40+ One Week In Europe Itineraries

Planning a trip to Europe and only have one week? No problem!

One week in Europe might not seem like much time. But with some advance planning and ambition, you can definitely have an amazing experience.

To help you get started prioritizing and give you some destination inspiration, I’ve picked my top 43 itineraries for spending one week in Europe. 

I’ve been traveling to Europe for decades, since a semester abroad in London in college ignited my wanderlust. I’m a real Europhile and it’s by far my favorite travel destination.

Some of these itineraries include Europe’s most popular towns and cities. Others give you more off the beaten path destinations or natural wonders.

You can pick a sample itinerary to match your own interests — whether you want a glamorous city, historical and cultural options, outdoor scenery, or beaches.

There are essentially two ways to structure a one week in Europe trip. You can move around 2-3 times for a fast-paced trip that checks off bucket list items. Or, you choose a single base or region for a week and take day trips from there.

These itineraries assume you have arrived and are ready to go on day 1. But you can also use day one as an arrival day and you’ll likely still have some time to explore.

One Week In Europe Itineraries

Here they are! I’ve grouped these one week Europe itineraries by country or geographical region. It’s a long post (sorry), but there’s a lot to see in Europe!

1. Paris + Day Trips Itinerary

If you have the chance to spend one week in Paris, I say grab it! I’ve spent one week in Europe this way on a several occasions and highly recommend it. In fact, as I write this, I’m in Paris for a week to enjoy the holiday festivities and visit some new museums.

Paris is legendary as a city of romance. It’s filled with amazing things to do, many of which are perfectly free.

You can visit legendary museums, walk down cobbled streets in the Latin Quarter and Montmartre, or climb the Eiffel Tower which becomes a giant sparkler at night.

It’s super easy to day trip from Paris by train or via guided day tours. Some of the most popular ones, which I’ve included on my itinerary below are a day trip to Versailles, a day trip to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte, and a guided day trip to Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny.

Here’s how to spend one week in Paris:

• Day 1: Paris
• Day 2: Paris
• Day 3: Paris
• Day 4: Day trip to Versailles
• Day 5: Day trip to Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte
• Day 6: Day trip to Provins or Giverny
• Day 7: Paris

For more details, you can check out the many guides and itineraries on my Paris page.

2. Paris + Alsace Itinerary

This one week in Europe itinerary combines Paris with the wine region of Alsace. Practically bulging into Germany, the Alsace is another world from Paris.

You can admire some of the world’s most eye-catching half-timbered houses and streets that look like architectural stage sets. Traveling foodies can sample white whites on the Route du Vin and dine on the Franco-Germanic cuisine.

You can even sneak in a day trip to the cool Swiss city of Basel, which is just over the border in Switzerland. If you visit in the winter, you’ll find some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Here’s how to spend one week in Paris and the Alsace:

• Day 1: Paris
• Day 2: Paris
• Day 3: Paris
• Day 4: Drive to Colmar, stop in Ribeauville & Riquewhir
• Day 5: Colmar
• Day 6: Drive to Mulhouse, stopping at Eguisheim
• Day 7: Day trip to Basel Switzerland

3. Loire Valley Itinerary

Studded with beautiful chateaux, the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley is famous for its centuries old fairytale chateaux, natural beauty, and great wines.

The chateaux come complete with extravagant facades, opulent interiors, and splendid gardens. The best way to see these beauties is on a Loire Valley road trip by car.

Here’s how to spend one week in the Loire Valley:

• Day 1: Depart from Paris, stop in Chartres en route to Blois
• Day 2: Visit Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Cheverny from Blois
• Day 3: Drive to Amboise and visit Chateau d’Amboise and Chateau du Clos Luce
• Day 4: Visit Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chaumont
• Day 5: Drive to Chinon, stop at Chateau de Villandry and Chateau d’Usse
• Day 6: Visit Chateau de Langeais and Chateau Azay-le-Rideau
• Day 7: Visit Royal Abbey Fontevraud and Chateau d’Angers

4. Provence Itinerary

Provence is a dreamy, bucolic history book of a land, perfect for a geographical cure.

Provence has everything the mind conjures when you think of Europe — medieval lanes, clifftop panoramas, lyrical seascapes, pastel houses with French blue shutters, and a “step back in time” vibe. Ahh …

The nearest airport is in Marseille, so you should fly in there or take a high speed TVG train from Paris.

You could pick just one base in Provence and rent a villa. Alternatively, you could pick one base in western Provence (Arles) and one in eastern Provence in the Luberon Valley (Loumarin).

Here’s how to spend one week in Provence:

• Day 1: Arrive Arles
• Day 2: Arles
• Day 3: Day trip To Les Baux and Avignon, dinner in St. Remy
• Day 4: Drive to Lourmarin, stop in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and/or Menerbes on the way
• Day 5: Explore Lourmarin and Bonnieux or Lacoste
• Day 6: Day Trip to Gordes and Roussillon
• Day 7: Day trip to Aix-en-Provence, Vaison-la-Romaine

To help plan your trip, check out my 10 day itinerary for southern France, hidden gems in Provence, and beautiful towns of the Luberon.

I also have a one day in Vaison-la-Romaine itinerary and a one day in Avignon itinerary.

5. Dordogne Itinerary

Want to get away from the big city and have a bucolic week in Europe? Head to the Dordogne. It’s a gorgeous region in southwestern France, extending from Bordeaux to Auverge.

What makes it special? There are endless vineyards, ridiculously pretty UNESCO-listed villages that are crumbly from age, and Michelin star restaurants galore.

You can go wine tasting, cheese tasting, take a cooking class, or go truffle hunting. The options are endless!

To visit the Dordogne, you fly into Bergerac or Brive Airport. You’ll definitely need a car to get around in this region. Here’s how to spend one week in the Dordogne:

• Day 1: Arrive in Brive
• Day 2: Collanges-la-Rouge
• Day 3: Rocamadour
• Day 4: Rocamadour & Martel
• Day 5: Sarlat
• Day 6: Sarlat
• Day 7: Issigeac & Bergerac

6. Normandy Itinerary

Normandy is a region steeped in history. From its picturesque pastures to ancient fishing harbors, Normandy is a bucolic melange of medieval towns, sun-drenched seaside resorts, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

Normandy’s landscapes inspired the Impressionist painters. D-Day beaches commemorate the horrors of WWII. In Bayeux, a 1,000 year old tapestry tells the story of medieval warfare and sieges.

You can base yourself in Rouen, Honfleur, and/or Bayeux. The distances in Normandy aren’t far apart to drive.

Here’s how to spend one week in Normandy:

• Day 1: Drive to Rouen, stop in Giverny
• Day 2: Rouen
• Day 3: Honfleur
• Day 4: Day Trip To Etretat and/or Fecamp
• Day 5: Day trip to Le Havre or Deauville
• Day 6: Drive To Bayeux
• Day 7: Day Trip to D-Day Beaches

To get all the details for your trip, here’s my one week in Normandy itinerary and my guide to Giverny.

7. Champagne Region Itinerary

Why spend one week in Europe in France’s Champagne region? This gorgeous countryside region is just 80 minutes by train from Paris.

You can see one of the world’s great cathedrals and stock up on bubbly. Personally, I think Champagne is divine and underrated in the world of drinkables (although wine snobs don’t like to pair it with food).

The cathedral city of Reims is the capital of the Champagne region. Nearby Epernay considers itself the capital of sparkling wine itself. Epernay is prettier than Reims too — a jewel of graceful streets and centuries old mansions.

With or without a glass of champagne, a visit to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is unforgettable. Some experts think it’s France’s most beautiful cathedral, surpassing even Notre Dame in Paris.

Most Champagne houses have public tours on weekdays. Here’s how to spend one week getting tipsy in the Champagne region:

• Day 1: Troyes
• Day 2: Epernay
• Day 3: Epernay
• Day 4: Riley-la-Montage at Chateau de Rilly
• Day 5: Reims
• Day 6: Reims
• Day 7: Reims, back to Paris

Check out my guide to the romantic hidden gem of Troyes, a gorgeous half-timbered town, and my one day in Reims itinerary.

8. French Riviera Itinerary

The French Riviera is a glamorous seaside strip in southeast France. You can visit the aristocratic Monaco, sexy St. Tropez, medieval Eze, and red carpet Cannes. There are a million Michelin restaurants.

Nice doesn’t have the glitz of some of the better known Riviera superstars. But I think it’s a chic and underrated city.

Nice has an atmospheric and pedestrianized old quarter, centuries old wine cellars, and some cool eateries and bars.

Here’s how to spend one week in the French Riviera:

• Day 1: Nice
• Day 2: Nice
• Day 3: Day trip to Villefranch-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Day 4: Day trip to Monaco & Eze
• Day 5: Antibes and Cannes
• Day 6: St. Paul de Vence
• Day 7: Nice

9. Paris + London

This is a dynamite one week in Europe itinerary with two of my favorite big cities, Paris and London.

I mentioned Paris above. But London is definitely on par with Paris, both in terms of history and culture.

In London, you can visit famous landmarks, art galore, and iconic neighborhoods. If you’re an art lover, you can visit London’s best museums. History buffs can tour Roman London or Medieval London. If you’re a repeat visitor, you can check out London’s hidden gems.

Here’s how to spend one week in London and Paris:

• Day 1: Arrive in London
• Day 2: London
• Day 3: London
• Day 4: Train through the Chunnel to Paris
• Day 5: Paris
• Day 6: Paris
• Day 7: Paris

You may find these Paris and London itineraries helpful in planning:

• 3 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• 3 days in London itinerary
• 5 days in London itinerary

10. Northern Spain

Now I’m moving on to tackle Spain.

Are you a person who loves natural beauty? If so, spend one week in Europe in northern Spain. Called “Green Spain,” it’s a less touristy region of dramatic landscapes and idyllic towns.

This itinerary starts and ends in the exciting city of Bilbao. It’s a small foodie city beautifully situated amid rolling green hills and mountain ranges. It’s chock full of historic landmarks, modern starchitecture, Michelin restaurants, and world class museums.

Then you’ll journey on, hugging the coast, to some of the prettiest hidden gems in Spain that will charm your socks off.

Here’s how to spend one week in northern Spain:

• Day 1: Bilbao
• Day 2: Day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
• Day 3: Santillana Del Mar & Comillas
• Day 4: Oviedo
• Day 5: Day trip to Cudillero
• Day 6: Day trip to Gijon
• Day 7: Oviedo to Bilbao

For more details, you can check out my 1 week in northern Spain itinerary, my 2 days in Bilbao itinerary, and my guides to Gaztelugatxe and Santillana del Mar.

11. Basque Region Itinerary

Spain’s Basque Spain is divine place to spend one week in Europe. It’s unexpectedly and energetically diverse.

Every time I’ve traveled there, I’ve been seduced by its breathtaking landscapes, art-filled museums, and UNESCO landmarks, north to south.

In the Basque country, you can visit secret Spanish fishing villages, with flower-laden balconies. Or, you can glitz it up in ritzy resort towns like San Sebastian or cultural havens like Bilbao. 

If you love seafood, sun, and breathtaking coastal vistas, Basque Spain is your place. Here’s how to spend one week in the Basque region:

• Day 1: Bilbao
• Day 2: Bilbao or day trip to Onto & Arantazau
• Day 3: San Sebastián
• Day 4: San Sebastián
• Day 5: Day trip to Hondaribbia
• Day 6: Day trip to Biarritz France
• Day 7: Day trip to Gernika or Lekeitio

For more information on what to see, check out my 10 days in Basque Spain itinerary.

12. Barcelona + Day Trips

Barcelona is the perfect base for spending one week in Europe. Rich in historic sites, this cosmopolitan city boasts some of the world’s most unique and surrealistic architecture. It’s bordered on one side by mountains and the other by miles of golden sand beaches.

In Barcelona, you can study the works of Picasso, Miro, and Dali. Or pose with Antoni Gaudi’s fantastical Seussian architecture and fairytale houses.

Barcelona has an impressive diversity of neighborhoods. Architecturally and culturally, the city lends itself to endless discovery. And the tapas is to die for!

From Barcelona, it’s easy to day trip to Montserrat, day trip to Girona, and explore the beautiful towns on the Costa Brava like Cadaques, Besalu, Pals, and Tossa del Mar.

Here’s how to spend one week in Barcelona:

• Day 1: Barcelona
• Day 2: Barcelona
• Day 3: Barcelona & Montserrat
• Day 4: Day trip to Girona
• Day 5: Costa Brava
• Day 6: Costa Brava
• Day 7: Costa Brava

You can check out my 3 days in Barcelona itinerary and my Barcelona page for more information.

13. Central Spain

This one week in Europe itinerary takes you to central Spain. You can base yourself in Madrid and take day trips from there.

Madrid is a genteel capital, a hub of culture and old world elegance. It’s a beautiful thriving city studded with fantastic public squares and tree-lined boulevards, art-filled museums, and a lavish palace.

The city is surrounded by a swathe of must see towns that are easy to visit on a day trip from Madrid. Here’s how to spend one week in Central Spain:

• Day 1: Madrid
• Day 2: Madrid
• Day 3: Day trip to Segovia
• Day 4: Day trip to Toledo
• Day 5: Day trip to Salamanca
• Day 6: Day trip to Avila
• Day 7: El Escorial, Cuenca, or Valladolid

You can check out my 2 days in Madrid itinerary to get you started.

14. Southern Spain

Andalusia is a dreamy region in southern Spain. It’s an especially great off season winter destination.

Andalusia is perpetually sunny and boasts a well-balanced mix of exciting cities, UNESCO sites, hidden gems, tiny whitewashed villages, and natural wonders.

For this one week in Europe, you should base yourself in Seville and Granada and rent a car to drive to the smaller towns. (You can take the high speed train to Cordoba or visit on a guided day tour from Seville.) Driving is a breeze in Andalusia, just don’t drive into the historic center of town.

Here’s how to spend one week in southern Spain:

• Day 1: Seville
• Day 2: Seville
• Day 3: Day trip to Cordoba
• Day 4: Ronda
• Day 5: Antequera & Frigiliana
• Day 6: Granada
• Day 7: Granada

For more information, here’s my 10 days in Andalusia itinerary and guides to Seville, Granada, Cordoba, the Royal Alcazar, and the Alhambra.

15. Greatest Hits Spain Itinerary

Are you a city person? You may want to explore Spain’s “greatest hits.” This fun one week Europe itinerary takes you to Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville.

I’ve discussed them all above. You can easily do this trip by train and it’s probably better not to have a rental car. You won’t want one in the cities themselves.

Here’s how to spend a week in Spain’s classic cities:

• Day 1: Barcelona
• Day 2: Barcelona
• Day 3: Barcelona
• Day 4: Madrid
• Day 5: Madrid
• Day 6: Seville
• Day 7: Seville

16. Rome + Day Trips Itinerary

As with Paris, if you have time for one week in Rome, don’t hesitate! Rome is the perfect spot to park yourself and spend one week in Europe. Rome is an eminently walkable city and it’s easy to take day trips from Rome.

In Rome, you can tour the imperial ruins, gorge on Italian Renaissance art, ogle Bernini‘s extravagant Baroque creations, admire some of the most beautiful churches in Italy, and explore treasures of the Vatican.

For day trips, it’s easy to take the train from Rome Termini Station. You can also book guided day tours to Tivoli, Pompeii, and Orvieto.

• Day 1: Explore Rome
• Day 2: Explore Rome
• Day 3: Explore Rome and Vatican City
• Day 4: Day Trip To Tivoli
• Day 5: Day Trip to Pompeii
• Day 6: Day Trip to Orvieto
• Day 7: Explore more of Rome and/or half day trip to Ostia Antica

I’ve written over a 100 articles on Rome and Vatican City, so you should check out my Rome page for more information on what to see and do.

17. Rome + Amalfi Coast Itinerary

This one week in Europe itinerary finds you in Rome again. But this time, instead of day tripping after visiting Rome, you’ll move on to the famed Amalfi Coast.

With its stunning scenery, hill towns, and historic ruins, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most scenic rides. 

From Sorrento to Salerno, the vistas will leave your mouth gaping and your camera’s memory card full. Villas cling to cliffs and sandy coves beckon below.

Here’s how to spend one week in Rome and the Amalfi Coast:

• Day 1: Arrive and explore Rome
• Day 2: Explore Rome
• Day 3: Explore Rome
• Day 4: Day Trip to Tivoli (Hadian’s Villa & Villa d’Este)
• Day 5: Train or drive to Sorrento, explore Sorento
• Day 6: Day Trip to Positano
• Day 7: Day Trip to Pompeii or Capri

You’ll definitely want to book a Pompeii entrance ticket, boat tour of Capri, Path of the Gods guided walking tour, and the usual tickets for Rome

For more information you can check out my one week in the Amalfi Coast itinerary, 5 days in the Amalfi Coast itineraries, Capri itinerary, and my ultimate guide to Pompeii.

18. Venice + Day Trips Itinerary

Another 7 day Europe itinerary where you don’t have to move bases is to spend one week in Venice. You can enjoy the city at your leisure and take day trips from there by car, train, or ferry.

Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful and captivating cities, a natural movie set. No other place looks quite like it.

Venice is a medieval city built on water that shouldn’t exist in real life. It’s a mind-boggling maze of architectural and artistic treasures.

There are so many thing to do and see in Venice. You can take a gondola ride, ogle the opulent palaces, take in some world class museums, or stroll the stunning floating city.

You can take guided day trips to Padua, Verona, Ravenna, and even Bologna. Here’s how to spend one week in Venice:

• Day 1: Explore Venice
• Day 2: Explore Venice
• Day 3: Day trip to Venetian lagoon islands
• Day 4: Day trip to Padua
• Day 5: Day trip to Verona
• Day 6: Day Trip to Ravenna
• Day 7: Day Trip to Bologna or another day in Venice

For more information on Venice, check out my 1 day in Venice itinerary and 2 days in Venice itinerary. I also have guides to Verona, Ravenna, and the UNESCO-listed Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.

19. Tuscany

With a wonderful combination of culture, food, and wine, Tuscany is synonymous with la dolce vita. 

The region conjures images of vine-covered rolling hills, olive groves, and honey-toned hilltop towns. You may feel like you’re driving through a fresco.

Florence is one of my favorite small cities in Europe. It has the world’s greatest repository of Renaissance art and is beautiful to boot. San Gimignano and Siena are beautiful medieval cities. Indeed, every place in Tuscany is beautiful.

Here’s how to spend one week in Tuscany:

• Day 1: Florence
• Day 2: Florence
• Day 3: Day trip to Arrezo or Cortona
• Day 4: Drive to and explore Siena
• Day 5: Day trip to San Gimignano
• Day 6: Drive to Lucca and explore
• Day 7: Day trip To Pisa from Lucca

For more details, you can check out my 7 days in Tuscany itinerary and my 10 days in Tuscany itinerary. I also have itineraries/guides to Siena, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Cortona, and Pisa.

20. Italy’s Greatest Hits Itinerary

Are you a city person? If you want to explore Italy’s greatest hits, this fun one week itinerary takes you to the “big three” — Rome, Florence, and Venice.

I’ve discussed them all above. You can easily do this trip by train and it’s probably better not to have a rental car. You won’t want or need one in the cities themselves. You can take day trips via guided tour or train.

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy’s class cities:

• Day 1: Arrive and explore Rome
• Day 2: Explore Rome
• Day 3: Drive or high speed train to Florence
• Day 4: Explore Florence
• Day 5: Day trip to Siena or to Pisa & Lucca
• Day 6: Drive or high speed train To Venice
• Day 7: Explore Venice

For more details, check out my 10 days in Italy itinerary.

21. Umbria Itinerary

There’s still more of Italy to explore! This one week in Europe itinerary takes you to the Umbria region of central Italy.

It’s an idyllic, less touristy, version of Tuscany. Umbria’s stunning landscapes feature lush green farmlands, fields of sunflowers, and forested mountains. It’s dotted with some of the quaintest medieval towns in Italy.

Umbria is not a large area. It’s just over 3,000 square miles, smaller than Connecticut. But seeing all the highlights requires some careful planning.

Here’s how to spend one week in Umbria:

• Day 1: Perugia
• Day 2: Gubbio
• Day 3: Assisi + Spello
• Day 4: Bevagna + Montefalco, and/or Deruta
• Day 5: Todi + Spoleto
• Day 6: Orvieto
• Day 7: Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, and/or Narni

Check out my one week in Umbria itinerary to get the full scoop. I also have guides to Gubbio, Spello, Spoleto, Assisi, Orvieto, and Civita di Bagnoregio.

22. Venice To Milan Itinerary

Northern Italy is also a great region for spending one week in Europe going from from Venice to Milan. This route is dense with some of Italy’s top landmarks. 

You’ll find medieval UNESCO towns, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and secret hidden gems of the Renaissance. There’s plenty of amazing attractions to explore along the way.

You’ll visit the some of the most amazing towns in Italy stuffed full of UNESCO sites, stunning architecture, and top tier art.

Here’s how to spend on week in northern Italy:

• Day 1: Venice
• Day 2: Venice Day trip to Padua or Vicenza
• Day 3: Verona
• Day 4: Verona, Day Trip to Mantua
• Day 5: Bergamo
• Day 6: Drive to Milan
• Day 7: Explore Milan

I’ve mentioned Venice and Verona above. But I also have guides to Milan and to Mantua.

23. Eastern Sicily Itinerary

This one week in Europe itinerary features sunny eastern Sicily. This is the most popular and most visited area of the island, lorded over by Europe’s most active volcano Mt. Etna.

For this Sicily itinerary, you’ll fly into Catania, Sicily’s second largest city. I would recommend basing yourself in Taormina and Syracuse. You could also just stay in Syracuse for 7 days and day trip everywhere from there.

Here’s how to spend one week in eastern Sicily:

• Day 1: Syracuse
• Day 2: Syracuse
• Day 3: Syracuse, Day Trip to Ragusa and Noto
• Day 4: Taormina
• Day 5: Taormina & Castlemola
• Day 6: Taormina, Day Trip to Mt. Etna
• Day 7: Catania

You can check out my itineraries for Syracuse, Taormina, and Catania.

24. Western Sicily Itinerary

Western Sicily is another great one week in Europe destination. It’s less touristy than eastern Sicily, but no less delightful.

You can fly in Palermo, Sicily’s exciting capital, which boasts 8 UNESCO sites. You can visit the beyond charming towns of Cefalu and Erice. And then spend some days traipsing around ancient Elymian, Greek, and Carthaginian ruins.

Here’s how to spend one week in western Sicily:

• Day 1: Palermo
• Day 2: Palermo & Monreale
• Day 3: Cefalu
• Day 4: Segesta & Erice
• Day 5: Trapani & the Island of Mozia
• Day 6: Selinunte & Agrigento
• Day 7: Palermo

To help you along, here are my guides and itineraries for Palermo, Monreale, Segesta, Trapani, and the Valley of the Temples.

25. Ireland Itinerary

Looking for the proverbial pot of gold? Head to Ireland, the Emerald Isle, a place of beauty and history. Ireland is home to a friendly people, wild natural beauty, and Guinness and whiskey tasting.

Colorful Dublin is a sightseer’s delight. You can stroll down the glitzy Grafton Street but also visit historic prisons and cemeteries.

The Dingle Penninsula and Cliffs of Moher offer unspoiled nature at its best and most alluring.

Here’s how to spend one week in Ireland:

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin
Day 2: Drive to Killarney, visit the Rock of Cashel
Day 3: Ring of Kerry
Day 4: Dingle Peninsula
Day 5: Drive to Doolin
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher
Day 7: Galway, return to Dublin

26. London + Day Trips Itinerary

London is one of my favorite cities in the world! It’s an excellent place to park yourself to spend one week in Europe.

London is an incredibly exciting and cosmopolitan city. There’s something for everyone — art lovers, history buffs, and foodies.

You can spend days exploring St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and some utterly amazing London museums. It’s super easy to take the train from London for day trips and you can always book guided day tours to make the transportation easy.

Here’s how to spend one week in London:

Day 1: London
Day 2: London
Day 3: London
Day 4: Day trip to Oxford
Day 5: Day trip to Stonehenge and Bath
Day 6: Half day trip to Hampton Court Palace
Day 7: Day trip to Canterbury or Cotswolds

Check out my 3 days in London itinerary for more details. I also have guides and/or itineraries for Oxford, Stonehenge, Bath, Hampton Court Palace, and Canterbury.

27. London + the Cotswolds Itinerary

This one week itinerary combines London and the dreamy region of the Cotswolds. The word “Cotswolds” means “sheep enclosure in a rolling hillside.”

The area is full of villages with adorable thatched-roof cottages and cobbled lanes — Lacock, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Castle Combe, and Chipping Camden. Picture “ye old England” and this is it.

Here’s how to spend one week in London and the Cotswolds:

• Day 1: London
• Day 2: London
• Day 3: London
• Day 4: Stonehenge and Bath
• Day 5: Cotswolds
• Day 6: Cotswolds
• Day 7: Return to London

28. One Week In Kent England

The county of Kent is just east of London. It’s easy to get to and is a fantastic place to spend a week. 

Kent is so beautiful that it’s been dubbed the “Garden of England.” The county is graced with a wide array of medieval castles, well-preserved historic towns, grand manor homes, a rugged coastline, and a stunning cathedral.

This is the perfect one week in Europe if you want to explore cute English towns, see some castles, and avoid crowds.

• Day 1: Arrive and explore Faversham
• Day 2: Explore Canterbury
• Day 3: Visit Whitstable or Broadstairs
• Day 4: Visit Dover & Deal, move to second base
• Day 5: Castle Hopping
• Day 6: Visit Rye and Bodiam Castle
• Day 7: Visit Leeds Castle & Hever Castle

For more information, you can check out my one week in Kent itinerary and my guides to Faversham, Rye, Leeds Castle, and Hever Castle.

29. Croatia Itinerary

Croatia is a stunningly beautiful country. It’s home to waterfall-laced landscapes, gorgeous beaches, historic landmarks, Roman ruins, and charming hamlets. In the sunny Dalmatian Coast, dramatic cliffs rise above islands set in azure water.

In this one week Europe itinerary, you’ll spend 3 nights in Dubrovnik and 4 nights in Split. You could base in Zadar instead of Split, if you’d prefer a smaller and less busy town. But it’s easier to ferry to the islands from Split.

Dubrovnik is a magnetic fairytale walled city in Croatia. Split’s an ancient town that dates back to Roman times. It has an incredible natural setting and isn’t just a beach/party town. Zadar, Sibenik, and Trogir are beautiful medieval towns just made for wandering.

Here’s how to spend one week in Croatia:

• Day 1: Explore Dubrovnik
• Day 2: Explore Dubrovnik
• Day 3: Day Trip to Kotor Montenegro
• Day 4: Drive from Dubrovnik to Split and explore Split
• Day 5: Day Trip to Zadar and Sibenik
• Day 6: Day Trip to Trogir

You can check out my 10 days in Croatia itinerary for ideas and my guides to Split and the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace.

30. Adriatic Itinerary: Dubrovnik, Mostar & Kotor

This one week itinerary takes you to three countries in one week! You’ll start off in Dubrovnik Croatia and then spend 2 days in both Mostar Bosnia and Kotor Montenegro.

I mentioned Dubrovnik and Kotor above. But Mostar is no less beguiling.

Mostar has a Mostar has a charming and pristine old town with colorful buildings and mosques. The 16th century (reconstructed) Stari Most bridge is one of the most photogenic Islamic sites in Europe.

• Day 1: Explore Dubrovnik
• Day 2: Explore Dubrovnik
• Day 3: Kotor Montenegro
• Day 4: Kotor, Perast or Budva
• Day 5: Mostar
• Day 6: Mostar and back to Dubrovnik

You should check out my 2 days in Dubrovnik itinerary and my guide to Kotor.

31. Slovenia Itinerary

Tiny overlooked Slovenia is one of Europe’s most delightful off the radar destinations. It’s a gravely beautiful land of imposing green mountains, shimmering glacial blue lakes, and medieval towns.

Slovenia is every bit as beautiful as other European countries, but lacks the crowds and high prices. Ljubljana is a charming small capital with a cobbled Old Town often likened to Salzburg.

The countryside is dotted with caves, castles, deep blue lakes, and some cute villages. In the west is the beautiful city of Piran, a medieval seaside gem.

Here’s how to spend one week in Slovenia:

• Day 1: Arrive in and explore Ljublana
• Day 2: Explore Ljubljana
• Day 3: Day Trip to Predjama Cave Castle and Postojna Caves
• Day 4: Drive to Lake Bled, stay 2 nights
• Day 5: Visit Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj
• Day 6: Travel to Piran and explore
• Day 7: Day trip to Portorož or Izola

For more information check out my one day in Ljubljana itinerary and my guides to the most beautiful places in Slovenia, Lake Bled, and Piran.

32. Austria Itinerary

Austria is a country that seamlessly mixes cultured urbanity and the great outdoors. One minute you’re visiting a museum or Hapsburg palace in Vienna. The next you’re biking the Wachau Valley or admiring the alpine scenery.

In Vienna, you can visit a trio of palaces — the Belvedere Palace, the Hofburg Palace, and Schonbrunn Palace. I like the Belvedere Palace best because it’s home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings.

Hallstatt and Salzburg are absolute fairytale towns. Hallstatt is set on a swan filled lake. Salzburg is a musical mecca with Baroque churches, a cobbled old town, and a medieval fortress.

Here’s how to spend one week in Austria:

• Day 1: Explore Vienna
• Day 2: Explore Vienna
• Day 3: Explore Vienna, half day trip to Schonnbrunn Palace
• Day 4: Day Trip to Bratislava or the Wachau Valley
• Day 5: Drive to Hallstatt, overnight in Hallstatt
• Day 6: Drive to Salzburg, explore and overnight there
• Day 7: Another day in Salzburg or day trip to Mondsee and Passau

You can check out my 3 days in Vienna itinerary and other guides on Vienna page. I also have a guide to the Wachau Valley, which is a great day trip from Vienna.

33. Bavaria Germany Itinerary

For me, Bavaria conjures bliss-y visions. I dream of half-timbered houses clad in flowers, onion domed Baroque churches, and majestic castles piercing blue skies.

Munich is a sophisticated city with a great foodie and beer scene. You can also traipse through some excellent museums, admire candy cane colored buildings, and climb the tower of the Rathaus, or City Hall.

You can take a day trip to the famed Neuschwanstein Castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Then, head to Nuremberg, another storied fairytale city with a WWII past.

From Nuremberg you can day trip to Rothenberg ob der Tauber and to Bamberg. Both of these exquisite little towns are UNESCO sites.

Here’s how to spend one week in Bavaria:

• Day 1: Arrive and explore Munich
• Day 2: Explore Munich
• Day 3: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and/or Linderhof Palace
• Day 4: Drive to Nuremberg, stopping in Augsburg or Dinklesbuhl (or both) en route
• Day 5: Explore Nuremberg
• Day 6: Day Trip to Rothenberg ob der Tauber
• Day 7: Day Trip to Bamberg or Regensburg

For more details, you can check out my 10 days in Bavaria itinerary and my guides to Munich, Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Neuschwanstein Castle.

34. Germany Itinerary

Germany is a really large country and one week in Europe trip there barely scrapes the surface.

But if you like city breaks, you can base yourself in Munich and Berlin. You can enjoy these two amazing cities and take some great day trips.

As I mentioned above, Munich makes a great city break. Berlin is a place where the past and present merge. It’s a captivating city of leafy boulevards, grand Neo-Classical buildings, a bundle of historic sites, world class museums, and glitzy shopping arcades.

Here’s how to spend one week in Germany:

• Day 1: Explore Munich
• Day 2: Explore Munich
• Day 3: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
• Day 4: Train to Berlin or drive and stop in Nuremberg
• Day 5: Explore Berlin
• Day 6: Explore Berlin
• Day 7: Day trip to Potsdam

35. Prague, Vienna, and Budapest Itinerary

This one week Central Europe itinerary takes you to some of the region’s greatest hits. The cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest all boast rich histories, stunning architecture, showstopper medieval town squares, and culinary delights.

Dubbed the “City of 100 Spires,” Prague is synonymous with over-the-top romance and evocative Old World charm.

Vienna is awash in imperial palaces, grand Baroque architecture, and seriously swoonful museums. Budapest is a key stop on the vaunted Danube River, a hot European city break, and dubbed the “Paris of the East” and the “Pearl of the Danube.”

Here’s how to spend one week in Central Europe:

• Day 1: Explore Prague
• Day 2: Explore Prague
• Day 3: Drive (or train) to Vienna, stop at Cesky Krumlov en route
• Day 4: Explore Vienna
• Day 5: Explore Vienna
• Day 6: Drive (or train) to and explore Budapest
• Day 7: Explore Budapest

For more ideas, you can check out my 10 days in Central Europe itinerary and my itineraries for Vienna and Budapest.

36. Munich, Salzburg & Vienna Itinerary

This is another popular one week Europe itinerary in Germany and Austria. You can visit Munich and Vienna, which I mentioned above. In between, you can travel to the enchanting city of Salzburg with its elegant domes and spires.

Wachau Valley is the verdant heartland of the Austrian Danube. It’s a 24 mile stretch of pure loveliness between Krems and Melk, studded with eye catching villages, craggy castles, and terraced vineyards.

Here’s how to spend on week in Germany and Austria:

• Day 1: Munich
• Day 2: Munich or Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
• Day 3: Travel to Salzburg with stop at Herrenschiemsee Palace
• Day 4: Salzburg
• Day 5: Vienna
• Day 6: Vienna
• Day 7: Day Trip to Wachau Valley

37. Belgium Itinerary

Belgium is a delightfully underrated country with fabulous architecture. It has an international art scene, world class breweries, and picturesque towns. It’s a petite country that’s a perfect place to spend one week in Europe.

Brussels is decked out in chocolate box imagery, especially on the Grand Place. It’s the perfect place to kick off a visit to Belgium.

Bruges is one of Europe’s most romantic and enchanting cities. It’s a feast for the eyes, full of half timbered homes, dreamy canals, and medieval buildings.

Ghent is an overlooked Flemish city with cobbles, canals, and some of Belgium’s best food. Antwerp has old world charm and was the home of Rubens (whose house you can visit).

Wherever you go in Belgium, you’ll love the sweet smells from waffle and chocolate shops. Here’s how to spend on week in Belgium:

• Day 1: Brussels
• Day 2: Brussels
• Day 3: Bruges
• Day 4: Bruges
• Day 5: Ghent
• Day 6: Ghent or day trip to Antwerp
• Day 7: Brussels

If you want to have just one base in Belgium, Ghent might be the most convenient.

38. Copenhagen + Stockholm Itinerary

Copenhagen and Stockholm are two of the best cities to visit in Northern Europe. They’re both incredibly beautiful.

The Danish city of Copenhagen is covered in colorful houses in its Nyhaven and Christianshavn neighborhoods. It’s a small walkable city, yet filled with big ticket attractions and some fine museums.

Stockholm is a striking city of islands with gorgeous waterfront promenades. You can admire grand architecture and a fairytale-like old town as you cruise down canals.

• Day 1: Copenhagen
• Day 2: Copenhagen
• Day 3: Copenhagen
• Day 4: Fly to Stockholm
• Day 5: Stockholm
• Day 6: Stockholm
• Day 7: Day trip to Sandhamn, Sweden

I also have a one day in Copenhagen itinerary to give you ideas for that city.

39. Switzerland Itinerary

Planning one week in Europe in Switzerland is always a good idea! Switzerland is a small country that you can easily traverse by train or car.

It’s a stunning country with gorgeous mountain views, clear lakes, and delicious fondue.

Zurich is a sophisticated city just loaded with museums and cultural attractions. Lucerne is one of the world’s prettiest and most photogenic small cities.

You can’t beat the scenery in Interlaken and Zermatt. And, Basel, well that might be my favorite. It’s cool, colorful, and compact. It’s brimming with old world charm, has a beautiful Cathedral, and a buzzing food scene!

Here’s how to spend one week in Switzerland:

• Day 1: Zurich
• Day 2: Bern
• Day 3: Lucerne
• Day 4: Interlaken and Jungfraujoch 
• Day 5: Basel
• Day 6: Zermatt
• Day 7: Return to Zurich

40. Iceland Itinerary

Iceland is a supercharged landscape of icy lava fields, black sand beaches, soaring waterfalls, and bursting geysers. It’s a theater for natural beauty, a Nordic nirvana.

Reykjavik is a very cool city. For being set in a country known for its scenery, Reykjavik is a cosmopolitan and a health and wellness destination.

The Golden Circle makes a great day trip from Reykjavik. The southern coast offers up hot springs, crater lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls.

• Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, visit the Blue Lagoon
• Day 2: Reykjavik
• Day 3: Golden Circle
• Day 4: Landmannalaugar Day Trip, Icelandic Highlands
• Day 5: South Coast of Iceland
• Day 6: South Coast of Iceland
• Day 7: South Coast of Iceland

41. Greek Island Itinerary

With their picture-perfect whitewashed villages and beaches set in the blue Aegean Sea, Greece’s islands deserve every bit of their fame.

Santorini and Mykonos are known for their embrace of excess and party lifestyle. But they are also an incredibly pretty place to put up your feet and relax. Both islands are well connected to Athens.

Near Mykonos is the important archaeological site of Delos you might make time for. Rhodes is a UNESCO site and filled with medieval fortresses, cobbled lanes, and archaeological sites.

Here’s a good one week itinerary in Greece for first timers:

• Day 1: Arrive in Santorini
• Day 2: Santorini
• Day 3: Santorini
• Day 4: Naxos or Rhodes
• Day 5: Paros
• Day 6: Mykonos
• Day 7: Mykonos & Delos

42. Portugal Itinerary

There’s nothing as romantic as an idyllic road trip through Portugal. The country is a land finely aged like wine. It stuns with its vintage-y cities, whitewashed medieval villages, a beautiful seacoast, and delicious food and wine.

This one week Europe itinerary has you based in Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto. You can also visit Coimbra as a stopover between Lisbon and Porto.

Lisbon is the sun-kissed capital and known as the “Queen of the Sea.” It’s a charming and unique blend of sophistication and faded old world charm.

Coimbra is cute as can be and boasts one of the oldest universities in the world. Porto is a mosaic of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-Classical architecture with a pinch of picturesque crumbling buildings.

Here’s how to spend one week in Portugal:

• Day 1: Lisbon
• Day 2: Lisbon
• Day 3: Day trip to Sintra
• Day 4: Coimbra
• Day 5: Porto
• Day 6: Porto
• Day 7: Day trip to Guimaraes or Braga

Check out my itineraries and guides for Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Coimbra, and Guimaraes.

43. Portugal + Spain Itinerary

This one week Spain-Portugal itinerary takes you from Lisbon Portugal to Seville Spain, which are the two perfect bases.

This popular road trip route is dense with exciting cities, must visit medieval villages, Moorish architecture, UNESCO-listed landmarks, and loads of old world charm.

Here’s how to spend one week in southern Portugal and southern Spain:

• Day 1: Lisbon
• Day 2: Lisbon & Belem
• Day 3: Lisbon, Sintra Day Trip
• Day 4: Drive to Seville
• Day 5: Seville
• Day 6: Day trip to Cordoba
• Day 7: Day Trip to Ronda or Granada

I’ve mentioned Lisbon and Seville above, but you can also check out my guides to Cordoba and Granada.

My Recommendations

I know 40+ itineraries are a lot to choose from. Here are my own recommendations on how to spend one week in Europe, depending on your traveling style and individual interests.

First Timers

If it’s your first time spending one week in Europe, you may want to focus on these itineraries:

• Paris + London
• Italy’s Greatest Hits
• Spain’s Greatest Hits
• Prague + Budapest + Vienna

City Lovers

If you have a love affair with big cities and all they have to offer (culture, entertainment, food), these itineraries are best for you:

• London + Day Trips
• Rome + Day Trips
• London + Paris
• Barcelona + Day Trips
• Prague + Budapest + Vienna
• Spain’s Greatest Hits
• Italy’s Greatest Hits

Nature Lovers

If you’re looking for some restorative greenery or dramatic scenery on your vacation, these one week in Europe itineraries will do the trick:

• Croatia
• Slovenia
• Switzerland
• Iceland
• Kent England
• Northern Spain

Couples

Looking for a romantic escape? Couples should look at these one week Europe itineraries:

• Greek Islands
• Tuscany
• Andalusia
• Portugal
• French Riviera

Foodies

Are you just there for the food on vacation? I don’t blame you. If that’s your traveling priority, you should consider these one week in Europe itineraries:

• Paris + the Alsace
• France’s Dordogne Region
• Spain’s Basque Region
• Tuscany
• Paris + Day Trips
• Eastern or Western Sicily

Lovers of Off the Beaten Path Medieval Villages

Can’t resist a crumbling medieval village? I know I can’t.

These are the places I most love in Europe. If you want to ogle dreamy little towns, check out these one week in Europe itineraries:

• Dordogne
• London & the Cotswolds
• Kent England
• Umbria
• Tuscany

More Than One Week In Europe?

If you can get more time off, you could easily combine two of these one week in Europe itineraries to make a 2 week itinerary.

Some excellent combinations would be:

• Croatia and Slovenia
• Paris and Provence
• Bavaria and Austria
• Germany and Austria
• Central Spain and Southern Spain
• Portugal and Southern Spain
• London and Ireland
• Switzerland and Austria
• Paris + Alsace and Switzerland

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week in Europe itineraries and are ready to start planning your trip. If you liked it, pin it for later.