10 Amazing One Week European Itineraries

Posted on Jan 15, 2015

Thinking about going to Europe but haven’t a clue as to where to start? Considering gastronomy, scenery, culture, ease of transit and loads of other factors here are 10 amazing 1 week itineraries for seeing the best of Europe! Pair them together if you have more time (lucky you!).

1 | PARIS + BRUGES + AMSTERDAM

SummaryHotels & AirbnbsRelated

Easy train connections connect the romantic city of lights, a charming Belgian village with endless varieties of brew, and a beautiful canalled city on water. Beaming with museums, great food and nightlife this itinerary is ideal for culture-lovers and foodies and ideal any time of the year. Remember to pack your camera to capture that quintessential European architecture and comfortable shoes for long strolls through winding narrow streets.

Paris: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hotel Le Petit Chomel & Hotel le Lapin Blanc

Bruges: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hotel De Orangerie & Hotel Het Gheestelic Hof

Amsterdam: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Mr. Jordaan & art’otel Amsterdam

Grab my full day by day itinerary to Paris, Bruges & Amsterdam here: Punchy Escape

Amsterdam: 9 Great To-Do’s

Cheese Tasting in Amsterdam: Repenaur Review

Amsterdam Canal Tour (Photo Diary)

Bruges, Belgium Holiday Photo Diary

The Best of Paris in 10 Steps + 5 More Great Things to Do in Paris

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2 | LOIRE VALLEY + PARIS

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Wine, castles and Parisian delights are photographer’s and foodie’s dreams come true. A one hour bullet train connects the joys of Paris (Mona, Moulin Rouge, Eiffel) with rolling, fertile fields riddled with chateaus and rivers. Make Amboise your base for convenience to all the sights in the Loire Valley while Chateaux East of Tours is sighted as being the best. Plan a visit in early fall to catch the peak of the wine harvest otherwise shoot for outdoor-appropriate weather the majority of the year.

Paris: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hotel Le Petit Chomel & Hotel le Lapin Blanc

Loire Valley (Amboise): Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Chateau des Arpentis & Boutique Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien

The Best of Paris in 10 Steps + 5 More Great Things to Do in Paris

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3 | NICE + PROVENCE + MONACO

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Imagine sweeping views of provencal lavender fields, the most picturesque Instagram-worthy villages and touring one of the world’s most luxurious cities. Sigh. A trip for those that like to be on the go, the French Riviera is filled with too many destinations to name and delightfully convenient to the beaches (and airport!) of Villefrance-Sur-Mer, outside of Nice. Navigate to your favorite destinations, like Eze, by train or rent a car to find your way into sleepy, romantic French villages.

Villefrance-Sur-Mer: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Welcome Hotel & Hôtel La Fiancée du Pirate

Monaco: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hôtel Le Roquebrune & Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

Grab my full day by day itinerary to the French Riviera here: Lavish Escape

A Day in Villefranche Sur Mer

Exploring La Turbie (just outside of Monaco)

Highlights of the French Riviera (Photo Diary)

holy-guacamole views from the ‘exotic gardens’ at the tippy-top of Eze village today (this shot looking west towards the tiny peninsula of cap ferrat) // dreamy is only way to describe it ??

A photo posted by Margo (@margo.paige) on Jun 17, 2015 at 3:56pm PDT

4 | MUNICH + SALZBURG + HALSTATT

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Munich isn’t just the capital of Oktoberfest, Germany’s famed beer-infused funfest, but is perhaps one Europe’s most beautiful cities, filled with history, culture and that quintessential German architecture. Hop the train south to Mozart’s Salzburg, recounting the steps of The Sound of Music. Take a day trip from pastels of the charming old town to perhaps the charming little lake village of Hallstatt. (So beautiful, in fact, that a fake Hallstatt, replicating every last building and street, was built in China!).

Munich: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Platzl Hotel – Superior & Hotel Admiral

Salzburg: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hotel Goldgasse & Hotel am Dom

Let’s go to Oktoberfest!

Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip

Darling Salzburg, Austria

The Idyllic Town of Hallstatt, Austria

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5 | LONDON + OXFORD

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One of Europe’s most vibrant cities, home of the Kate and Fish & Chips, London is an all around favorite. The list of sights ranges from sipping high tea to exploring offbeat Camden Town. Don’t let the rumors fool you, food here is fantastic, especially Indian (really!). Later, hop a train to one of the world’s oldest universities, Oxford. Touring scenes from Harry Potter and enjoy strolling the narrow alleys in the pedestrian friendly town center. An ideal trip for fans of history, culture and food and perfect year-round.

London: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Sydney House Chelsea & The Bailey’s Hotel London

Oxford: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Old Parsonage Hotel & Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel

London: A Year-Round Bucket List

How to Experience Christmas in London (Guest Post with Jen)

Around Town in Oxford

6 | ROME + AMALFI COAST

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The chaotic mess of the most historic city of Europe combined with the coastal destination of the stars, this ying-yang duo is a favorite for history-lovers, foodies, photographers, and those looking for brag-worthy stories and pictures. Watch your wallet as you visit the Colosseum, Vatican and gorge at the home of pasta, then take the train south to the jagged cliffs of Amalfi for leisurely seaside lunches, hiking and swimming in the bright blue Med. Aim for early or late summer for picture perfect weather and to avoid other tourists.

Rome: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || BDB Luxury Rooms Trastevere Torre & Tree Charme

Positano: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hotel Poseidon & Hotel Pupetto

Grab my full day by day itinerary to Positano, Capri & Rome here: Darling Escape

The Path of the Gods: Positano

Hotel Pupetto Hotel Review

Rome Photo Diary & Rome Photo Diary 2

Rome vs. Barcelona (Pros & Cons for deciding which is better for you!)

Rome Eating Italy Food Tour Review

positano seen from higgggh above on the ‘walk of the gods’ hike (aka stairmaster marathon) on the amalfi coast, south of naples // now, who wants to play ‘I Spy’? ?

A photo posted by Margo (@margo.paige) on Jun 1, 2015 at 2:48pm PDT

7 | SEVILLE + RONDA + GRANADA

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Vibrant culture, Spanish gastronomy, natural beauty, and stunning architecture, Andalusia has it all, plus some. Starting in Sevilla, home of Europe’s 3rd largest old town, get lost in the narrow streets and seek refuge in a giant pitcher of sangria. Moving on to the cliffside white village of Ronda, a summer escape for Hemingway, enjoy hiking through the gorge or wander to a cafe for traditional churros and chocolate. Granada, home to UNESCO-protected Alhambra, was home to royalty for centuries and is now considered one of the most spectacular structures in the entire world. Culture-lovers, foodies, photographers should visit in Spring or Fall to avoid the summertime heat. Here are the exact details for the itinerary. Considering visiting in May to enjoy the fun of La Feria seen below!

Seville: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || EME Catedral Hotel & Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla

Ronda: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hotel Montelirio & Parador de Ronda

Granada: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || El Ladrón De Agua & Hotel Casa 1800 Granada

Grab my free, comprehensive One Week Itinerary to Andalucia

Beautiful Ronda, in a Nutshell

8 | FLORENCE + PISA + CINQUE TERRE

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If you’re in search of the world’s best gelato, famed artwork, an infamous lean and jaw dropping seaside villages then this is it! Enjoy sights like the David and the Birth of Venus in the midst of the cobbled stone, savoring gelato and culture in one big gulp. Then head west for a quick visit to Pisa’s Leaning Tower so you can capture a few of those delightfully cheesy hold-up-the-tower shots, finally continue on to the five seaside villages that make Cinque Terre. Here you’ll have the choice of visiting each along a challenging but beautiful footpath or via train. Each village has it’s own delectable personality so good luck choosing your favorite! Great spring to fall for those that like to be active and enjoy photography and culture.

Florence: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Grand Hotel Minerva & Hotel Pendini

Cinque Terre: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Grand Hotel Portovenere & Corte Del Gallo

A Quick Guide to Cinque Terre

The Killer Cinque Terre Hike: Corniglia

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9 | PRAGUE + VIENNA

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ILet’s be honest, Prague may very well be the prettiest of all European cities. In the Old Town, an enchanting maze of pedestrian alleys through historic baroque buildings unfolds on to the river and famous Charles Bridge. Across the way Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral stand proudly. Taking the train south, Vienna, in it’s proud Habsburg history, continues the beautiful scene. The sprawling pedestrian-only city center is filled with elegant plazas and classical music. Great year-round for history, culture, music and photography lovers. Consider a visit in December to experience Europe’s favorite Christmas markets.

Prague: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel & Palac U Kocku

Vienna: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hotel König von Ungarn & Hotel Das Tigra

Prague: 8 Things You Must Do

A Perfect Saturday in Prague

A Quick Guide to Vienna (Guest Post)

10 | BARCELONA + MONTSERRAT + COSTA BRAVA

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Kick off the visit with Gaudi’s pride and the most popular tourist sight in all of Spain, La Sagrada Familia then get lost in the alleys and nightlife of El Born. Barcelona is enjoyable year-round, famed for sunshine and tasty tapas. Take a day trip to nearby Montserrat, a monastery nestled in the scenic mountainside inland then head north towards Costa Brava to Salvador Dali’s hometown, the picturesque village of Cadaques. Great for food and cultures lovers. If you want to take advantage of the beach scope out a trip from late spring to mid fall.

Barcelona: Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || K+K Hotel Picasso & H10 Port Vell

Costa Brava (Cadaques): Airbnb 1 & Airbnb 2 || Hotel Ubaldo & Hotel Llane Petit

Grab my full day by day itinerary to Barcelona, Toledo & Madrid here: Vibrant Escape

Exploring Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia

Perfect Day in Barcelona On 3 Wheels: Brightside Tour Review

Rome vs. Barelona – A City Comparison

My sources? Rick Steves’ Guides, Trip Advisor forums, Eurorail & my personal travels!

Instead of putting together your trip from scratch, follow my new Escape Guides. One week guides for experiencing the BEST of Europe! Head to over to the Etsy shop for all the details!