Suggested itineraries
These routes are deliberately unhurried, with at least two nights in most places. Each uses efficient connections described in our transport guide, and each can be stretched or shortened by a day or two without losing its shape.
Seven days · Italian Classics
- Rome, 3 nights — the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Vatican City.
- Florence, 2 nights — Renaissance art and Tuscan food, by high-speed train.
- Venice, 2 nights — canals at dawn and cicchetti at dusk.
Ten days · Paris & the Alps
- Paris, 3 nights — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Seine.
- Zurich, 1 night — old town and lakefront, reached by train.
- Lucerne, 2 nights — Chapel Bridge and a mountain day trip.
- Interlaken, 2 nights — the Swiss Alps of the Jungfrau region.
- Lake Geneva, 2 nights — Montreux, Lausanne and lakeside vineyards.
Ten days · The Iberian Arc
- Lisbon, 3 nights — with a day trip to Sintra.
- Porto, 2 nights — the Douro riverfront and port lodges.
- Seville, 2 nights — a short flight south; the Alcázar and flamenco.
- Madrid, 1 night — the Prado and late dinners, by high-speed train.
- Barcelona, 2 nights — the Sagrada Família and the Mediterranean.
Twelve days · Adriatic to Aegean
- Dubrovnik, 3 nights — the city walls and coastal swims.
- Split, 3 nights — Diocletian's Palace, with a long day trip to Plitvice Lakes.
- Hvar, 2 nights — by ferry along the Dalmatian Coast.
- Athens, 2 nights — connect by air; the Acropolis and Plaka.
- Santorini or Mykonos, 2 nights — by ferry or short flight.
Nine days · Norway North & Fjords
- Oslo, 2 nights — the waterfront and museums.
- Bergen, 2 nights — via the scenic Bergen Line, with a fjord excursion.
- Tromsø, 3 nights — by air; northern lights or midnight sun.
- Lofoten Islands, 2 nights — peaks, beaches and fishing villages.
Best time to visit
The shoulder seasons — roughly April to June and September to October — offer the best balance of weather, daylight and crowds across most of the continent. But every region has its moment.
| Season | Where it shines | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Keukenhof tulips, Paris, Seville, Rome, Lisbon | Keukenhof opens only in spring; Easter is busy |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Greek islands, Croatia, Norwegian Fjords, Swiss hiking, midnight sun | Peak crowds and heat in the south |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Dalmatian Coast, Alpine colour | Island ferries begin to reduce |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Vienna and Salzburg Christmas markets, Alpine skiing, Tromsø northern lights, mild Madeira | Short days; many beach resorts quiet |
Travel tips
- Entry rules. All ten countries are in the Schengen Area. Visa-exempt visitors can generally stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check the official ETIAS website for the latest pre-travel authorisation requirements.
- Currency. Most of these countries use the euro; Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and Norway the Norwegian krone. Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for small towns and markets.
- Power. Most countries use Type C and F sockets; Switzerland uses Type J, which also accepts slim Type C plugs.
- Trains. Validate paper regional tickets in Italy before boarding, and reserve seats on popular high-speed routes.
- Sites. Book headline attractions ahead and respect dress codes at religious sites.
- Safety. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Insurance. Buy travel insurance that covers medical care, cancellations and activities such as hiking or skiing.
- Pace. Build in rest days; three countries in two weeks is plenty.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries can I see in two weeks?
Three, perhaps four if they are well connected by rail. More than that tends to turn a holiday into a series of transfers.
Is it better to travel by train or plane?
For journeys up to around five hours, trains are often as fast door to door and far more pleasant. For long distances, such as Lisbon to Athens, flying is more practical.
When is the most affordable time to visit?
Late autumn and winter are generally the quietest and most affordable periods, except in ski resorts and around major holidays.
Do I need a visa?
It depends on your nationality. Many visitors can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for short stays; always confirm requirements with official government sources before booking.
Is the euro accepted everywhere?
No. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and Norway the Norwegian krone. The other eight countries in this guide use the euro.
Which destinations suit first-time visitors?
Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Lisbon are excellent introductions: easy to navigate, well connected and rich in things to see and do.
Still have a question? Write to our editors.
