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HOW TO SPEND A WEEK IN EUROPE | 40+ Efficient One-Week Europe Trip Itineraries to Steal!
One Week in Europe: 40+ Itinerary Ideas for an Unforgettable Vacation
Ark
June 11, 2025
A week in Europe might seem short, but with smart planning, it’s more than enough for an incredible vacation you’ll cherish for years. Below, we’ve outlined over 40 one-week itineraries, personally tested and categorized by whether you’re exploring one, two, or three countries. These itineraries are ambitious, designed to maximize your time, but they’re flexible—slow travelers can tweak them for a more relaxed pace. Let’s dive into the best ways to spend a week in Europe, from fairy-tale villages to vibrant cities and stunning coastlines.
One-Country Itineraries: Deep Dives into a Single Nation
Focusing on one country allows you to explore its culture, history, and landscapes in depth. Here are some standout one-week itineraries across Europe.
Belgium: A Compact Gem
Belgium’s small size makes it perfect for a week-long adventure. Explore historic cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, and indulge in world-class beer, waffles, and chocolate. This itinerary blends urban charm with scenic countryside, offering a taste of Belgium’s underrated allure.
The Netherlands: Beyond Amsterdam
The Netherlands offers more than its famous capital. Start in Amsterdam, then take day trips to fairy-tale towns like Haarlem, Utrecht, or Giethoorn. End in Rotterdam for its modern architecture and vibrant art scene. This itinerary balances history, culture, and urban cool.
Switzerland: Nature and Elegance
Switzerland is a dream destination with jaw-dropping Alps, elegant cities like Zurich and Geneva, and scenic train rides like the Glacier Express. Spend a week exploring Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt for a mix of nature and sophistication. It’s pricey but unforgettable.
Austria: Culture Meets Nature
Combine Vienna’s grand architecture, Hallstatt’s fairy-tale charm, and Salzburg’s musical heritage (think Mozart and The Sound of Music). For a less touristy vibe, visit Graz and South Styria, known for their wine and Mediterranean flair. This itinerary blends iconic and offbeat destinations.
Germany: Castles and Cities
Germany’s diversity shines in two itineraries:
City Break: Combine Munich’s Bavarian charm and Berlin’s modern edge with day trips to Potsdam or Dachau. Perfect for urban explorers.
Castle Trail: Visit fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein and Hohenzollern for a magical, fast-paced week of medieval wonders.
England: The Cotswolds’ Storybook Charm
The Cotswolds’ buttery stone cottages and quaint villages are perfect for a relaxed week. Base yourself in one town like Chipping Campden for day trips, or move around for an ambitious itinerary covering Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bath.
Spain: Catalonia’s Highlights
Go beyond Barcelona to explore Girona’s medieval charm, Montserrat’s mountain monastery, and Tarragona’s Roman ruins. This itinerary showcases Catalonia’s rich history and diverse landscapes, ideal for culture lovers.
Bulgaria: An Underrated Gem
Spend a week in Bulgaria for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Start in Sofia for urban bustle, then visit Rila Monastery for natural beauty and Veliko Tarnovo for historic charm. Bulgaria blends affordability with stunning sites.
Croatia: Southern Island Hopping
Focus on Southern Croatia’s islands and cities. Sail from Dubrovnik to Split, stopping at Korčula and Hvar for history, beaches, and nightlife. This itinerary, inspired by a Med Sailors trip, is perfect for sun-seekers.
Ireland: City or Road Trip
Choose between two Irish itineraries:
City Break: Explore Dublin and Galway by train for a relaxed, urban-focused week.
Road Trip: A fast-paced journey through the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Giant’s Causeway for iconic natural wonders.
Iceland: Nature-Packed Adventure
Iceland’s Spring Ring Road is a breathtaking week-long road trip. Visit waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, the Blue Lagoon, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Fast-paced but rewarding, this itinerary showcases Iceland’s raw beauty.
France: Alsace’s Fairy-Tale Charm
Alsace’s half-timbered villages like Strasbourg and Colmar ooze charm year-round. Enjoy Christmas markets in winter or winery-hopping in summer. Add an optional day trip to Basel, but prioritize smaller towns for a relaxed vibe.
Slovenia: Lakes and Castles
Slovenia’s compact size makes it ideal for a week. Visit Ljubljana’s vibrant capital, Lake Bled’s iconic island, and Predjama Castle. This itinerary mixes nature, history, and urban cool.
Malta: History and Sunshine
Malta blends ancient sites like Valletta and Mdina with quirky attractions. This culture-focused itinerary skips beach lounging for historical immersion, perfect for curious travelers.
Portugal: Culture or Coast
Two Portuguese itineraries:
City-Centric: Explore Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra for history and culture.
Culture and Beach: Combine Lisbon’s charm with the Algarve’s beaches for a balanced week.
Italy: Diverse Delights
Italy offers four one-week options:
Northern Italy: Explore the Dolomites’ rugged mountains for a nature-focused trip.
Liguria: Visit Genoa, Portofino, and Cinque Terre for coastal beauty and culture.
Greatest Hits: A fast-paced Venice, Florence, and Rome itinerary (better stretched to 10 days).
Southern Charm: Combine Rome, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast for history and stunning shores.
Spain: Andalusia’s Magic
Explore Seville, Granada, and Córdoba for Andalusia’s iconic sites, with hidden gems like Setenil de las Bodegas. This fast-paced itinerary is exhausting but rewarding.
France: A Week in Paris
Spend a week in Paris, from Montmartre’s romance to free attractions like Père Lachaise Cemetery. Add day trips to Versailles or Giverny for variety without rushing.
Czechia: Prague and South Bohemia
Focus on Prague’s fairy-tale charm, then explore South Bohemia’s Český Krumlov and Hluboká Castle. This itinerary balances urban and rural beauty.
UK: Harry Potter Nerd Trip
Visit London’s Warner Bros. Studio Tour, ride the Hogwarts Express in Scotland, and explore Oxford’s Hogwarts-inspired sites. Perfect for Potterheads.
Northern Ireland: Game of Thrones Adventure
Base yourself in Belfast for day trips to Game of Thrones filming locations like the Dark Hedges and Giant’s Causeway. A must for fans.
Greece: Before Trilogy Film Tour
Trace Before Midnight’s Peloponnese locations, blending historical ruins, charming towns, and sunny coastlines. Ideal for film buffs and history lovers.
Lithuania: Underrated Charm
Explore Vilnius’s vibrant cafés, hearty cuisine, and Baroque architecture. Add Trakai Castle for a dose of history in this affordable, less touristy gem.
North Macedonia: Surprising Delights
Visit Skopje’s quirky statues, Bitola’s historic vibe, and Matka Canyon’s natural beauty. This offbeat itinerary surprises with its diversity.
Two-Country Itineraries: Double the Culture
For a broader experience, these itineraries combine two countries for a week of diverse flavors and sights.
France and Monaco: The French Riviera
Explore Nice, Cannes, and Monaco’s glitz for a glamorous week of stunning coastlines and sunny vibes. You’ll want to return for more.
France and UK: Paris and London
Linked by the Eurostar, Paris and London offer iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben. This classic itinerary is perfect for first-timers.
Combine Copenhagen’s charm with Stockholm’s historic beauty for a dynamic Northern European adventure filled with great food and architecture.
Germany and Czechia: Dresden and Prague
These stunning cities offer elegant architecture and rich history. Optional day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle or Salzburg add extra magic.
Austria and Slovenia: Wine and Nature
Pair South Styria’s wine region with Ljubljana and Lake Bled for a relaxing week of culture, nature, and scenic beauty.
North Macedonia and Kosovo: Offbeat Capitals
Explore Skopje’s eclectic architecture and Pristina’s vibrant café scene. This unconventional itinerary is for adventurous travelers.
Latvia and Lithuania: Baltic Gems
Discover Riga’s Art Nouveau and Vilnius’s churches and cafés. This underrated itinerary offers affordable charm and vibrant culture.
Three-Country Itineraries: Ambitious Adventures
For those with boundless energy, these itineraries cram three countries into one week, blending history, nature, and culture.
Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro: Adriatic Trifecta
Visit Dubrovnik, Mostar, and Kotor for historic old towns and scenic beauty. Popular with backpackers, this route is both convenient and stunning.
Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary: Danube Delights
Explore Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, connected by the Danube River. These capitals offer grand architecture and vibrant culture in a compact trip.
Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg: Benelux Bliss
Take a canal cruise in Amsterdam, savor waffles in Brussels, and visit Luxembourg’s fortresses. Quick train connections make this trio seamless.
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany: Central Europe
Combine Zurich’s elegance, Vaduz’s quirkiness, and Munich’s Bavarian charm for a diverse city break.
Austria, France, and Greece: Before Trilogy Superfan Tour
Trace Before’s Vienna, Paris, and Peloponnese locations. This ambitious itinerary is for die-hard fans but offers rich cultural rewards.
Final Tips for Your Week in Europe
These itineraries are designed to inspire and maximize your time, but flexibility is key. Adjust for a slower pace if needed, and prioritize what excites you most—whether it’s castles, coastlines, or culture. For more travel tips, check out resources like x.ai/grok or follow travel communities on x.com. Happy travels!
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