Begin your trip at the iconic British Museum, home to a vast collection of historical and cultural artifacts. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine galleries before heading to The Shard, the tallest building in the UK. From its observation deck, soak in the panoramic vista over the capital and the River Thames.
Start your day at the Louvre Museum, home to some of the world’s most significant and recognizable art, including the Mona Lisa. Afterward, head up to the rooftop of the Center Pompidou, Europe's largest modern art museum, for a stunning view of the city skyline. End the day at the Arc de Triomphe, offering another spectacular cityscape.
Head to Park Guell, an impressive public park filled with mosaics and sculptures designed by Antoni Gaudi, before stopping at the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, an unfinished yet monumental church that is widely considered one of the best architectural masterpieces of the century. Explore the Gothic Quarter, teeming with countless pubs and bars, along with local shops and cafes.
Begin the day by exploring the historic Colosseum of Rome, which once hosted thrilling gladiator battles. Afterward, head to the Pantheon, an attractively preserved temple dating back to the second century CE. Continue to Vatican City, a sovereign city-state surrounded by Rome, to visit the world-renowned St. Peter's Square and Basilica.
Start the day by strolling through Vondelpark, a 47-hectare urban park located in the heart of Amsterdam. Afterward, head to the Van Gogh Museum, which hosts the world's most extensive collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and drawings. End the day at the Rijksmuseum, a Dutch national museum dedicated to art and history located in the city's Museum Square.
Begin the day at the Berlin Wall Memorial, a moving reminder of Berlin's division and reunification. Then, head to the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of national unity and an iconic piece of German history. Catch the sunset at the Berlin TV tower, offering a 360-degree view of the city.
Start the day at St. Stephen's Cathedral, an imposing medieval cathedral located in the heart of Vienna. Afterward, visit the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and landscaping. End the trip at Wiener Riesenrad, a 65-meter Ferris wheel located in the Prater amusement park that offers panoramic views of the city.
Europe boasts of some of the best transportation systems in the world (such as trains, buses, ferries, and affordable airlines). High-speed train services, such as Eurostar, TGV, and Thalys, offer reliable and punctual services between major cities. Alternatively, budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, or WizzAir offer cheap flights across the continent. Plan ahead to save costs and time, and always pre-book to save on fares.
Estimated Travel Time: 18 hours 20 minutes
Estimated Travel Cost: €400 (including one-way train tickets and two flights with one checked-in luggage each)
If you have more time, add a day trip from Paris to Versailles Palace, explore Milan's historical theaters, or immerse in Budapest's thermal baths. If you have less time, skip one of the destinations or pick from shorter trips of closer cities. Bring comfortable shoes and have an umbrella handy due to the frequent downpours in Amsterdam and Berlin.
Europe has many world-class airports, with London, Paris, and Amsterdam being the most significant hubs. London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 45 km south of London, while Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is around 16 km south of Paris. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) is about 17 km southwest of Amsterdam. Vienna International Airport (VIE) is about 17 km southeast of Vienna.