Europe, although Americans may like to refer to it as one country, is a huge continent filled to the brim with a wide range of colourful cultures and brilliant people, making it a must-visit place for people all over the world. However, with around 50 countries in this continent spanning 7 time zones, seeing the best of what the continent can offer can be a struggle for many who don’t have the time or means to travel and visit that many countries. This leaves many wondering how they can truly experience Europe and which countries will provide them with the best, most well-rounded trip. Well, this guide aims to be a solution to an issue that many face when they dream of exploring this magical continent.
Although it’s impossible to create the perfect itinerary to experience everything Europe has to offer, these countries provide the culture, sightseeing and the cuisine that give you the best of Western, Central and Eastern Europe without a hefty price tag and having to spend your whole trip travelling from country to country.
So, without further ado, if you’re planning to visit Europe this summer and you have no idea where to start, finish and visit in between to make the most of your trip and cities, here is a short guide to help you. From airports to what to see, here is a route to take to make the most of your holidays this summer.
The western leg
How to get there: Start your trip in Western Europe, visiting iconic landmarks in Paris and Rome for a quintessential start to your exploration around Europe. Firstly, we recommend that you start as far west as possible, and this means flying to Paris, from wherever you are travelling from. For many travelling from the UK, flights to Charles de Gal airport can be as little as £50 with Vueling or easyJet, with easy transport links to the city of Paris via the airport trains, which can get you into the centre of Paris in under an hour. The same can be said when travelling from Paris to Rome (FCO) with flights from £30, or alternatively, for a more scenic route, you can take a train which takes around 12 hours, with tickets starting at £70.
Paris itinerary: Spend 3-4 days exploring all the iconic and historic sights, apart from the Eiffel Tower, that Paris has to offer. For some art and culture, the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay houses some of the most famous paintings in the world, including the Mona Lisa. Then head to the Seine for a river cruise before heading to the quaint Montmartre and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Moulin Rouge for a cultural experience.
Rome Itinerary: Spend 3 days sightseeing and enjoying local cuisine in this historical city, including iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Vatican Museums, in between indulging in gelato, fine wines and Pasta and pizza are the heart of the city.
The central and eastern leg
How to get there: Rather than flying this portion of the trip, take time to watch the city landscapes using the country’s high-speed networks, which are both fast and affordable. The EuroCity train from Ceske drahy and mav- START takes around 6.5 to 7 hours winding through scenic stops like Bratislava.
Prague: Spend 3 days in Prague walking the historic Charles Bridge before exploring the huge Prague Castle complex and its multiple museums, including the Strahov Monastery library. After long days of exploring this historic city, head to one of the city’s traditional food fairs for a taste of local delicacies such as goulash with a crispy czech larger to top the day off with.
Budapest: Spend your last 3 days visiting the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest outdoor pools in Europe, before visiting the Hungarian Parliament and the historic Chain Bridge.
Practical considerations
- Time required: Although this trip is designed to be compact, whilst giving you time to explore and enjoy each city, timings are important due to the vast distances between these countries. You will need at least 14-21 days, depending on how long you spend in each city, to complete this route without burning out.
- Budgeting: Some countries will be more expensive than others, including France and Italy; therefore, it’s important to adjust budgets for each city, maybe choosing to eat in on the first half of your trip and out in the middle and eastern Europe, as it is less expensive.
- Packing: Making sure you pack properly for your trip is essential. You must pack light whilst also ensuring you have all the essentials, including suncream and SPF moisturisers and face primers, as well as tech essentials, visas and local currency.
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