This Is The Ultimate 2 Week European Vacation Itinerary
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Two weeks isn't nearly enough to see all of Europe, but that's not really the goal.
As an American living in Europe, my friends back home are always picking my brain about the best way to see Europe given the limited number of vacation days in the U.S.
NOT ONE TO GATEKEEP, I WANTED TO SHARE MY ADVICE FOR THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE EUROPE IN JUST TWO WEEKS.
But I should be up front about my travel style.
I’m a big believer in not overloading your itinerary with too many activities or with trying to see every notable town within a hundred mile radius.
Rather, I prefer being a little picky with my time.
I ask myself whether I’m planning to visit an attraction because I’m genuinely interested in it, or if I’m being influenced by hype or generic recommendations.
The simple truth is that you can maximize your time abroad by focusing on the things that align with your interests.
THAT’S WHY I’M SUCH A BIG FAN OF THIS ITINERARY I’M ABOUT TO SHARE WITH YOU.
This itinerary features four major Western European capitals that each offer their own history, culture, and quirks.
Translation: they’re likely to have something that aligns with your interests, no matter how wide-ranging or unique they might be.
And by focusing on big cities that are easily connected by train or short-haul flight, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground without spending half your trip in transit.
THIS ITINERARY IS IDEAL FOR FIRST-TIME TRAVELERS WHO WANT TO GET A SENSE OF EUROPE’S DIVERSITY AND DYNAMISM.
It moves at a fast pace, but with time to breathe in each city.
(And if you want more help planning your trip, don’t forget to sign up for my free email course below!)
This Is The Ultimate 2 Week European Vacation Itinerary
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The Perfect 2 Week Europe Itinerary
This route is designed as a mini Grand Tour through four iconic capitals: London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome.
Each city connects easily by train or flight, and offers a unique flavor of Europe’s culture, history, and architecture.
This itinerary was designed to minimize travel friction while maximizing what you can see and experience in just two weeks.
Day 1–3: Start in London
LONDON IS A GREAT PLACE TO START YOUR TRIP.
There’s no language barrier for English-speakers, which will allow you to ease into the act of cultural discovery.
The city itself blends centuries of royal history with vibrant, modern culture.
You’ll be able to explore iconic landmarks, take in world-class museums (many of which are free!), and experience quintessential British traditions like pub lunches and afternoon tea.
THE CITY IS ALSO VERY WALKABLE AND WELL CONNECTED BY THE TUBE, MAKING IT EASY TO EXPLORE DIVERSE NEIGHBORHOODS FROM MAYFAIR TO SHOREDITCH.
London is home to famous sites like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.
In addition to seeing the sites, don’t miss a classic meal at one of London’s iconic pubs.
→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the London leg of your two week Europe itinerary:
Tour the Tower of London
Visit the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery or the Tate Modern
Enjoy afternoon tea or a visit to a traditional British pub
Take a day trip to Oxford, the Cotswolds, or Bath
Wrap up with a sunset ride on the London Eye
Day 4: Travel Day — Eurostar to Amsterdam
ON DAY 4, TAKE THE HIGH-SPEED EUROSTAR TRAIN TO AMSTERDAM.
It’s an easy and scenic ride that departs from St. Pancras Station in the center of London and deposits you at Amsterdam Centraal.
The Eurostar to Amsterdam departs from London’s St. Pancras Station.
The four hour train ride may seem counterintuitive compared to flights, but the ease of taking the train, and skipping airport headaches is absolutely worth it.
Leave travel days free from other itinerary commitments, just in case you experience a delay.
INSTEAD, USE THE REMAINDER OF TRAVEL DAYS TO TAKE IT EASY AND GET YOUR BEARINGS.
Amsterdam is a city with a fantastic, laid-back vibe, and it’s perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.
The Jordaan neighborhood is ideal for a relaxed afternoon — full of canals, galleries, and cozy cafés.
I often find that on the first night in a destination, a casual dinner is best, followed by a relaxing stroll back to the hotel.
Day 5–6: Discover Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM OFFERS A MAGICAL BLEND OF GOLDEN AGE HISTORY AND CUTTING-EDGE CREATIVITY.
Spend your time here admiring art from Dutch masters, relaxing by the canals, and sampling stroopwafels.
Museumplein anchors the city’s cultural offerings, and both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are worth a visit.
For a taste of local life, explore the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood and its bustling street market, Albert Cuypmarkt, where you can grab quick snacks or fresh stroopwafel right off the griddle.
A CANAL CRUISE IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO ABSORB THE HISTORY OF THE CITY AND ITS UNIQUE GEOGRAPHY, TOO.
Amsterdam is a gorgeous city full of idyllic canals.
A canal cruise is my #1 recommended activity in AMS.
→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Amsterdam segment of your two week Europe itinerary:
Visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum
Take a canal cruise
Explore the Albert Cuypmarkt
Tour the Anne Frank House (book tickets in advance!)
💡 Want more ideas for Amsterdam? Read my full 3 Day Amsterdam itinerary.
Day 7: Travel Day — Train to Paris
ON DAY 7, IT’S TIME TO DEPART AMSTERDAM FOR PARIS.
This train trip will also be on a Eurostar route, though you may also hear it referred to by its old name, Thalys.
The trip takes about three hours, giving you a few hours to relax before disembarking in the City of Lights.
Once you arrive, settle in and explore a neighborhood near your accommodations.
The hill top Montmarte neighborhood, and the impressive views of Paris from its Sacré-Cœur Basilica, are great for a first walk around the city.
Popular arrondissements include Montmartre, with its village feel and artistic legacy; the Latin Quarter, for a bit of bohemian energy and literary history; and the Marais, known for its fashionable boutiques and lively cafés.
You could also walk to the Louvre and relax in the Tuileries Garden, followed by a stroll along the Seine at sunset.
WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO, TRY TO KEEP IT LOW-EFFORT TO BALANCE OUT THE NEXT THREE DAYS OF HIGH-ENERGY EXPLORATION.
Day 8–10: Explore Paris
PARIS IS ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST RECOGNIZABLE DESTINATIONS.
Divide your days between big-name sights and more intimate experiences like people-watching at a corner café.
I find that both the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay are worth a visit, though the city is also home to an assortment of smaller museums like the Musée Rodin and Musée Guimet.
Sites like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sacré-Cœur Basilica also demand attention, along with my personal favorite, Sainte-Chapelle.
IF YOU’RE A FAN OF GRAND ESTATES, THEN USE ONE DAY FOR A TRIP OUT TO VERSAILLES.
Shopping in Paris is another great activity for fashion enthusiasts.
The city is a delight for gourmands, too, so don’t be afraid to seek out a tasting menu restaurant or to go to a French wine and champagne tasting.
The Eiffel Tower a symbol of Paris and one of the most iconic sites in all of Europe.
The Louvre may be everyone’s favorite Paris museum, but don’t sleep on my personal pick, Musée d'Orsay.
→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Paris portion of your two week Europe itinerary:
See Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Latin Quarter
Visit the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, along with smaller museums of interest
Admire the Eiffel Tower or take the elevator to the top
Take a Seine river cruise for a different view of the city
Dedicate a day trip to Versailles or Monet’s Garden in Giverny
Day 11: Travel Day — Flight to Rome
ROME MIGHT FEEL A WORLD AWAY, BUT A QUICK FLIGHT CONNECTS YOU FROM PARIS TO THE ETERNAL CITY.
Choose a flight departing from either Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, which are the closest to the city.
From CDG, Air France or ITA Airways offer multiple non-stop flights daily between Paris and Rome.
From Orly, budget airlines like Vueling, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer nonstops, though not as regularly.
Once at Rome Fiumicino Airport, you can either opt for a taxi or train to take you to the city center, though I tend to prefer the train ride.
Take in the atmospheric charm of everyday life in Rome after you arrive in the city, ideally with gelato in-hand.
After arriving in Rome, check in to your accommodations and then settle into the rhythm of Italian life.
TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE HISTORIC CENTER, GRAB AN APERITIVO, AND WATCH THE CITY GLOW IN GOLDEN HOUR LIGHT.
A rooftop bar is the perfect vantage point to toast to your final stop on this two week European adventure.
Day 12–14: Experience Rome
ROME IS A FEAST FOR THE SENSES, ONE PART OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, ONE PART VIBRANT NATIONAL CAPITAL.
It’s packed with layers of history, yes — but also with lively piazzas, artisan shops, and fantastic food.
Touring the Colosseum and Roman Forum allows you to truly grasp the scale of ancient Rome, and don’t forget to visit the Pantheon, too.
Make time for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, as well as Borghese Gallery and its magnificent gardens.
ROME’S DISTINCTIVE NEIGHBORHOODS, LIKE TRASTEVERE AND THE JEWISH GHETTO, ARE ALSO WORTHY OF A VISIT.
Give yourself time to sit at fountains, sample Roman specialties like carbonara, and partake in the city’s famed gelato.
The wonders of ancient Rome, like the Colosseum, make it a fantastic destination for history lovers.
Among its most iconic landmarks are the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Pantehon, and the Spanish Steps.
→ Here are some of the experiences to include on the Rome section of your two week Europe itinerary:
See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon
Admire the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps
Take a pasta making workshop or enjoy an Italian wine dinner
💡 Want more ideas for Rome? Read my full 5 Day Rome itinerary.
Tips for Planning Your 2 Week Europe Trip
My biggest tip for planning a two week Europe itinerary is to book intercity travel, as well as tours and experiences, well in advance.
Leaving these things until the last minute, or even worse, booking them while traveling, will lead to unexpectedly high prices or options that are entirely sold out.
Book train tickets early for the best prices, especially when taking Eurostar and Thalys.
THE SAME GOES FOR BOOKING EXPERIENCES LIKE PRIVATE TOURS, COOKING CLASSES, OR RIVER CRUISES.
When it comes to packing, the last thing you want is to be lugging a large suitcase across airports and train stations.
THIS MULTI-CITY ITINERARY WILL BE MUCH EASIER TO NAVIGATE WITH A CARRY-ON SIZED ROLLER BAG.
Pack mix and match outfits that can be worn in multiple combinations to stretch a small wardrobe for fourteen days.
Conclusion
IS TWO WEEKS ENOUGH TIME TO SEE EUROPE?
For someone with a limited amount of vacation days, absolutely.
You’ll get to see some of the most iconic cities in Europe, experience four different cultures, and learn what modes of travel you most enjoy.
You’ll walk away with incredible photos, new favorites, and a list of places to visit next time.
JUST DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOU START PLANNING YOUR RETURN TRIP TO EUROPE ON THE FLIGHT HOME. 😉
Until next time,
Angela
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