24 Perfect One Week Europe Itinerary Options

I, like many people, find myself spending a lot of time researching European vacation ideas and planning trips - the first step of which is of course deciding where to go. Countless times I have found myself with the same question: where to spend one week in Europe? It seems like I am always on the hunt for one week vacation ideas. Here are 24 perfect one week Europe itinerary options!

Looking for more trip ideas? Click here for 10 European towns I think every traveler should visit and here for the best Italy itinerary!

 

24 Perfect One Week Europe Itinerary Options:

 

The Best Tools for Traveling Europe

Before we get into the Europe itineraries, let’s talk about planning tools! As a full time traveler with a LOT of experience planning trips, I have a handful of sites and tools that I cannot live without. They save me money, time, and frustration - all of which are very important for me and should be to you, too.

For hotels I always use HotelsCombined, as you will notice in my specific recommendations below. I love them because they compare all of the top travel sites in one spot - with no booking fee and no markup. Click here to search HotelsCombined.

When I'm not staying at a hotel, I love Airbnb. When chosen right, it provides a more local experience and you can often get a lot more space for less money. Click here to get $40 off your first stay.

To get from city to city while in Europe, I usually either fly or take a train. For train travel I recommend using Rail Europe, the #1 distributor for European train tickets and rail passes. I like that you can create an account with them which helps keep all of your tickets and info in one central location. Click here to search Rail Europe.

To get around while in city, I recommend walking, using public transit, or Uber if it's available. In many places, like Lisbon for example, Uber is dirt cheap. If you are new to Uber, use code "kbae3" to get your first ride for free. You can also use it on Uber Eats!

For tours, museum tickets, and other activities, I recommend GetYourGuide. They are a trusted site and have lots of unique things to do along with all of the standard touristy activites. Booking everything individually can be a bit of nightmare to keep track of. With GetYourGuide you can create an account to book and manage all of your tickets in one central location. Click here to search GetYourGuide.

I'm also a big fan of Airbnb Experiences, which are one of a kind activities hosted by locals. Click here to check those out.

 
DID YOU KNOW: when you book your flights, accommodations, and activities through the links on any of our blog posts, it helps keep our site running at no additional cost to you. We really appreciate your support!
 

1. Positano (Amalfi Coast) + Rome

Positano on the Amalfi Coast and Rome make the perfect European itinerary.

If you know me personally or follow me on Instagram then you know that there is nothing I love more than Positano on the Amalfi Coast.  John Steinbeck was once quoted saying “Positano bites deep.  It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” and I really could not agree more. It is a place you have to see to believe and even then you will hardly believe it is real.  If there’s one place that I recommend you visit, it’s this.

If you plan to head here or just dream of doing so, I have all of the necessary information to help plan your entire trip! I’ve visited numerous times and made friends with locals during each visit. Because of this my recommendations are not the typical touristy things but actual things that locals do and recommend. Check out the “helpful resources” section below for everything you need to plan your Amalfi Coast trip. Don’t miss the free downloadable travel guide, too!

Roma, the lively capital of Italy, is full of rich history and a vibrant social scene and a logical stop after the Amalfi Coast.  Home of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Michelango’s Sistine Chapel and so much more, you will more likely run out of time than of things to do here.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Rome. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM ROME TO POSITANO: To get to Positano you will need to take a train to either Naples or Salerno and then take a cab or ferry to Positano. Click here to see the latest prices for trains. For how to get to Positano after the train ride, click here for a very detailed post with all of the details.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

2. Lisbon + Lagos

In Portugal, Lisbon and Lagos make for the perfect one week Europe itinerary.

If you've been to San Francisco and enjoyed it, odds are you'll love Lisbon as well.  Often called the San Francisco of Europe, it's known for having delicious food, many hills, and even it's own Golden Gate Bridge look-a-like! It has become extremely popular in recent years and is a must see.

Lisbon is another place that I consider myself an expert of. Below under “helpful resources” I have covered in great detail everything you need to plan your trip there. Don’t miss the free downloadable travel guide, too!

South of Lisbon by about 300 km lies the beautiful beach town of Lagos in Portugal's Algarve region.  If you have ever been on Pinterest before then you have likely seen a photo or two of it's well-known cove, Praia do Camilo.  Lagos offers amazing beaches, a charming (but small) historic center, and a bit of a wild nightlife.  

Together Lisbon and Lagos make a perfect Europe itinerary! For more itinerary information, click here for the best Portugal itinerary.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Lisbon. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM LISBON TO LAGOS: Take a train from Lisbon to Lagos, duration ~3.5 hours, or drive for around ~2 hours 45 mins. Do this now because trains in Portugal will fully sell out! I’m unfortunately speaking from experience :) Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

 

3. Paris + London

Paris and London make for a great one week Europe trip not just because they are absolutely fabulous but also because they are major transportation hubs.

There’s a famous saying “Paris is always a good idea” and for good reason - it’s absolutely magical year-round.  It is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world and a place full of endless things to see and do.  If you are looking for history, culture, art, fashion, and amazing food, Paris is for you.

Paris is a place I have visited countless times and gotten to know very intimately. If you do plan to visit Paris you will find below under “helpful resources” an incredibly thorough amount of posts about Paris - everything you need to plan your trip. Don’t miss the free downloadable travel guide, too!

And don’t forget to capture the moment! Whether it’s for Instagram or just to keep for yourself, you cannot go to Paris without properly capturing the memories. I have searched high and low for the best option, and I’ve found it. The over 1K almost perfect reviews speak for themselves, really! Click here for more information and to reserve your spot (it sells out early and often, so hurry).

Similarly, London also offers all of the above and is also a major transportation hub, making it very easy (and often cheap-ish) to get to.  If you want to visit two great places while minimizing travel time, this itinerary is a wonderful option!

To see the best sites and get some great photos of you for the ‘gram at the same time, click here to see the latest prices and reserve your spot!

Paris and London are so great that you could even extend this to be a 10 day Europe trip if you have the time.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Paris (or London). Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM PARIS TO LONDON: The easiest way to get from Paris to London is by train which takes ~2.5 hours.  There are an average of 16 trains per day, leaving once per hour. Click here to see the latest prices. You should absolutely book this in advance, prices get very expensive last minute!

WHERE TO STAY:

 

4. Copenhagen + Stockholm

If you’re looking for one week European itineraries in Scandinavia, Copenhagen and Stockholm are an excellent options.

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a lively, fun, and colorful city worth checking out!  There is delicious (healthy!) food, great shopping, and a lot to see and do.  Plus it is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world - how can you say no to that?  Make sure to rent a bike and do as the locals do!  

From Copenhagen, Stockholm is an excellent second stop.  It too is full of healthy, delicious food, and beautiful sights.  Don't miss colorful Gamla Stan (their old town).

PS. If you have 10 days in Europe (or more), add on Gothenburg, Sweden! It’s one of my favorite places in the world.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Copenhagen. Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET FROM COPENHAGEN TO STOCKHOLM: The easiest way to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm is via train, which takes around 5 hours. There are an average of 5 trains per day, leaving around every 3 hours. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

5. Lucerne + Interlaken + the Jungfrau Region

Switzerland is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the perfect addition to any Europe trip itinerary.  It has history, beautiful lakes, jaw-dropping mountains, charming villages, and chocolate and cheese!  How can you say no to that? Sounds like the best one week Europe vacation to me!

Lucerne is a beautiful city located on Lake Lucerne, just south of Zurich.  Known for it's well preserved medieval architecture, colorful old town, and flower-covered Chapel Bridge.  After Lucerne head to one of my favorite places of all time (really!).  

Interlaken, a resort town situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is known as being the outdoor sports capital of Europe and is one of the most beautiful places I have ever laid my eyes on.  It’s also the gateway to two additional bucket list-worthy villages - Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.  Don't miss a day trip to Jungfrau, known as "The Top of Europe", either!

Europe in a week can feel rushed but not this itinerary. These cities are very close together plus the Swiss Train System is one of the best in the world so it’s a breeze.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Zurich then take a train to Lucerne. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM LUCERNE TO INTERLAKEN: The train ride between Lucerne and Interlaken is one of the prettiest in the world and therefore there's no better way to travel between the two.  There are approximately 10 trains per day on average. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

6. Amsterdam + Haarlem + Utrecht

For my preferred 1 week Europe itinerary in the Netherlands, visit Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Utrecht.

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is an undeniably beautiful town built on an elaborate canal system like you have never seen before. Per square meter, it is home to more museums than any other city in the world! In addition to museums and canals it offers history, beauty, waffles, the infamous Red-light District, and a city full of bike paths if you are brave enough to give cycling a go.  

A day trip away, beautiful Haarlem is a medieval town full of cobblestone streets, famous for its tulip fields.  Utrecht, a lesser known town in the Netherlands, is a city in the central part of the country.  It has a popular medieval old town, canals, and was once named one of the world's most overlooked places by Lonely Planet.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Amsterdam. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM AMSTERDAM TO UTRECHT: Travel by train which takes ~30 minutes.  There is an average of 46 trains a day between Utrecht and Amsterdam, leaving approximately every 41 minutes. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

Interested in a more local experience? Click here for the best Amsterdam Airbnbs.

 

7. Venice + Burano + Lake Como

You cannot ever go wrong with Italy and Lake Como and Venice are no exception!  These three together make for the perfect Europe 1 week itinerary.

The floating city is one of the most unique cities in the world and a place that should not be missed.  It has no roads and is instead made up of canals full of boats and gondolas taking lovers and friends on scenic rides through the almost-unreal landscape.  It's also rumored to be sinking, so you better get there before it's gone!  

From Venice you can also easily visit Burano, the most colorful town in Europe.  

Lake Como is a lake located in northern Italy, very close to the border of Switzerland, and just 3 hours from Venice by train.  It is a popular upscale area, known for its dramatic beauty and being the home of George Clooney.  The lake is home to many towns including Bellagio, Como, Tremezzo, Varenna, and Lecco to name a few.  It is beautiful, glamorous, relaxing, and I find it to be very unique to the rest of Italy.  

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Venice. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM VENICE TO LAKE COMO: Travel by train from Venice to Varenna, duration ~3.5 hours. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

8. Munich + Rothenburg + Heidelberg

Hoping for a Europe travel itinerary that includes Germany? This one is for you!

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is most famous for it’s annual Oktoberfest celebration but is actually much more than that.  It has beautiful parks, interesting (and often horribly sad) history, and lively beer halls and outdoor beer gardens which are a blast even outside Oktoberfest.  Don't miss Neuschwanstein Castle!  

Rothenburg, also in Bavaria, is an absolutely charming German village most famously known as being the inspiration behind the village in Disney’s Pinocchio.  It is a well-preserved medieval town perfect for a day of exploring and photo taking.

From Rothenburg head to Heidelberg, another beautiful German town filled with cobblestone streets, adorable restaurants and cafes, and the magnificent Heidelberg Castle.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Munich. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM MUNICH TO ROTHENBURG TO HEIDELBERG: It's possible to get from Munich to Rothenburg via train but it requires many stops (2-3) and therefore a car is likely your best bet.  Same goes for Rothenburg to Heidelberg. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

9. The Greek Islands

The best Europe itinerary? The Greek islands are such a popular destination that I'd be more surprised if you hadn't already considered this as an option.  Although Mykonos and Santorini are beautiful, I would actually recommend venturing off the beaten path to some of the smaller, less touristy islands for your 1 week Europe trip.

Milos is very up and coming yet still mainly untouched.  Get to it before all of the tourists do!  Hydra, which is completely wheeled-vehicle free, is a true gem.  Wander the beautiful streets, shop in the dozens of stores lining the port, try a Greek iced coffee while people watching, eat dinner at Sunset Restaurant, and then grab a drink at Omilos.  Porto Heli is worth a visit even if just to spend a day relaxing at the glamorous Nikki Beach.  And Ermioni, although incredibly small, is a nice place to spend a few hours exploring.  Do not miss a drink at Cavo Bianco!

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Athens then take a ferry or boat. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING AROUND THE GREEK ISLANDS: By ferry or boat. In rare cases during peak season and to only certain islands you can also fly.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

10. Manchester + London

If you are a regular reader of mine then you know how much I love both of these spots.  Manchester and London together are a great combo for a 7 day Europe trip!

Manchester, often overlooked although I'm not sure why, is a city just 2 hours north of London.  It is lively and full of character, offering something for everyone from sports and music to art and history.  Similarly, London also offers all of the above and is also a major transportation hub, making it very easy (and often cheap-ish) to get to.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Manchester (Virgin Atlantic offers direct flights from a handful of American cities now!). Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET FROM MANCHESTER TO LONDON: Manchester is located just 2 hours from London via train.  The route is very popular, with 36 trains between the two per day. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

11. Gothenburg + West Sweden

If you are a fan of the outdoors, fresh seafood, culture, and road trips, then Gothenburg and West Sweden is where you should go for your one week itinerary Europe.  

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city, located on Sweden’s west coast just south of Norway, north of Denmark, and a few hours from Stockholm.  It is known for being the birthplace of Volvo, founded in Gothenburg in 1927, as well as for it’s gastronomy and for being one of the centers of music, art, and literature in Sweden.  

The area known as West Sweden surprisingly does not include the entire west coast of Sweden, but is instead the area from just outside Gothenburg all the way up to the Norwegian border.  It includes thousands of islands (over 8,000 I believe!) and is known for having some of the best seafood in the world and being an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.  I really cannot rave about them enough nor can I recommend a more beautiful spot for a road trip.

PS. Looking for a 10 day Europe trip itinerary? You could easily extend this to be longer than one week!

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Gothenburg. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING AROUND WEST SWEDEN: By car (Volvo, preferably, since it was born in Gothenburg!)

WHERE TO STAY:

 

12. Colmar + Strasbourg

If you have ever wanted to hop right into a fairytale, then Colmar, France is where you should start your 1 week in Europe.   Think colorful medieval buildings and cobblestone streets lined on a beautiful canal.  It's also part of the Alsatian Wine Route which is a road connecting the main Alsace wine producing regions.  

From Colmar head to Strasbourg, another French town in the Alsace region.  Since it's located very close to the German border, it is in unique in that it has both French and German influences.  Although it has cold and snowy winters, it seems magical even in December during the Christmas markets, making it the perfect France itinerary 1 week year-round!

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Strasbourg or take a train from Paris or Zurich. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM COLMAR TO STRASBOURG: Drive (~53 minutes) or take a train (~25 minutes).  Colmar to Strasbourg is a very common train route with an average of 29 trains a day, leaving approximately every 36 minutes. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

 

13. Prague + Budapest

Looking specifically for an eastern Europe itinerary 1 week? Located in Eastern Europe, Prague and Budapest offer a great introduction to the eastern side of the continent if it is new and of interest to you on your Europe itinerary 1 week.

Prague is beautiful with its red roof tops and is often compared to Paris for its stunning beauty. It's also said to have the best beer in all of Europe! Don't miss its magnificent Old Town Square and make sure to go up the Astronomical Clock for the best views in the city.

Hungary's capital, Budapest, is another Eastern Europe hot-spot and was even ranked the world's second best city in 2013 by Conde Nast. It offers a little bit of everything and is a great second stop on a visit to Prague. Don't miss the thermal baths and if you're up for an adventure, try it at night!

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Prague or Budapest. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM PRAGUE TO BUDAPEST: My recommendation would be to take the overnight train from Prague to Budapest. That way you travel while sleeping, it's your hotel for the night, and it's fun! Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

14. The Croatian Islands

If you are looking for Europe trip ideas that involve beautiful blue waters, ancient towns, and island-hopping, Croatia is a fabulous option especially if you are a seafood fan!

Croatia, an Eastern European country on the Adriatic Sea, has over 1,000 islands of varying size and popularity. While there are so many different islands worth visiting, a few of my favorites that I would recommend include: Hvar, Vis (Komiza, Milna), Palmizana. And don't miss the blue cave on Biševo. The perfect place to spend a week in Europe.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Split and take off from there by ferry or boat. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING AROUND THE CROATIAN ISLANDS: By ferry or boat

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

 

15. Reykjavik + Vik (Iceland Road Trip)

An Iceland road trip is the perfect one week trip to Europe. And thanks to Iceland-based budget airline WOW air, flights there are now cheaper than ever!

While you can easily spend more than one week road tripping around Iceland, I am told, you can still see a fair amount if you only have one week to spare. Start your trip in Reykjavik, the country's capital and largest city (also where you'll fly into). It is home to the colorful buildings you see above and that magical Blue Lagoon spa you see all over Instagram. And do not miss Vik, home of that black sand beach you likely also see all over Instagram ;)

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Reykjavik. Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET FROM REYKJAVIK TO VIK: Road trip!

WHERE TO STAY:

 

16. Puglia, Italy

7 days in Europe where to go? Puglia! Puglia is a beautiful region full of many picturesque towns in the southern region of Italy's "boot" and the perfect spot for your 7 days in Europe itinerary. It is very low key so a week here might be too long for some people but if you are looking for a relaxing week in a unique place this is a great option.

Driving from one town to the next you will be likely be shocked at how different they are from each other - from Alberobello's trulli stone huts to colorful Gallipoli. Don't miss Cisternino and the famous white town, Ostuni, either!

It’s the perfect spot for a 7 day road trip Europe - click here for the perfect Puglia road trip itinerary.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Bari. Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET AROUND: You gotta rent a car. Don't be scared, though, the roads are totally fine. The only not-so-fun part is parking so try to get the smallest car you can!

WHERE TO STAY: Click here for where to stay in Puglia.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

 

17. Salzburg + Hallstatt + Vienna

When you find yourself with 7 days in Europe, beautiful Austria is a great place and one of the best Europe itinerary options!

Salzburg, Austria is most widely known for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the Sound of Music. If that's not reason enough to check it out, it's stunning old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's photogenic streets look out of a fairytale.

And speaking of fairytales, Hallstatt is a jaw dropping village that you will without a doubt want to take a thousand pictures of. It sits alongside a lake lined with shops and cafes and has - my favorite - a funicular leading to a viewpoint above the lake.

From there head to Vienna, Austria's capital and largest city. It offers tons of history including numerous imperial palaces and is known as the City of Music!

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Salzburg. Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET FROM SALZBURG TO VIENNA: The easiest way to get from Salzburg to Vienna is via train, which takes around 2.5 hours. It is a popular route with around 39 trains traveling between the two per day. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

18. Antwerp + Brussels + Paris

For the best Europe trip itinerary, why not see two countries in one week?

Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium and is a picturesque gem! Known for it's diamonds, fashion, and historic city center, I read it described at Belgium's capital of cool on countless blogs while researching this.

From Antwerp head to beautiful Brussels, capital of Belgium and also often referred to as the capital of Europe. Offering many museums, great shopping, and excellent restaurants, Brussels is a wonderful addition to any itinerary. It is split into several districts, each with their own unique characteristics and charm. Of course do not miss the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful city squares in all of Europe. If you happen to be there in August, every other year there is a "flower carpet" setup in the square. What's a flower carpet? Millions of flowers setup in patterns to make a 19,000 square ft carpet.

And less than an hour and a half from Brussels lies Paris, making it the perfect last stop! There’s a famous saying “Paris is always a good idea” and for good reason - it’s absolutely magical year-round. It is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world and a place full of endless things to see and do. If you are looking for history, culture, art, fashion, and amazing food, Paris is for you.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Brussels (or Paris). Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET FROM BRUSSELS TO PARIS: You can quickly and conveniently get to Paris from Brussels via train. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and there are an average of 27 trains per day between the two. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

HELPFUL RESOURCES: See itinerary #3.

 

19. Cologne + Luxembourg

If you are looking for 1 week vacation ideas more off the beaten path in Germany, look no further than Cologne. It is one of the oldest cities in Germany so it offers a ton of history and is located on the beautiful Rhine. Try a sightseeing tour on the river and do not miss the colorful Fish Market Square!

From Cologne head to Luxembourg City, capital of Luxembourg (yup, that's a country) and second smallest country capital of the European Union. It is, according to their tourism site, "a lively and bustling capital with a lot of great touristic attractions to visit and a multitude of things to do". It is a beautiful and often overlooked city, perfect for wandering without being constantly surrounded by a gaggle of tourists.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Cologne. Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET FROM COLOGNE TO LUXEMBOURG: You can easily get from Cologne to Luxembourg via train. The trip takes about 3.5 hours. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

20. Dublin + Cobh + Dingle + Galway

Some of the best week long vacations can be found in charming Ireland!

Dublin, the capital and largest city in Ireland, is a great place to start your week long Irish road trip.

From there drive to Cobh, famous for being the Titanic's last port of call in 1912. Even more famous to Instagrammers for having a row of rainbow houses right in front of a beautiful cathedral ;)

Next don't miss Dingle, a small but charming and photogenic port town with a famous dolphin named Fungie (ha). The picture above should speak for itself, I'd hope.

Last but not least, head towards Galway, stopping by the Cliffs of Moher on the way. Galway is famous for being where the woman Ed Sheeran has his eye on is from in the song Galway Girl. Just kidding (kind of) - it's another small but charming town with lively restaurants, bars, and independent stores.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Dublin. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING AROUND IRELAND: Travel by car

WHERE TO STAY:

 

21. Dubrovnik + Kotor

The walled city of Dubrovnik, also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, is located in southern Croatia and is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It is stunningly beautiful with lots of beaches, a delicious food scene, and a world famous Old Town dating back to the 11th century yet surprisingly still intact.

From there head south to Kotor, a popular coastal town in Montenegro. It too has a magnificent old town as well as many museums, cathedrals, and winding streets perfect for getting lost in.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Dubrovnik. Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET FROM DUBROVNIK TO KOTOR: You can get from Dubrovnik to Kotor by driving which takes around 1 hour. There is also a bus option which takes a fair amount longer, around 3 hours.

WHERE TO STAY:

 

22. The French Riviera (The Cote D’Azur)

The French Riviera is located on the southern part of France along the Mediterranean. It is known for it's pristine beaches and upscale, glamorous resorts. But the French Riviera is not just Saint Tropez and Cannes! There are so many towns to choose from, you may find yourself running out of time before you run out of options. Don't miss colorful Menton, Eze, Verdon Gorge, and Aix-en-Provence.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Nice. Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET AROUND: There are some buses and trains between the major towns but the easiest way is likely by car, either via a rental or by taxi.

WHERE TO STAY: Depending on which town(s) you want to call home base, there are many different options - especially some beautiful Airbnbs.

 

23. Zermatt + Gstaad

I strongly believe that the best one week vacations can be found in Switzerland, one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world!

Zermatt is a charming mountain resort town most widely known for its skiing, climbing and hiking as well as for its iconic views of the famous Matterhorn. The entire village is car free, making it great for walking around and shopping at the many boutiques. It is small but memorable - I went in 1996 and often dreamt of returning before I finally made it back there last year!

From Zermatt head to Gstaad, another extremely charming Swiss village and upscale resort town. It’s a popular destination for many, including a handful of famous celebrities like Julie Andrews, Salma Hayek, Valentino, and Elizabeth Taylor. While there’s a long list of things to do in Gstaad, the most unique of which is the Fondueland experience. Click here to read about the fondue hike I went on there!

If you find yourself there in January, stop by Chateau d’Oex for the International Hot Air Balloon Festival too! It’s magical. Click here for more info and my recap of the festival.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Zurich and take a train in. Click here to find the best flight deal.

HOW TO GET FROM GSTAAD TO ZERMATT: The easiest way to get from Zermatt to Gstaad is by train. The trip takes around 3.5 hours. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

 

24. Cinque Terre + Florence + Tuscany

Another great Italy one week itinerary that includes a mixture of coastal beach towns and ancient cities is Cinque Terre and Florence.

Cinque Terre, a string of five towns on the Italian Riviera, is known for its colorful seaside houses and rewarding hikes. As if that alone is not enough, it is also the birthplace of pesto and the seafood is as fresh as can be. If you like hiking and are looking for good photo opps, this is the perfect Euro trip itinerary spot!

Florence, capital of the Tuscany region, is home to many famous museums, incredible architecture, and a vibrant nightlife. Often called the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is a popular destination for those interested in art and culture.

This is another option that you could easily extend to be a 10 day Europe itinerary instead.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Florence. Click here to find the best flight deal.

GETTING FROM CINQUE TERRE TO FLORENCE: Travel by train from Monterosso to Florence, duration ~2.5 hours. Click here to see the latest prices.

WHERE TO STAY:

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

 
 

What to Pack for Europe

Having the right travel gear is incredibly important for any trip, especially if you are visiting Europe from a different continent. Save yourself time and money by getting all of the necessary items prior to arriving at your destination. Some of the items I consider non-negotiable:

COMFORTABLE SHOES — I consider proper walking shoes to be the most important packing item for Europe. The last thing you want is to be mid-trip, with torn up feet, and out of options. Trust me, I’ve been there. My shoe recommendation is not the least expensive option on the market, but it’s definitely the best. You can wear them all day everyday for weeks straight and not once will your feet hurt. They are the only shoes I have ever found that are this way (and trust me, I have tested out a lot). Just imagine being on your once in a lifetime trip, able to run around from sun up to sun down without a worry. That alone makes them worth every penny! I also love them because of their versatility. You can wear them with anything — jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses, anything! If they’re in stock in your size, get them while you still can. Click here to see the latest prices and availability.

For more shoe recommendations, click here for my current favorites (updated weekly).

BODYSUITS — If you haven’t already given into the bodysuit craze, now is the time! They are so comfortable, easy to throw on, and so perfect for travel because you don’t have to worry about adjusting your clothes ever while wearing one. There’s currently nothing I love wearing more. Click here to see my current favorites (updated weekly).

DRESSES — I love dresses for travel because you can so quickly throw it on and go. My favorite places to shop for dresses are here, here, here, and here. For cheaper options, I like here, and here. The cheaper sites can take a little more digging to find the good quality stuff, but sometimes it's worth it!

I also really love skirts, especially the current midi skirt trend. Click here to see my current favorites.

LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL CARDIGAN — This circle cardigan is honestly one of the best travel-related purchases you can make. It is so warm and soft; I’ve brought mine on every single trip since purchasing my first (I now own many). It's fantastic for literally everything: you can wear it during the day, out to dinner, on transit days, while hotel lounging, anywhere and everywhere! This is the number one top seller on my site every single month because it is truly the best. Click here to see the latest prices and color options.

CASHMERE WRAP — Another top seller on ckanani.com every single month is this oversized cashmere wrap. It’s something I personally carry in my bag every single day, whether I’m on the road or back at home in San Francisco. If you haven’t already noticed, I love versatility. I’d rather pay a little more for something high quality that’ll last a little longer and also work in a few different ways. I bet you’re a bit like me, so this is a must. You can wear it as a scarf, as a wrap when you find yourself at a surprisingly cold restaurant or flight, as a blanket, and more. I can’t tell you how many times this thing has saved me. Click here to see the latest prices and availability.

SUNGLASSES — Of course! I cannot believe I am about to say this but I’ve found a very cheap brand I recommend. Why is that shocking? Because I absolutely hate cheap sunglasses. I used to be a total sunglass snob and only buy $400 Saint Laurent, Dior, or Chanel sunglasses because the cheap ones feel horrible and don’t actually protect. Until now!! This brand I found on Amazon is under $15/pair and is shockingly impressive. I’ve bought four pairs so far. Click here for my favorite all black aviators, here for my rimless aviators, and here for my square ones.

LEATHER TOTE — I never, ever, ever travel without my leather zipper tote. It holds so much yet never feels as heavy as other bags! I even like it more than my Louis Vuitton Neverfull which cost 5X as much. There are a handful of popular bags that look similar to this one but the quality of this is unmatched. I’ve used mine every single day for 3+ years and it still looks perfect. Click here to check it out.

Traveling with a camera? Click here for the most stylish camera bags for women!

For nighttime or if you’re light traveler during the day too, I highly recommend this convertible clutch. It can be used as a wallet, a clutch, a crossbody bag, or a belt bag. The versatility is huge and it’s such a beautiful piece. I also love the design because unlike most similar bags, your cards and money won’t be loosely placed inside the bag, but actually attached to it. How’s that for secure?! Click here to see the latest prices and color options.

SKINCARE — Do not neglect your skin while traveling! I still can’t believe this exists, but Dermstore has a set with over $200 of professional skincare products for $49.99. I have purchased four so far, that’s how good it is. It contains every single step of a proper skincare routine: cleanser, exfoliant (2), antioxidant serum, hyaluronic acid serum, eye cream, SPF, and face oil. The oil alone costs $80 in the same size if bought individually. Mind blowing! They mentioned to me that there’s only a small number of the sets left so stock up if you find it’s still in stock. It’s great not just for travel but for at home too! Click here to check availability.

For more skincare and beauty recommendations, click here to follow me on Instagram @skincarethatilike.

GOLD LAYERING JEWELRY — Layering jewelry from SHOP CKANANI specifically. It’s my own shop so I'm a bit biased, of course, but hear me out. I’ve always loved jewelry but was tired of spending $60 on a necklace that would tarnish after 2-3 wears so I started making my own. I hand make them in my San Francisco apartment of incredibly high quality, primarily gold filled materials.

Gold filled items are great because they contain 100+ times (!) more real gold than gold plated items. An item being gold filled means that there is an actual layer of gold pressure bonded to another metal, making it much more valuable, durable, and tarnish resistant. This means it’s also perfect for everyday wear and for travel! Because who wants to spend their trip taking their jewelry on and off constantly? Not me!

After sharing pictures of necklaces and bracelets on my Instagram story, I finally gave in to the requests asking me to start selling my creations. And that’s how SHOP CKANANI was born! I’d really love and appreciate your support, especially if you’ve found the info in this post helpful :) Click here to see current availability.

HAIR ACCESSORIES — The easiest way to spice up a look with very minimal effort! Click here to see my current favorites (updated weekly).

HATS — Another great way to spice up a look, plus it’s a fantastic photo prop and can cover up a bad hair day. Click here to see my current favorites (updated weekly).

For more packing help, click here to see all packing related posts!

 

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Europe, Itinerary, Italy, Portugal, France, England, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Trip Ideas, TravelChristie Sultemeier2 Comments