Planning to visit Europe's top sites within two weeks? It looks ambitious, but it is definitely doable. Rather than rushing through many countries, you'll enjoy it more if you visit a few and soak up the culture and history. Here we offer a perfect European itinerary for 2 weeks with three eternally classic places: London, Paris and Rome. You’ll get ideas on what to pack, the best places to visit, where to eat, how to budget, plus a handy downloadable plan to take with you.

Europe Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Excited for your 2-week European trip? Read this first.

So, when’s the best time to visit Europe? Should you jump on a train or grab a cheap flight? And what on earth do you pack if you don’t want to drag a heavy bag around? Here are some things to keep in mind:

Best Time to Go

People always ask, “Which month is best for a European trip?” Honestly, spring (early April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots. The weather is generally nice, the landscapes are beautiful, and it will not cost an arm and a leg like the peak of summer.

Yet, in fact, Europe has something for everyone throughout the year. It just depends on what kind of vibe you’re after for your two-week vacation.

If you enjoy warm weather and vibrant flowers, spring is ideal. Consider Paris's cherry blossoms or tulips at the Netherlands' Keukenhof.

Summer, from June until late August, provides extended days for beach and picnic time in the south.

Deeper into a warm, romantic atmosphere? Autumn is gorgeous. Imagine Prague or Budapest covered in red and golden leaves.

And winter? That's when Europe pulls out its Christmas charm. Christmas markets in Nuremberg or Vienna sparkle with lights, food, and customs that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

Getting Around 

Travelling around Europe is actually really simple. You can hop on trains and move between countries in the Schengen zone without much fuss.

Once you’re on board, all you usually need is your train ticket when they come round to check, no extra documents.

If you’re planning to cross several countries on your upcoming trip, it’s worth looking at a Eurail Pass for 2 weeks.

We used one and managed unlimited train journeys to loads of places with just a single ticket. In the end, it saved us more than 150 euros compared to buying individual tickets. You can grab the pass directly from Eurail’s official website.

That said, sometimes flying just makes more sense. For example, getting from Lucerne to Venice by train can take half a day and involve a few changes, so we opted for a short flight from Zurich instead.

Of course, with planes, you’ll need to go through security and deal with all the usual checks, so it’s not quite as smooth as hopping on a train.

Packing Tips

Pack what you need, not what you think you might need.

When you’re thinking about what to pack for Europe, of course, you’ll need the basics like your travel papers, toiletries and a few medicines just in case. Here are two ways you can go about this:

• Pack for 2 weeks. Simple, but might be bulky and require checking a suitcase.

• Pack for a week, then do one laundry: either at the sink, have the hotel (expensive) or a local laundromat do it for you. It’s lighter, and if you do it right, you can travel for longer. Yes, even 6 months or more.

Autumn is one of the nicest times to visit, but the weather likes to play tricks. It might be sunny in the south, yet feel quite chilly further north. Layers are your best friend: a decent waterproof jacket, something warm like a jumper, and then lighter bits you can add or take off.

But there are a couple of things worth noting that are quite specific to travelling around here:

Budget airlines can be a bit of a headache with hand luggage rules. They’re really strict, especially Ryanair.

If they say “one bag”, they really mean it; even your handbag has to fit inside. A jacket with big pockets can be a lifesaver in those moments.

As for carrying it all for your 2 weeks in Europe, a CabinZero 44L backpack does the job nicely. It’s super light when empty, so you don’t waste weight on the bag itself. It keeps out the rain, brushes away dust, and the size is ideal for going under the aircraft seat. That way, you don’t risk surprise baggage fees at the airport.

A Few Extra Little Tips

Save these handy tips and hacks for your next 2 weeks in Europe. Photo credit: @ChinniTey

Don’t overpack toiletries. You can buy almost anything once you arrive.

However, sunscreen can be expensive, so pack more of them for personal use.

Some medicines such as paracetamol can be surprisingly hard to find. Pack them also.

Skip the heavy books. You’ll come across fun book exchanges in lots of cities.

Trainers are great for walking, but if it’s hot, you can just grab a cheap pair of flip-flops locally.

Don't overlook plug types: three-pin in the UK and Ireland, two-pin just about everywhere else.

Packing cubes are brilliant. They keep everything tidy and save you from digging through your whole bag to find one pair of socks.

Don’t overplan and be flexible. Think of 2-3 things you want to do for the day and keep your schedule open for “savouring”, e.g. sit in the square and watch the world going by.

Be aware that transit can eat up your time quickly. A 3-hour train ride means an extra 2 hours for checking in and out of the hotel/hostel, packing, navigating the stations, and dropping your stuff upon arrival, among other things.

Cushion in at least two relaxing days. Classic European cities are crowded and hectic at times, so you will want some downtime to recharge.

Book in advance. This is especially the case for museums and galleries, where the queue can be long even in the morning.

Use a hip pack. They are chic, popular in Europe, and protect you from pick-pocketing.

Travel light and pack less. Once you’ve experienced the bliss of travelling with a carry-on, you may never go back to checked suitcases.

Your Detailed 14-Day EU Schedule - London, Paris, Rome

And here’s a simple plan for two weeks in Europe that takes you through London, Paris, and Rome. You’ll get a taste of the north, the west and then the sunny south.

London, UK (First 4 Days)

In London, one minute you’re standing in front of a palace or a Gothic tower, the next you’re surrounded by glass skyscrapers and busy streets. Moreover, there are plenty of museums to have your fix. You can also plan a day trip to somewhere nearby.

For accommodation, Covent Garden is a nice area. It’s central but not too overwhelming, and you’ll have plenty of little streets and markets to wander around just outside your hotel.

To start your exploring, Tower Bridge is a must. You’ll spot it straight away with its two big towers and blue steel frame. The view from the top walkway is brilliant, especially if you dare to step on the glass floor and look down at the Thames. 

London’s Tower Bridge.

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Europe in the summer, make sure you pop into Buckingham Palace. Tickets are around £32 if you book ahead. Sadly, you can’t take photos inside, but it’s still worth it.

>>> Want to travel in London on a budget? Here’s how.

From the palace, you can have a relaxed walk through St James’s Park, watch the swans on the lake, and carry on to see Big Ben up close.

Another favourite is the London Eye. It costs about £17 and the ride takes half an hour. From the top, we could see Big Ben, St Paul’s and even Windsor Castle in the distance.

And of course, don’t miss Borough Market. Walking along the Thames to get there is half the fun, with little old bookshops and nice views along the way. Once you arrive, the food stalls are endless. We tried a pork sandwich at The Black Pig, chicken rice at Mei Mei and finished with lemon gelato at 3Bis. That’s all, really tasty.

London to Paris on the Eurostar (Day 5)

Getting from London to Paris is actually really simple with the Eurostar train travel. The ride takes just under three hours (plus 45 minutes for security).

You get on at St Pancras International in London and before you know it, you’re stepping off at Gare du Nord in Paris. From there, it’s super easy to hop on the metro and head straight to your hotel in the city centre.

Last time we went, we booked Standard tickets for about £39. Nothing fancy, and meals aren’t included, but for a short journey, it does the job. You get a little table, the seats lean back a bit, and there’s plenty of space to keep your bags close.

What stood out to us was how safe it all felt. Security is similar to an airport, though you don’t need to take off your belt. The only thing is you’re asked to get there at least an hour before, and the checks can be a bit slow.

And just so you know, this isn’t really a scenic train ride; it’s all about speed, getting you from one city to the other, which is really handy if you’re on a European itinerary 2 weeks.

Travelling from London to Paris with Eurostar. Photo by smudgerone on Adobe Stock

Paris, France (Days 6 to 9)

If you take the Eurostar from London in the morning, you’ll reach Paris just after lunch.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel and had a short rest, the best way to ease into the city is with a gentle walk around Île de la Cité. This little island in the Seine is home to the flower market and, of course, the iconic Notre Dame.

While you’re there, don’t miss Sainte-Chapelle. The chapel itself isn’t very big, but the stained-glass windows are breathtaking, especially when the sunlight filters through. To save time, it’s worth picking up a Paris Museum Pass so you don’t waste hours in the ticket queue.

In the evening, one of the top things to do in Europe is to head over to the 7th arrondissement. Watching the Eiffel Tower as the sun sets, then staying to see it light up at night, is an experience you won’t forget.

After all, no Parisian trip is complete without a little pampering. Just nearby, you’ll find a Pierre Hermé shop. Their macarons are some of the city's best.

As you wander through Paris, you’ll also notice the bridges across the Seine, each with its own charm. Pont Neuf is the oldest, whilst Pont des Arts is a favourite for a relaxed stroll. It was once covered in love locks, although those have now been removed.

And, of course, take a day trip or two. Many cities and towns are all accessible by train (and a little bit of walking). Or you can even take a day trip to Brussels (1.5 hours away by train).

Interior of the Sainte-Chapelle. Photo by Laura on Adobe Stock

Travel Day to Rome - the Eternal City (Day 10)

After a few wonderful days in Paris, it’s time to pack up and make your way to Rome, the Eternal City.

If you’re using a Eurail Pass, you can get there by train without buying extra tickets, just a small fee to reserve a seat. The only thing is, even on the high-speed trains, the journey takes more than half a day. It’s fine if you enjoy long train rides, but if you’d rather spend that time exploring, flying is much quicker (about a fifth of the time).

The quickest way is by the direct train route from Paris to Milan. But if you prefer a more scenic route, here’s another approach: Paris → Zurich → Tirano → Milan → Rome. This is via the Bernina Express, which is known as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The scenery is simply breathtaking, but you will need to spend more effort on planning.

If you’re travelling light with less than 10kg of hand luggage, budget airlines in Euro like Ryanair are worth a look and can save you quite a bit.

But you’ll need to take a bus out to Beauvais Airport, which may take around half an hour. If you’ve got more bags (and don’t mind paying a bit extra), airlines like Air France from Charles de Gaulle or Orly are a more comfortable choice.

Rome, Italy (Last 4 Days)

We stayed overnight in Rome at Hotel Serena, a couple of minutes from the main train station. The price was about 110 euros for two per night, which wasn't too bad for a mid-range hotel. It was clean, quiet and had a simple breakfast buffet.

We started our first day at the stunning baroque Piazza Navona. There are three fountains here, and while most people congregate around the grand Fountain of the Four Rivers, we actually preferred the other two.

From there, it’s only a short walk to the Pantheon. Sure, those enormous marble columns out front are impressive, but inside is where the true wow lies.

It's free to enter, thankfully. If you’re putting together a European itinerary 2 weeks, the Pantheon is definitely one of those must-see stops in Rome.

The Pantheon's extraordinary dome. Photo by PAOLO on Adobe Stock

Another location that totally wowed us was the Church of St Ignatius of Loyola. The frescoes on the ceiling are breathtaking, so detailed and so vast that they’ve even put a massive mirror in the middle of the church to help visitors view it all.

And just a short stroll away is the Trevi Fountain. It is even more amazing in person than any photo. Of course, we flipped a coin, and perhaps it will bring us back someday.

And then there’s the Vatican, that tiny country right inside the city. You’ll need almost a full day to really see it all: St Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

The basilica itself is free to enter, but the museums cost around 17 euros. Just a tip: the museums are closed most Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month when they open for free.

Naturally, a trip to Rome would not be perfect without the Colosseum tour. Honestly, one of the biggest reasons we wanted to visit was the film Gladiator.

The site actually does both capture the glory of Roman civilisation as well as the tackier, nastier side of its history. Beside it is the Arch of Constantine, majestically preserved and dramatic against the blue sky.

And in advance of a goodbye to Rome, and to your two weeks in Europe, do eat some fine Roman pasta. We tried a restaurant called SantoPalato, which is very close by taxi to the Colosseum.

Outside the Colosseum in Rome. Photo credit: @traveldaveuk

How Many European Countries Can You Visit In 2 Weeks?

There isn’t really a right answer. If you want to really enjoy the history and culture of each place, rather than racing around, then three countries are just about perfect for a multi-country Europe itinerary.

Here are some more alternate European Itineraries for 2 Weeks That you can take inspiration from.

Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin

Day 1–5: Paris, France

• Explore iconic landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, and Sacré-Cœur.

Day 6–9: Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Travel from Paris to Amsterdam (high-speed Thalys train, ~3h20).

• Visit Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and take canal cruises.

• Explore Jordaan district and vibrant markets like Albert Cuyp.

• Rent bikes for city exploration or day trip to Zaanse Schans windmills.

Day 10–14: Berlin, Germany

• Travel Amsterdam to Berlin by train (~6h) or flight (~1h).

• See Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island, Reichstag Building.

• Explore vibrant neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg.

• Visit Checkpoint Charlie, East Side Gallery street art, and cultural museums.

Italy and France

Day 1–4: Rome, Italy

• Visit Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trevi Fountain.

• Stroll Trastevere and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.

Day 5–7: Florence And Tuscany

• Travel to Florence (~1.5h train).

• Explore Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio.

• Day trips to Tuscan towns

• Pisa, Siena, and wine tasting in Chianti region.

Day 8–10: Venice

• Train to Venice (~2h).

• Wander canals, St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge.

• Take boat tours to Murano and Burano islands.

Day 11–14: Paris, France

• Flight or train to Paris.

• Visit Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre.

• Day trips to Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

Western Europe Itinerary

Day 1–4: London, United Kingdom

• Explore the British Museum, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey.

• Day trip options: Windsor Castle, Oxford, or Stonehenge.

Day 5–7: Paris, France

• Take the Eurostar train (~2h 15m) from London to Paris.

Day 8–10: Amsterdam, Netherlands

• High-speed train from Paris to Amsterdam (~3h 20m).

Day 11–12: Brussels And Bruges, Belgium

• Train to Brussels (~2h).

• Visit Grand Place, Atomium, and Manneken Pis.

• Day trip to Bruges (1h by train)

Day 13–14: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg or Strasbourg, France

• From Brussels, take a train to Luxembourg (~3h) or Strasbourg (~2h 20m).

Want to spend 2 weeks in the Europe continent? You are spoilt for choice.

Estimated Europe Budget For 14 Days

Now, the part nobody actually likes to think about: the cost. So, how much does a 2 week trip to Europe usually cost?

• Let's start with the flights. It depends on where you're flying from, but budget a little between 450 to 1,300 euros for an economy ticket. The average is around 600 euros, and booking well in advance always proves to be cost-saving.

• Accommodation comes after. A common hostel bed will set you back around 40 euros per night. A hotel with more comfort, mid-range, will be closer to 200 euros. If you are looking to stay at an upmarket place, think of at least 250 euros/night.

• For getting around Europe in 14 days, a two-week Eurail Pass will cost about 280 euros. Bus or metro ticket prices are usually about 3 euros. Taxis are pricey, starting with about 5 euros and then about 2 euros for each extra kilometre.

• Then there are the views. Entrance fees to popular sites typically cost anywhere from 18 euros to a few dozen euros. But you can also enjoy lots of excellent free venues, like London's British Museum or Rome's Pantheon.

• Another thing is food. You can reasonably budget some 50 euros each day for your meals, coffee and the occasional indulgences like croissants or gelato.

In the end, two weeks' travel around Europe will cost around 4,500 euros. If you keep it basic, sleeping in hostels, using public transport, and eating at markets, you can manage on a bit over 2,000 euros. If you are, however, inclined to travel in luxury, the price can easily amount to 7,000 euros or more for two.

Download Your European Itinerary 2 Weeks Now

We've also created a basic plan for the London Paris Rome itinerary. Print it out and carry it with you on your travels. It's an easy method to keep track of what's coming up so that you can make the most out of your two weeks without feeling rushed.

Have Fun Planning Your Trip

Sightseeing in Europe alone for 2 weeks isn’t as tricky as it might sound, if you prepare well. Hopefully, this European itinerary 2 weeks travel guide makes your planning process easier for your next holiday. And never leave home without a CabinZero backpack. It's light, tough and reliable. It'll be by your side at all times, whether on an aeroplane, boarding a train, or walking through packed streets.

Quyen Pham