First Trip to Europe: 4 Week Itinerary
Planning your first trip to Europe? You’re in the right place. Woven with a world of clashing culture, cuisine and colourful history, Europe is coined as one of the globe’s most coveted travel destinations. First-timers, let’s get ready to rumble!
Melded with magical monuments, modern-meets-medieval cities and misty mountains that plunge into paradisal water, Europe is etched with enthralling enclaves. From the orange-scented streets of Seville to the lemon-fringed coast of Amalfi, there’s a slew of fantastic forays to be had.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll get a glimpse at the ultimate Europe itinerary for first-time visitors. On top of the ultimate 4-week Europe itinerary, this guide hones in on everything you need to know. You’ll find out when’s the best time to visit, how to get around and insider travel tips. Get prepped like a pro!
4 Weeks in Europe: The First Timers’ Route: Italy, France, Spain & Portugal
There’s nothing like travelling to Europe for the first time. Locking eyes with the lyrical landscapes, relishing in the drool-worthy gastronomy and getting fully immersed in the intertwined old-meets-new ambience. If it's your first time visiting Europe, you’re probably wondering where to go and what to do.
For more first-timers itineraries with 7, 14 and 21-day options, scroll down below to see the details.
This perfect Europe itinerary for first-time travellers winds through the continent’s most captivating finds. Kicking off in the beating heart of Rome, you’ll make your way around Italy’s top sites.
Then, you’ll travel to the iconic hot spots in Paris, before dabbling in the delights of Southern France. In your third week, you’ll pop over to northeastern-nestled Barcelona, where you’ll embark on enthralling endeavours.
Next up, you’ll head to Southern Spain, before making your way over to Lisbon and finalising your trip in Porto.
Day 1-4: Rome, Italy
Day 5-6: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Day 7-8: Pisa & Florence, Italy
Day 9: Milan, Italy
Day 10: Venice, Italy
Day 11: Cinque Terre, Italy
Day 12-15: Paris, France
Day 16-17: Nice, France
Day 18-19: Monaco & Menton, France
Day 20-23: Barcelona, Spain
Day 24-26: Seville, Spain
Day 27-29: Lisbon, Portugal
Day 30-31: Porto, Portugal
Day 1-4: Rome, Italy
Viva Italia! Kick off your first trip to Europe on a high note – in Italy’s capital city, Rome.
Lapped with lively plazas, time-worn monuments and mouth-watering cuisine, Rome is an absolute feast for the senses. Spend your first four days frolicking around the character-filled, alley-woven streets. Discover the daunting-yet-dazzling fusion of time-old ruins and the hefty history that’s ingrained deep within.
If you’re wondering where to go on your first trip to Europe, Italy’s capital is a serious show-stopper. From the fascinating Colosseum and grandiose Pantheon to the wish-filled Trevi Fountain and the opulent St Peter’s Basilica, you could spend weeks, months or years exploring this gem.
Wander astray in the ancient Roman Forum, hit the heights of the Spanish Steps, cross over to the Castel Sant-Angelo and admire the fine art in the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through the splendid Borghese Gallery and Museum, gallop through the Piazza del Popolo and check out the world-class Vatican Museums.
Lock lips with some of the country’s most raved-about cuisine and finish off the evening with some of the globe’s most gourmet gelato.
Things to do in Rome:
Get around like a local on a Vespa
Eat yourself into a food coma on a street food tour
Uncover the timeless magic in the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
See all the highlights aboard a hop-on hop-off bus
Treat yourself to the best gelato in Rome
Where to Stay in Rome:
€€€: Bio Hotel Raphael
Day 5-6: Amalfi Coast, Italy
After relishing in the rapture of Rome, hop on a high-speed train to Salerno or Vietri sul Mare, and from there, get a bus down to the Amalfi Coast.
Any Europe itinerary for first-time visitors should include a day or two in this sun-soaked oasis. Sheltered with pebbled beaches, soaring clifftops and lemon-scented villages, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most stellar sojourns. And for good reason!
Adorned with astounding scenery, colourful towns and crystal-clear waters, there is even a multitude of mountain hideaways and bucolic villages to discover. Whether you want to get in among all the action or venture off the beaten track, this postcard-worthy coast has something in store for you.
Get whisked away in the fragrant Villa Cimbrone Gardens, stroll through the Duomo di Amalfi and hit the heights of Villa Rufolo. Head into the eerie Museo della Carta, see the colours in Ravello and bask in the early morning sun from the iconic Fiordo di Furore. Pop a bottle at the beach clubs in Positano, keep it a little more low-key in Atrani and get your heart rate up hiking the Path of the Gods.
Soak up the sights, sounds and serenity with these Best Things to do in Amalfi Coast. Relish in ‘la dolce vita’ with this 5-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary.
Things to do on Amalfi Coast:
Master the art of Italian gastronomy in a traditional cooking class
Take the plunge into Capri
Sunbake on a snorkelling boat trip
Cruise through the Amalfi Coast on an authentic Vespa
Visit the ancient remains of Pompeii
Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast:
€: Hotel7Bello
€€: Hotel Z’Intonio
€€€: Villa Treville
Day 7-8: Pisa & Florence, Italy
Following a fruitful few days on the idyllic Amalfi Coast, now's the time to venture back inland. Catch a high-speed train or flight into picturesque Pisa and Florence.
Your first trip to Europe showcases a series of Italy’s most indispensable sites, and these two are certainly no exception to that rule. Peruse the perplexing Leaning Tower of Pisa, wander around the opulent Piazza del Duomo and cross the rolling Arno River. Stare up at the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, visit the eerie Camposanto and admire the architecture in the Battistero di San Giovanni.
Get a dose of greenery in Giardino Scotto and the Botanical Garden and Museum, before making your way over to Florence. Appreciate the artistry in the Uffizi Gallery, see the boutique shops hanging on the Ponte Vecchio and swing past the emblematic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Treat yourself to gelato in the Piazzale Michelangelo, squint at David's dangly bits in the Accademia Gallery and see the terracotta-tiled city from Giotto's Bell Tower. Stand in awe at the Piazza del Duomo, pop into the Abbazia di San Miniato and don't leave without tasting a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Beefsteak).
Things to do in Florence:
Get active in Florence on a bike tour
Get in touch with your inner chef with a cooking experience
Channel your inner sommelier in the Chianti Wineries
Where to Stay in Florence:
€€€: The Place Firenze
Day 9: Milan, Italy
After fumbling through the dazzling diversity in Pisa and Florence, jump aboard a high-speed train to Milan.
Nestled in the northern stretch of Italy, this fashion-focused destination is a serious highlight. This Europe itinerary for first-time visitors invites you into the illustriously impeccable side of the country.
Replete with a rich tapestry of boutique shops, big-name brands and an all-round lavish lifestyle, Milan offers a unique glimpse compared to the south. See the technicolour stained-glass windows inside the Duomo di Milano, frolic around the Sforzesco Castle and watch a performance in the Teatro all Scala.
Bask in a picnic from Sempione Park, admire the art in the Pinacoteca di Breca and visit the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio.
Things to do in Milan:
Master the art of making pizza & gelato
Visit the vibrant Navigli District on a canal boat tour
Gawk at the glorious Da Vinci’s Last Supper
Go food crazy on a street food walking tour
Keep your budget intact with the Milan Pass
Hit the heights of the Milan Cathedral
Cruise around the stunning Lake Como
Hop aboard St. Moritz & Bernina Express
See everything in one day on a hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Milan:
€€: Hotel Regina
Day 10: Venice, Italy
In the wake of your next day, hop on a high-speed train to canal-woven Venice.
Your first trip to Europe wouldn’t be complete without a day the dabbling in the dazzling depths of Venice. Hemmed in by a huge haul of show-stoppers, this stunning sojourn is steeped deep in history and culture.
Cross over the incredible Rialto Bridge and feel the buzz in Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica. See the scenes from the Bridge of Sighs, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and swing by soaring Saint Mark's Basilica.
Lose yourself in the art of the Gallerie dell-Accademia, feel the luxury in the Teatro La Fenice and stop by the Grand Canal at sunset. Pop into Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, visit a Venetian glass workshop and taste a traditional risotto al nero di seppia.
Things to do in Venice:
Visit the vibrant towns of Burano & Murano
Lose yourself in the symphonies of a Four Seasons Concert at Vivaldi Church
Feel the breeze on a traditional gondola ride
See everything in one shot on a Venice highlights tour
Where to Stay in Venice:
€€€: Baglioni Hotel Luna
Day 11: Cinque Terre, Italy
Succeeding a stellar stay in Venice, hop on a high-speed train to the colourful Cinque Terre.
This next part of the Europe itinerary ensures that all first-time travellers really get the full experience. You’ve roamed through Rome, basked in the Amalfi Coast, pranced around Pisa and Florence and explored Milan and Venice. Keep the hype high in the vibrant, cliff-hanging villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
Oozing with their own unique flair, these character-packed former-fishing villages are sure to leave you in awe. Discover the Ruins of Doria Tower, pop into the Chiesa Di San Pietro and sunbake at the rich tapestry of turquoise-coloured beaches. Quench your appetite with palatable plates, sip authentic Cinque Terre wine and hike along the famous Blue Trail.
Watch the sun go down from the Rocks of Riomaggiore, swims around in Manarola and head up to the Vernazza viewpoint.
Things to do in Cinque Terre:
Get your heart pumping on a kayak tour from Monterosso
Feel the sea breeze on a cruise around Riomaggiore, Monterosso & Vernazza
Learn how to cook authentic pesto in Manarola
Sample traditional local wines on a vineyard tour
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre:
€€: Hotel Le Grazie
Day 12-15: Paris, France
After spending your first two weeks in Italy, it's time to move on to France. Catch a flight or hop on an overnight bus or train to the capital city, Paris.
As one of the best countries to visit in Europe, France is woven with a wealth of whimsical pursuits. Paris is home to pristine architecture, world-class museums, grandiose palaces and sublime scenery all around.
On your first trip to Europe, Paris will ultimately be a highlight. This city harbours an enchanting ambience, and it’s easy to get swept away in this fairytale-like foray. Gawk at the glorious gastronomy scene (and try snails if you dare!) and gather up classic ingredients from a local market and head to the Eiffel Tower for a picnic.
Soak up the buzz from the Red Light District, see the magic of the Louvre Museum and swing past Palais Garnier. If it’s your first time visiting, don’t miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, the Arc de Triomphe and the Luxembourg Gardens. Ignite the travel bug within at the Musée d’Orsay, smell the fragrances in the manicured Tuileries Garden and get gobsmacked by the rich splendour in Versailles Palace.
Things to do in Paris:
Get entertained by the Moulin Rouge cabaret show
See it all on the Paris night bus
Go wild at Disneyland Paris
Watch the sun go down on a Seine River Cruise
Indulge in the flavours of a Montemarte cheese, wine & pastry tour
Where to Stay in Paris:
€€: Hôtel Rosalie
Day 16-17: Nice, France
After spending four days in France’s capital city, it’s time to head down to the coast. In the wake of your next day, catch a flight or an overnight train and set your sights south on Nice.
This chunk of the Europe itinerary for first-time travellers takes you away from the hustle and bustle and into a seaside haven. Step out of Paris’ perplexing buzz and branch out into the classy cultural experiences in Nice. As the French Riviera’s capital, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Wander astray in the eye-catching Castle Hill Park and Garden, strut your stuff along the Promenade des Anglais and swing past the colourful Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.
Smell the fragrant Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya Flower Market, visit the Villa Masséna Musée Art Museum and peer up at the Parc du Mont Boron. Whatever your pick, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Things to do in Nice:
Visit all the highlights of the hop-on hop-off bus
Whiff the fragrances in a perfume-making workshop
Get your adrenaline pumping on an electric bike tour to Villefranche
Let loose on a Riviera bar crawl
Bask in the beauty of an Old Town and Castle Hill tour
Where to Stay in Nice:
€€: Esatitude Hotel
Day 18-19: Monaco & Menton, France
After spending two days sprucing around Nice, hop on a train to Monaco and Menton.
Your first trip to Europe should be filled with a fusion of famous attractions and top cities, but it should also be balanced out with some slow-paced stays. Mosey your way through Monaco and Menton and soak up as much sunshine as you can handle. Try your luck in the Casino de Monte-Carlo, get enticed in the Musée Océanographique de Monaco and get some greenery in the Exotic Garden of Monaco. See the grandiose Prince's Palace of Monaco, bathe in the beauty of Larvotto Beach and swing past the Monte Carlo Harbour.
From Monaco, jump on a quick train ride to nearby Menton. Relish in the flavour-packed Mediterranean cuisine, stroll along the orange-tree-lined streets and bury your feet in the sand at the beach. Navigate the alley-woven Old Town, soak up the scenes from the Jardins Biovès and step inside the Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel.
Alternatively, in this French chunk of the itinerary, you could mix things around. You could catch a train directly from Italy’s Cinque Terre to Monaco. From there, you could move on to Nice, and then head up to Paris. It’s really up to you!
Things to do in Monaco & Menton:
See the highlights on the Monte Carlo hop-on hop-off bus
Stroll around the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Discover the highlights on this Italian Market, Menton & La Turbie tour
Where to Stay in Monaco:
Day 20-23: Barcelona, Spain
As you segue into your third week, now’s the time to spice things up in Spain. From France, book a flight or catch a high-speed train over to bustling Barcelona.
Coined as one of the best countries to visit in Europe, Spain is scattered with passion-fuelled pursuits, delectable dining and admirable architecture. This Europe itinerary for first-time visitors brings you into the northeastern stretch of the country, where you’ll encounter no shortage of enthralling endeavours.
Spend the following four days frolicking around Barcelona’s most beautiful sights. From the beach to the mountains, you’re sure to find something suitable for you. Hear the roar of a soccer match in Camp Nou Stadium, stroll through the Sagrada Familia and get swept up in the scents of the Mercado de la Boqueria Market.
Watch the sunset from Park Güell, feel the opulence in the Palau de la Música Catalana and see the dragon-esque rooftop of colourful Casa Battló. Visit nearby La Pedrera, see the orange trees inside the Cathedral of Barcelona and get inspired by the Picasso Museum. Get lost in the alleyways of the Gothic Quarter and bring this part of the itinerary to a close at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
Alternatively, you could see the best of Catalonia's capital with this 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary. Then, you could set aside the fourth day for a Day Trip from Barcelona.
Things to do in Barcelona:
Visit all of Gaudi’s top attractions
Put together the perfect outfit in the best vintage stores
Get recharged with the city’s best speciality coffee
Lock lips with local flavours in the wineries in Montserrat
Eat yourself into a food coma at the best restaurants and bars
See everything for a cheaper price with a sightseeing pass
Put less of a dent in your wallet with these free things to do
Don’t miss anything on a hop-on hop-off bus
Get entertained by an Andalusian-inspired flamenco show
Where to Stay in Barcelona:
€€: Hotel Lleó
€€€: W Barcelona
Day 24-26: Seville, Spain
Succeeding a successful slew of days in Barcelona, get a flight or a high-speed train down to the heart of Andalusia. Spend the next three days in the charismatic streets of Seville, Spain.
Your first trip to Europe is about to get a whole lot more memorable. And just when you think the landscape couldn’t get any better, you’re about to be proved wrong. Framed by flourishing natural splendour, flirtatious flamenco culture and fairytale-like architecture, Seville is a traveller’s utopia. Fused with a mix of cultural influences, the attractions and activities are as dynamic as they come.
Get swept away in the Royal Alcazar, row a boat around the Plaza de España and visit the ancient Torre de Oro. Swing by the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda read a book in the Parque de María Luisa and appreciate the artwork in the Seville Museum of Fine Arts.
Catch a glimpse of contemporary-meets-old at the Setas de Sevilla, learn about the history in the Flamenco Dance Museum and scream like a child in the Isa Mágica theme park.
See all the Best Things to do in Seville, or head out on one of the Top Day Trips from Seville.
Things to do in Seville:
Be astounded by an authentic Andalusian flamenco show
Keep it low-key in the AIRE Ancient Baths
Get gobsmacked on a day trip to Granada
Appreciate the art in the Seville Museum of Fine Arts
Where to Stay in Seville:
Day 27-29: Lisbon, Portugal
In this last leg of the trip, take the plunge into picture-perfect Portugal. Catch a flight or hop on a high-speed train to the country’s capital city, Lisbon.
As you bring your first trip to Europe to a close, you'll be glad to be ending it in the Western end. Arrayed with azure-blue azulejo tiles, bright yellow trams and labyrinth-like alleyways, Lisbon is easy on the eyes. Teeming with time-worn ruins and wind-sculpted monuments, it’s easy to see why the capital is touted as a traveller’s haven.
Step out onto the water-perched Belém Tower in the morning, spend the afternoon indulging in a pastel de nata in the Praça do Comércio and visit the Castel de S. Jorge. Swing by the opulent Jerónmios Monastery, feel the lively buzz of the Mercado da Ribeira and visit the perplexing Padráõ dos Descobrimentos monument.
Wind your way through the open-air Carmo Convent, pop into the National Tile Museum and watch the sunset paint the city from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Head up the Santa Justa Lift, discover the age-old Lisbon Cathedral and get greened out in the forest-fringed Monsanto Park. Whether you’re on the hunt for a rowdy hostel or a boutique Airbnb, find out all the hot spots in this guide on Where to Stay in Lisbon, Portugal.
Additionally, you could see all the capital’s attractions in 72 hours with this detailed 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary. Then, you’d have an extra two days to explore the surrounding regions. With seaside havens like Cascais or palace-perched UNESCO sites like Sintra sitting right around the corner, it’d be a shame to miss out! Get the full scoop with this guide on the Top Day Trips from Lisbon.
Things to do in Lisbon:
Get cooking as you learn to bake authentic pastel de nata
Stick to your budget with the Lisbon Card
Venture beyond Lisbon on a day trip to Pena Palace & Cabo da Roca
Catch a fresh perspective of the city on a sunset cruise
Lock lips with traditional Portuguese delicacies on a food tour
See everything in one hit with the hop-on hop-off bus
Dive deep into the legend-filled stories on a walking tour
See it all on a speedy segway
Where to Stay in Lisbon:
Day 30-31: Porto, Portugal
Before calling it a trip, head up to the nuanced northern stretch of Portugal. Catch a high-speed train or board a flight to the coast-hugging hot spot, Porto.
Portugal is easily one of the best countries to visit in Europe, and this city seamlessly combines authentic elements with more modern experiences. Sheltered along the trickling River Douro, Porto is the perfect place to finish up your first trip to Europe. Crowned with contemporary-meets-ancient architecture, you can spend your final two days frolicking about.
Sample an emblematic bottle of Port wine and savour the flavours of the seafood-rich cuisine. Dowsed with dazzling museums, lush gardens and colourful streets, there is a range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to discover. Buy a book from the stately Livraris Lello bookstore, prance around the Porto Cathedral and stroll across the Luís I Bridge.
Climb up the 225 steps to the top of Clérigos Tower, and enjoy a romantic date along the Douro Ribeira and mosey through the labyrinth-like Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.
See the centuries-old paintings in the Soares dos Reis National Museum, lose yourself in the melodies of a concert in the Casa da Música and watch the sun down in the Morro Garden.
Things to do in Porto:
Escape the city buzz on a wine, lunch and boat tour through the Douro Valley
Channel your inner sommelier on a walking & wine tasting tour
Learn about the city on a historic city centre walking tour
Get the full scoop on the Palacio da Bolsa on a guided tour
Keep your wallet in check with the Porto Card
Master the art of cooking pastel de nata
See everything in two days on the hop-on hop-off bus
Discover the divine Douro Valley on a traditional wine tour
Feel the breeze aboard a 6 Bridges Douro River cruise
Where to Stay in Porto:
First-timer Europe Itineraries for 7, 14 & 21 days
7-day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Rome, Italy
Day 3: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Day 4-5: Paris, France
Day 6-7: Barcelona, Spain
14-day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Rome, Italy
Day 3: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Day 4-5: Venice & Cinque Terre, Italy
Day 6-8: Paris, France
Day 9-11: Barcelona, Spain
Day 12-14: Lisbon, Portugal
21-day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Rome, Italy
Day 3: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Day 4: Pisa & Florence, Italy
Day 5-6: Milan & Venice, Italy
Day 7: Cinque Terre, Italy
Day 8-10: Paris, France
Day 11-13: Barcelona, Spain
Day 15-17: Seville, Spain
Day 18-21: Lisbon, Portugal
Best Time to Visit Europe for the First Time
Although Europe is considered a year-round destination, timing is key. Especially when planning your first trip to Europe! The best time to visit Italy, France, Spain and Portugal is in the shoulder seasons of April and May, or September and October.
Considering that these are four of the most popular countries in Europe, you can avoid the hordes of tourists by visiting during the off-peak periods. Plus, you'll score more pocket prices on accommodation, flights, activities and transport. Yeehaw!
While the summertime, June, July and August, boasts the best beach weather, the wintertime, December, January and February are ideal for skiing and snow sports activities.
How to Get Around Europe
Wondering how to prepare for your first trip to Europe? When planning all the nitty gritty details, transportation shouldn’t be overlooked. Italy, Spain, France and Portugal are home to an endless network of buses, trains, flights and tours. So, before you go, it's best to get sorted.
Bus
Taking the bus is the best way to get around Europe on a budget. You’ll be able to explore busy cities and their outskirts, and if you’re looking for reliable options, check out Flixbus.
Before you jet-set off on the trip of a lifetime, compare times, prices and options using Busbud.
Train
When planning your first trip to Europe, the train can seem like one of the best options. And it is! If you’re going to catch a high-speed train from between big cities like Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon and Rome, you’re bound to save plenty of time. There are plenty of options on offer, but it’s not always the most economical option.
As a general rule of thumb, always use either Omio or Trainline to compare times and prices before booking. To help save on expenditure, European residents can opt for an Interrail pass, and non-European residents can buy a Eurail pass.
Aeroplane
To ensure that you have the best first trip to Europe, I’d recommend catching a flight when possible. Not only is it one of the fastest modes of transport, but it can also be one of the most affordable.
If you book with Skyscanner at least 3 to 4 months in advance, you can score some serious bargains. I'm talking €10 flights, people! Flights delays in Europe are somewhat inevitable, so be sure to take a look at Compensair to see if you can get some money back.
Drive
Hiring a car in Europe allows you to see the sights at a slower pace. You’ll enjoy the freedom of your own timetable, as well as the ability to go off the beaten track when you please. Driving around can take up a lot more time than other transport options, so make sure you factor this into your itinerary. Embrace the scenic route!
Top Travel Tips for Your First Trip to Europe
Europe is the land of plenty, from the panoply of palaces and stately museums to the age-old castles and the crashing coastline. There is a lot on offer and many ways to see it all. If you’re visiting Europe for the first time, take a look at these travel tips:
Learn how to pack light so you can ditch the extra baggage fees
Brush up on the local lingo– locals really appreciate the effort
If you’re a non-EU resident, get an International Drivers License
Keep costs low with the Milan Pass, Barcelona Card, Porto Card and Lisbon Card
Ditch peak season and opt for the shoulder seasons
Book flights and accommodation in advance (at least 3-4 months)
If you’re running short on time, catch a high-speed train or a flight
Don’t overpack your itinerary and allow some spontaneity
Italy, France, Spain and Portugal all use the euro currency
When travelling in Spain, rely on the fastest long-distance train, the AVE
Buy local goods from the markets, not from chain stores or supermarkets
Ditch the tourist traps with this guide on things to know before visiting Barcelona
Set a travel budget and have a savings plan for your first trip to Europe
Purchase a local SIM card in Europe. See this full guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe.
Stuff some layers in your suitcase! Spots like Sintra in Portugal can get very windy, even in July and August
Keep in mind that many stores, museums and attractions are closed on Sundays
Learn how to score cheap flights
Save money in the big cities with free walking tours
Get your European visa ahead of time
Leave most of your cash in your accommodation and only carry a small amount on you
Organise travel insurance before you go
Planning The Trip of a Lifetime?
Etched with eclectic attractions and enthralling landscapes, this continent is on practically everybody's bucket list. Whether you want to swim in the Greek Islands, meander around the Mediterranean or head into the heart of Central Europe, there is a lot on offer.
If you’re planning your first trip to Europe, take a look at the following itineraries:
FAQS
Is 4 weeks enough time in Europe?
1 month in Europe is enough to visit at least 3 to 4 different countries. You’ll be able to taste the cuisines, experience the cultures and tick off all the bucket list attractions.
How much money do I need for a 4 week Europe trip?
The total cost depends on your travel destinations, budget, preferences and the number of travel companions. Generally, the cost of a 4 week Europe trip is between €2600-€3000 per person.
Where is the best place to go for the first time in Europe?
If it’s your first time visiting Europe, there are a handful of bucket list destinations to consider. Don’t forget to add Paris, Barcelona, Rome, London, Venice and Amsterdam to your 4 week Europe itinerary.
Which European country should I visit first?
Europe is full of fascinating destinations, from France and Ireland to Croatia and Portugal. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it would be best to begin your itinerary in either Spain or Italy.
Why Should You Plan a Trip to Europe?
Straddling sublime sights, cliff-hugging towns, forest-fringed monuments and bucolic villages, Europe really does have it all.
Whether you want to mosey through the Alhambra in Spain, get a glance of former-gladiator-filled Rome or sip wine in the vineyard-woven South of France, there is seriously something here for everyone.
If you’re planning your first trip to Europe, be sure to save this in-depth guide for later!
Mountain-perched palaces, sweeping blue beaches and crispy pastel de nata paint the scene in Europe’s western end. If you’re planning a trip to the land of Port wine and Fado music, save this 14-day Portugal Itinerary.