodation and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
There are a number of major airports throughout the destinations included in this itinerary. Some of the largest airports include London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Berlin Tegel (TXL), Prague Václav Havel (PRG), Vienna International (VIE), Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD), Krakow John Paul II International (KRK), Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH), and Oslo Gardermoen (OSL). These airports are located relatively close to the city centers, with most being accessible by public transportation or taxis.