Planning a 2 Week Trip to Europe: Routes and Pacing Tips

Decide the shape of the trip

Two weeks is enough to see several places, but not enough to see everything. Before looking at flights, settle on three things:

1. The region. One country, a neighboring pair, or a multi-country loop. If you are still choosing, start with our overview of the top Europe destinations.
2. The season. This affects prices, crowds, daylight and what to pack.
3. The style. City-heavy, nature-heavy, or a mix.

Pacing: how many stops

A common mistake is trying to see too many places. Each move between cities usually costs half a day once you add packing, getting to the station or airport, the journey and checking in. A reasonable guide for 14 days:

• 3 to 4 bases for most first-time travelers.
• 2 to 3 bases if you travel slowly, have children, or prefer day trips.
• 5 or more only if the cities are close and you are comfortable with a fast pace.

Plan at least two or three nights per base, and add a spare half day somewhere for rain, tiredness or a delayed train.

Sample routes

These are starting points, not fixed plans. Adjust the nights to your interests.

Western Europe classics London (3-4 nights), Paris (4 nights), then a third base such as Amsterdam or Brussels (3 nights), with a final stop in Germany or Switzerland if time allows. London to Paris is a high-speed rail trip, which keeps transit time short.

Italy-focused Rome (4 nights), Florence with day trips in Tuscany (3-4 nights), Venice (2-3 nights), and a coastal or lake stop (3 nights). Italian high-speed trains link the main cities. For a coastal stop, see our Amalfi travel tips.

Iberia Barcelona (4 nights), Madrid (3 nights), Seville or Granada (3 nights), and Lisbon (3 nights). Check train and short-flight options between the countries.

Central Europe Berlin (3 nights), Prague (3 nights), Vienna (3 nights), and Budapest (3 nights) or Salzburg. This route is well served by trains and works well in shoulder seasons. For more on picking German bases, see the best place to travel in Germany.

UK-focused London, Edinburgh and a region such as the Lake District or the Cotswolds, plus a Wales segment if you drive. Our best UK travel itinerary gives day-by-day options.

One country, slower Spend 14 days in a single country, such as France, with Paris first and then a region such as Provence or the Loire Valley. Our travel guide to Paris helps with the first leg.

Getting between cities

• Trains are often the easiest option between major city centers and avoid airport time. Some routes benefit from booking ahead for lower fares or required seat reservations.
• Budget flights can be quick and cheap for longer hops, but check baggage fees and airport-to-city transfer time.
• Rental cars suit countryside regions such as Scotland, Tuscany or Iceland, but are a hassle in big cities. Check whether you need an international driving permit for your destination.
• Rail passes may or may not save money. Compare the pass price with the actual point-to-point fares for your route.

What it costs, and is $5000 enough

Costs depend on where you go, the season, your accommodation level, how many people share rooms, and your flight. Categories to plan for:

• International flights
• Lodging (usually the biggest daily cost)
• Intercity transport
• Food
• Attractions and tours
• Insurance, SIM or roaming, and extras

Whether $5000 is enough for two weeks depends mainly on those factors. For one traveler outside peak season who stays in mid-range or budget lodging and eats casually, it may be workable in many parts of Europe, especially Southern and Eastern Europe. For one person in expensive cities, in summer, or with a higher comfort level, it can be tight. For couples sharing a room, the per-person cost often drops. Rather than relying on a general number, price your flights and lodging first, then estimate daily spending for food and activities from current guidebook or website figures. If you are still building the budget, see how to save up for travel.

Booking order and timing

1. Fix your dates and check passport validity and any entry requirements for your nationality.
2. Book flights, ideally into one city and out of another (an open-jaw ticket) to avoid backtracking.
3. Book lodging in busy cities and in peak season.
4. Reserve timed-entry attractions that sell out, such as certain museums and monuments.
5. Book trains where advance fares or reservations apply.
6. Leave a few days unscheduled.

Autumn travelers may want our packing guide for Europe in fall.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overpacking the itinerary and moving every day or two.
• Ignoring jet lag on the first day or two.
• Underestimating transit time to and from airports.
• Skipping travel insurance, which many travelers consider worth having.
• Not planning any rest time (see travel fatigue).

For ideas on what to put into each stop, see the top things to do in Europe.