Begin your journey in the charming city of Lisbon, Portugal's capital. Spend the day exploring the historic Alfama neighborhood, Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery. Take in the stunning views of the city from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint in the evening.
Travel to Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, explore the famous Prado Museum and take a walk in the Retiro Park. Enjoy an authentic Spanish dinner in the lively neighborhood of La Latina.
Head to Monaco, the luxurious principality on the French Riviera. Marvel at the city-state's stunning architecture, from the Prince's Palace to the Monte Carlo Casino. Take a stroll around the charming Old Town and enjoy the picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Travel to Geneva, known for its stunning views of the Alps and scenic lakefront. Spend the next two days exploring the city's museums, parks and iconic landmarks such as Jet d'Eau and St. Pierre Cathedral.
Visit Munich, the capital of Bavaria and home to the famous Oktoberfest. Explore the historic city center, including Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace. Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the German countryside.
Head to Copenhagen, the charming capital of Denmark. Spend the day exploring the colorful Nyhavn Harbor, taking a bike ride around the city and visiting the iconic Little Mermaid statue.
Visit Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands and a hub for culture and creativity. Take a canal tour, visit the Van Gogh Museum and explore the famous Red Light District.
Travel to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and home to delicious chocolate, waffles and fries. Visit the Grand Place, Atomium and Manneken Pis. Take a day trip to Bruges, a charming medieval city filled with canals and cobbled streets.
Visit Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic fortifications and casemates, walk along the banks of the Alzette River and take in the stunning views from the Chemin de la Corniche.
Head to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and a hub for arts, culture and nature. Take a stroll along Lake Zurich, explore the city's Old Town and visit the Kunsthaus Museum. Escape to the nearby mountains for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
Say goodbye to Europe as you depart from Zurich Airport and head back home.
As this itinerary covers a lot of ground, transportation will include flights, trains, and cars. Consider purchasing a Eurail Pass for train travel and booking flights in advance to save money. Additionally, renting a car is a good way to explore rural areas and enjoy the countryside. Total estimated transportation costs range from €850-€1300 depending on the mode of transportation and distance covered. Total travel time is approximately 40 hours.
If you have more time, consider adding additional days in each destination or adding a visit to another nearby country. Spain Portugal could easily fill two weeks itself, with the possibility to add cities in the north such as Porto, or Seville in Andalusia. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider cutting out one or two destinations and focusing on fully experiencing fewer cities. Be mindful of travel times and distances, and plan accordingly.
Major airports in this itinerary include Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), Geneva Airport (GVA), Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Brussels Airport (BRU), Luxembourg Airport (LUX), and Zurich Airport (ZRH).