Itineraries, best time to visit, travel tips and FAQ
Realistic routes, seasonal timing and the practical advice that makes a European trip run smoothly.
Chapter 01
Suggested itineraries
Each route keeps travel days to a minimum and assumes rail as the main connection.
7 days · Paris and Amsterdam
Days 1–4 in Paris for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel. Days 5–7 in Amsterdam for the Rijksmuseum and canals, with Keukenhof in spring or Giethoorn and Rotterdam at other times.
10 days · Classic Italy
Days 1–4 in Rome and Vatican City, days 5–7 in Florence, days 8–10 in Venice. Add three days on the Amalfi Coast for a slower finish.
12 days · Iberian journey
Lisbon with a Sintra day trip (4 days), Porto (2), Seville (2), Madrid (2) and Barcelona with the Sagrada Família (2). Swap in the Algarve or Costa del Sol for beach time.
12 days · Alps and Austria
Zurich (1), Lucerne (2), Interlaken and the Swiss Alps (3), Innsbruck (2), Salzburg with Hallstatt (2) and Vienna with Schönbrunn Palace (2). Lake Geneva can replace Zurich.
10 days · Adriatic or Aegean
Croatia: Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and Plitvice Lakes along the Dalmatian Coast. Greece: Athens and the Acropolis, then Santorini, Mykonos and Crete by ferry.
9 days · Norway
Oslo (2), the Bergen Line to Bergen (2), a fjord excursion (1), then fly north to Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands (4).
Chapter 02
Best time to visit
- Spring (April–June): ideal for cities like Paris, Rome, Vienna and Lisbon, and for Keukenhof's tulips. Pleasant weather with fewer crowds than midsummer.
- Summer (July–August): peak season for Greek islands, the Dalmatian Coast, the Algarve and the fjords. Expect heat in southern cities and higher prices.
- Autumn (September–October): warm seas, harvest season and calmer landmarks. Often the best overall balance.
- Winter (November–March): skiing in the Swiss Alps and Innsbruck, Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg, northern lights in Tromsø. Some island services reduce.
Chapter 03
Travel tips
- Entry rules: most countries here are in the Schengen Area, where many visitors may stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check official government sources for your nationality, including whether ETIAS applies when you travel.
- Book landmarks ahead: timed tickets matter for the Louvre, Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sagrada Família and Acropolis.
- Currency: the euro is used in most of these countries, including Croatia. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and Norway the Norwegian krone. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted.
- Dress codes: cover shoulders and knees in churches and at the Vatican.
- Stay alert: pickpockets target crowded metros and landmark queues.
- Insurance: take comprehensive travel insurance; eligible travellers should also carry an EHIC or UK GHIC.
- Local fees: many cities charge tourist taxes, and Venice has introduced an access fee for day visitors on certain dates.
Chapter 04
Frequently asked questions
How many countries can I visit in two weeks?
Two or three countries is comfortable. More than that means spending much of your trip in transit.
Is it better to travel by train or plane?
Trains are usually better for trips under about five hours, since stations are central. For longer distances, such as Lisbon to Athens, flying saves time.
What is the cheapest time to visit Europe?
Late autumn and winter, outside the holidays, generally offer the lowest accommodation prices, except in ski resorts.
Do I need to speak the local language?
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in the Netherlands and Norway. Learning greetings and "thank you" is always appreciated.
When can I see the northern lights in Norway?
Roughly September to early April, when nights are dark. Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands are popular bases.
Which Greek island should I choose first?
Santorini for views, Mykonos for beaches and nightlife, and Crete for variety, hiking and food.
Is a rail pass worth buying?
It depends on your route. Compare the pass with advance point-to-point tickets; see our rail pass guide.