Planning a 2 week Europe itinerary is one of the most exciting – and potentially one of the most stressful – tasks to undertake. With so many destinations to choose from, unique things to see, and cultural experiences to soak up, narrowing down how to spend 2 weeks in Europe can be daunting for some.
Luckily, I’ve come up with an immersive itinerary for 2 weeks in Europe that will allow you to enjoy slow travel moments, check some incredible places off your bucket, and see 3 to 4 different countries in two weeks.
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About this 2 Week Europe Itinerary
The beauty of this travel guide is that you have room to make your own decisions. I recommend using this itinerary as an outline for an immersive 2 weeks in Europe, but you are welcome to add days to certain destinations or remove any city as you see fit for your travel style.
On my blog, I have many destination-specific itineraries to help inspire your trip.
Nonetheless, I have chosen these destinations for a spring/summer in Europe itinerary. You’ll see some of the continent’s most iconic and sought after destinations and get a diverse cultural experience covering Dutch, French, Catalan (Spanish), and Italian culture.
And since we are all about slow travel here on this blog, we’re spending at least 3 days in every destination to help you get a better sense of place, indulge in authenticity, and feel less rushed traveling from one place to another.
I almost didn’t want to include Amsterdam in this itinerary because I do think 4 countries can be a lot in 2 weeks, but as Amsterdam to Paris is only a 3 hour train ride, I figured we could squeeze it.
However, I did create an alternative route that skips Amsterdam to allow for more time in Italy. I love love love the Italian countryside and I think it’s the perfect way to add some down time to the middle of your trip.
You will see the alternative route listed at the bottom of the guide.
How to Plan a Trip to Europe
Frst things first, get your passport. It take 6 to 8 weeks to get a new passport, and around 6 weeks if you are renewing.
After you have your passport in hand, book your flights BEFORE securing any hotel accommodation or making arrangements. Otherwise, your Europe itinerary might change by a couple of days, depending on the flight you are able to get.
There is a new visa system in place for foreigners traveling to Europe. It’s called ETIAS. You may or may not need it depending on where you’re from and where you’re traveling, but it’s pretty straightfoward to get.
After you have your flights, then you can begin making your hotel bookings and finalizing your 2 week Europe itinerary.
How to Use Your Phone in Europe
If you’re worried about having roaming fees in Europe, which is often very expensive when you go through your carrier, I highly recommend getting an eSIM for your trip.
These are easy to use and give you data and calling in 43 European countries, including the UK. You won’t have to worry about not having access to Maps and important info when out and about during your 2 week trip.
For 14 days, if you plan to use your phone to make Instagram stories, navigate on Maps, .etc, I would get the 30GB 14-day package. If you’ll be on your phone less, you should be fine with 12GB. Especially if you’ll be able to connect to WiFi at your accommodation.
Bonus! Use the code SPIRITED at checkout for 10% off your eSIM.☺
How to Travel in Europe
As mentioned, you will be able to take the train from Amsterdam to Paris in roughly 3 hours. However, for the rest of the destinations in this 2 week Europe itinerary, you will need to fly to make the most of your time.
I recommend flying with a TSA-approved carry-on suitcase like this one and a small backpack and booking flights with budget airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, and Vueling. Check Google Flights for the best rates.
You’ll definitely want to bring an anti-theft bag for pickpocketing destinations like Paris, Barcelona, and Rome.
Breakdown of Europe Itinerary
Your 2-week Europe itinerary will take you to some of Europe’s most famous and legendary cities. The itinerary doesn’t focus on one area of the continent, but rather gives you a showcases the destinations you’ve always had on your bucket list, covering Central to Southern Europe in the most logical way to maximize your time.
Days 1-3: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Days 4-7: Paris, France
Days 8-10: Barcelona, Spain
Days 11-14: Rome, Italy + Florence
You may also be wondering how you will get from destination to destination. This itinerary is all about the most iconic places in Europe, so it will be a combination of trains and planes. Here’s a breakdown of how that will look:
Amsterdam to Paris train: 3 hours
Paris to Barcelona flight: 1 hour 45 minutes
Barcelona to Rome flight: 1 hour 50 minutes
As for the alternative route that skips Amsterdam to allow for more time in Italy:
Paris to Barcelona flight: 1 hour 45 minutes
Barcelona to Florence flight: 1 hour 45 minutes
Florence to Rome train: 1.5 hours
When booking your flight from your home country to Europe, you will either want to book a roundtrip from the starting destination or do a multi-destination flight that flies into one country and exits from the last destination you visit (in this case, Italy).
Multi-destination flights are generally more expensive than typical roundtrip flights so keep this in mind when making a budget. Otherwise, remember that you will need to fly back to your original destination to catch a flight back home.
You can also rent a car, particularly while in Italy, to have more freedom to explore. I tend to go with DiscoverCars.com to find the best deals.
Now, let’s get into all the details. 🙂
Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Europe
First things first, secure your tickets to Europe. I recommend using Google Flights or Skysanner. Whenever possible, go for a red eye flight and pop a melatonin to get some shut eye, help combat jet lag, and arrive at your destination in the morning.
Tip! Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly out of a nearby airport. For example, flying out of Charlotte NC instead of Asheville NC will often save you several hundred dollars. Check your surrounding airports if you’re looking for the best flight on a budget.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
You will first arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the largest airport in the Netherlands. Depending on what time you land, you will either have plenty of time or not a lot of time on your first day in Amsterdam.
If you were able to book a red eye flight, you should have a lot of time on your first day. And if you slept on the flight, even better! But remember, if you’re flying from the US or Australia or similar, you’ll likely be experiencing jet lag at some point in the first couple of days.
Amsterdam is a beautiful city to kickstart your 2 weeks in Europe! It’s not typically as crowded as some other European cities, and being smaller, you’ll be able to get your bearings a bit easier.
The city is very walkable and bike friendly. I would secure bike rentals for at least 2 of the 3 days you’re there.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
- St. Christopher’s Inn The Winston: Fun hostel by Red Light District attached to Belushi’s bar; private rooms too (where I’ve stayed)
- Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam: Popular upscale hotel with a pool in Centrum
- Hotel HEGRA by Stanley Collection: Cozy, mid-range hotel by the canals
- Max Brown Hotel Museum Square: Stylish, cozy hotel by the museums; eco-certified
- Hotel The Neighbour’s Magnolia: Mid-range, lovely, and spacious rooms, many with large balconies near Vondelpark (where I’ve stayed)
Day 1
On your first day, take things slow. Pick up your bikes and cycle around, stop for treats, have a coffee, admire the unique architecture and canals, etc – but don’t worry too much about seeing all the things. Do that the following day!
To help with your jet lag, check out Brothers Niemeijer for some awesome baked goods. Luuk’s Coffee Noordermarkt and Drupa Coffee Roasters are two lovely spots for coffee by the canals.
However, the MOCO Musem, a picturesque contemporary art museum is open until 9 p.m. if you are looking for something to do on your first evening in Europe.
I have a full Amsterdam itinerary, which you can use to help plan out your next 3 days in Amsterdam.
Day 2
Your 2nd day in Europe is a great time to truly start sightseeing. You’ll be a bit less jet lagged.
Now, don’t think you have to see everything during your 3 days in Amsterdam. Pick and choose what seems interesting to you.
Morning
Start with breakfast. You can have it at your accommodation or grab a Dutch pastry or full breakfast out. For example, Quartier Putain has coffee, cakes, different toasts, juices, acai bowls, etc.
After you’ve had breakfast, pick a museum. Some popular ones include: The Anne Frank House, Rijskmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum.
The Anne Frank house is located in the heart of the city while the Van Gogh and Rijskmuseum are located right on the edge of the main canal routes.
I recommend riding bikes on this day. Stop and see the Anne Frank House, go in if you like. You can get tickets here.
Afternoon
Then, cycle over to where Rijskmuseum is. The building is stunning and it’s where you’ll find the giant AMSTERDAM sign.
Either tour the Rijskmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum – whichever suits your fancy! If you’re a big Van Gogh fan, you’ll learn a lot at the museum. If you want to learn more about Dutch history, arts, and culture, visit Rijksmuseum.
Afterward, cycle around Vondelpark. You can even pick up lunch and have a picnic in the park if the weather is decent.
Afternoon/evening Tour option: Open-air Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks!
Evening
Cycle bike into the heart of the city. Explore the Red Light District, visit a coffeeshop if that interests you. Obviously a lot of people are curious to explore the legal goodies available in Amsterdam.
You’ll find lots of bars in this area and even places to dine like Mata Hari (upscale European cuisine). If you’re on a budget, you can get street food fries, which are a big deal in Amsterdam!
Evening tour option: Private Red Light District and Food Tour
Day 3
Take a little day trip to bike around and see more of Greater Amsterdam with windmills and wetlands. An iconic thing to do, of course! OR you can cycle to another city like Haarlem (which also has a windmill!)
Morning and afternoon
On the third day of your 14-day trip to Europe, I highly recommend doing a cycling day trip to North Holland to see windmills and quaint Dutch villages.
You can use the bike you’ve rented in the city centre of Amsterdam. You’ll need to take a ferry to cross over to North Holland, but you’ll be fine to bring your bike on the ride.
You’ll find little eateries and be able to enjoy a lot of natural sightseeing throughout your day trip.
Tour option: Countryside Bike Tour from Amsterdam: Windmills, Cheese, Clogs
Evening
Come back to Amsterdam and enjoy your final evening in the city! Bar hop to retro speakeasies, visit another coffeeshop, eat local cuisine. For classic Dutch food, definitely visit Moeders – it’s one of the city’s most famous restaurants.
Paris, France
Soon you’ll be arriving in one of the world’s most incredible cities – Paris! Get ready for Parisian sidewalk cafes, Seine River cruises, gawking at the Eiffel Tower day and night, visiting art galleries, seeing a cabaret – the list goes on.
For a budget-friendly, no-frills place in a perect location, check out Hotel Rivoli.
Where to Stay in Paris
- Hotel Rivoli: Excellent, budget-friendly hotel by Notre Dame
- Hotel Britannique: 3-star hotel with balconies near the Louvre
- My Maison In Paris Invalides: Cozy, mid-range hotel by the canals
- Generator Paris: cool, budget hostel in 19th arr.
Day 4
Today you can take the train from Amsterdam to Paris to continue your 2 week Europe itinerary.
You’ll want to take the Eurostar train that takes just 3 hours and 20 minutes from Amsterdam-Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord.
I would suggest getting the 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. train that would get to Paris by 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
Your hotel room may or may not be ready, so you might want to drop your bags off and then visit a Parisian cafe or take a walk around the neighborhood you’re staying in.
From there, check in to your hotel. Shower, change, do whatever you need to do to be ready and then head out for a short day of sightseeing.
To get your bearings, I’d definitely recommend a Paris walking tour relevant to the area you are staying in.
Days 5-7
There are so many incredible ways to spend 4 days in Paris. The city has SO much to offer it’s hard to narrow out a general itinerary. So, I will list out some of the must-see highlights and things to do in Paris in 4 days.
- Eiffel Tower (Don’t worry about booking tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tower. If you want views of Paris, visit the Montparnasse Tower instead).
- Trocadero Tower for famous views of the Eiffel Tower
- The Louvre (secure tickets in advance here)
- See a cabaret show
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Seine River Cruise
- Père Lachaise Cemetery
- Half day trip to Versailles
- Arc de Triomphe
- Musée d’Orsay
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Shakespeare & Company Bookstore
- Walking tour to local markets
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a magical blend of culture, picture-perfect places, and quirky architecture. From strolling down Passeig de Gracia to seeing the masterpiece that is Park Güell, every corner has a story to tell. But if you’re still undecided, here’s why Barcelona is worth visiting.
You’re in for a good time, so prioritize having fun over heading from one tourist attraction to the next. Embrace slow travel in Europe here!
Where to Stay in Barcelona
- H10 Madison: 4-star hotel with rooftop pool in Gothic Quarter
- Hotel Ciutat de Barcelona: 3-star hotel with rooftop pool in chic El Born
- Hostel Sant Jordi: Best budget-friendly hostel with a pool
Day 8
Today you’ll say au revoir to France as you head for Barcelona. Try to secure a morning flight to make the most of your time with 2 weeks in Europe.
You’ll want to book a hotel in Ciutat Vella (the Gothic Quarter or El Born particularly) OR certain parts of Eixample. I’ve listed my recommendations above to make the most of your time.
Anywho, once you arrive in the city and check-in, I recommend doing a Gothic Quarter Barcelona walking tour to start getting an idea of the layout of the city. These tours are a lot of fun with local guides who share urban legends, historic details, and loads of storytelling as they take you through the Gothic Quarter and other parts of Barcelona.
End the day with dinner in El Born or the Gothic Quarter and go out for a glass of vermouth for a truly Catalan experience.
Days 9-10
For the rest of your days in the Catalan capital, check out my FULL Barcelona itinerary guide. I lived in Barcelona for 5 years and I share A LOT in this guide. Just follow the first 3 days and plan out what you like the best.
The guide includes a lot of recommendations on different places to eat and drink as well as different museums, beaches, and unique things to do.
Barcelona is a really fun city. See a few of the main highlights like touring Sagarada Familia, Casa Batlló , and the Barcelona Cathedral, but other than those, just let loose and live a little.
Each destination in your 2 week Europe itinerary is unique in that they all offer a different type of experience. Amsterdam is all about biking around and having a relatively relaxed time, Paris is heavy on the sightseeing, and Barcelona is all about having a good time without taking things too seriously or worrying too much about sticking to a strict itinerary.
Just secure your tickets to Sagrada Familia in advance as these do sell out. Make sure you get skip-the-line tickets.
Tip: Barcelona does have a big pick-pocketing problem. So, just stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure and your phone out of your back pocket. See my guide on avoiding pickpockets in Europe.
Rome, Italy
Bid adieu to Barcelona and say ciao to Italy. Try to secure a morning flight from to maximize your time. Nonetheless, your flight will be under 2 hours, but keep in mind the time you’re losing at the airport.
Where to Stay in Rome
- Relais Monti: mid-range hotel in city centre, some private balconies
- Dimora ai Fori: in Monti, close to the Colosseum with amazing city views
- Campo de’ Fiori Vacation Rental: Apartment overlooking Campo de’ Fiori (great area)
Day 11
Arrive, check-in to your hotel (preferably in Monti or near Campo de’ Fiori).
Day 11 will probably be a rather leisure day, depending on what time you arrived in Rome. However, I wouldn’t recommend booking any tickets unless they are many hours later than your arrival time (just in case your flight is delayed).
However, you can totally enjoy sightseeing when you arrive and then go for a pizza/pasta dinner or do an evening cooking class for a cool experience.
See my itinerary guide for plenty of in-depth details on how to spend 3 days in Rome. However, I’ll give you the gist.
Day 12
Spend the day exploring some of the most ancient sites in Rome. See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Museums, the Tiber River, and the charming neighborhood of Trastevere.
Day 13
Check another country off your bucket list because Vatican City counts as a new country! Then visit other historic districts and explore Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.
Day 14
Enjoy a day trip to Florence on your last full day in Europe. You can do this self-guided by taking the train from Rome to Florence which has a fast option that takes less than an hour and a half.
Tour option: Rome to Florence and Tuscany Countryside Tour
Alternative 2 Week Europe Itinerary
This is the alternative tour for a more authentic slow travel in Europe experience. Here’s what you’ll do.
Skip flying into Amsterdam and fly directly to Paris instead. Spend 4 days in Paris, 3 days in Barcelona, and a week in Italy.
Instead of flying from Barcelona to Rome, fly into Florence instead. Then, spend at least one or 2 full days in Florence and then do a Tuscany day trip to a village and a vineyard. Bonus points if you ride bikes!
Then, head down to Southern Italy to finish the rest of your 14 day Europe itinerary in the Eternal City.
This alternative route will allow you to have more time in Italy, which is one of my absolute favorite countries in Europe.
This is a great alternative if you plan on returning to Europe again in the near future and can do more of an Amsterdam, Germany, Austria type of trip.
I chose the original itinerary because it’s a great overview of what Europe has to offer. However, if something just a little bit slower is your thing, then definitely consider this alternative that focuses more on Rome.
Final Thoughts
A lot of itineraries for 2 weeks in Europe will try to push you too far (in my opinion). There’s no need to bop from country to country with only 2 days in each place. It’s overwhelming, tiring, wastes a lot of time, and doesn’t offer much authenticity or down time of your travel experience.
Instead, spend at least 3 days in every place you visit with more time in bigger destinations with a lot of attractions (like Paris and Rome in this case).
13 Responses
I would love to do this trip, I am from Sydney, Australia and looking at coming over in September for my 50th birthday. I will have my 2 daughters travelling with me please.
Hi Heather! I’m so glad you like the itinerary. I’d love to help you plan. This article is to be used as a guide. However, I’d be happy to assist as best I can in finding flights, accommodation, and activities. 🤗
Love the detailed description. Could you give an estimate of how much money I would need for this two week trip like just the basics since flights can vary? Like food and transportation between cities/countries? Also would you recommend this for a solo traveling? Why or why not?
Definitely recommend for solo and group travel! The itinerary covers some of Europe’s most iconic destinations, so it doesn’t matter if you’re traveling alone or with a partner.
For a little perspective, my boyfriend and I are about to go on a 2 week trip in Europe. Our hotels will be $1,600 total. We booked a flight from Scotland to Amsterdam which cost €65. We have a train from Amsterdam to Paris and it costs €50 each.
In the itinerary, I include different budgets for accommodation like nice hotels and cozy hostels. These can range from like $30-$160 or so a night depending on your preference. I recommend hostels for solo travelers — they are more social and help you make friends along the way.
Food can definitely vary, depending on if you want to get groceries and cook in the hostel or go out to eat. If you’re on a budget, I recommend making a few meals at home through the trip. You can then search for cheap restaurants/street food options and only treat yourself when it’s a restaurant/food you really want to try.
For an estimate, not including your flight to Europe, I would say to budget for roughly ~€250 for the 2 flights and train (booking with budget airlines). €490-€1,700 for hostels or hotels depending on what you prefer.
Food varies so much. But let’s say you spend €30 a day on food, coffee, drinks. You can expect to spend €420.
And don’t forget experiences, tickets, activities! Take a look at some of the things in the Europe itinerary and add it to this budget 🙂
Anywho, expect to spend €1,200 to €3,000. I hope this helps!!!
Hi Christa
This itinerary is fantastic. I am planning on flying out with my son (19) and meeting my other son (22) in Amsterdam on Sept 4. And flying out in Sept 18. I definitely want to see the Amalfi Coast. Any recommendations on where to stay on the Amalfi Coast and how many days you would recommend…or tours etc? Thanks so much! Michelle
Hi Michelle! I’m glad you like the itinerary. And how fun! So, you have 2 weeks and you want to see the Amalfi Coast. Depending on how much you want to see other places in Italy and Europe as a whole, I would say 1-2 days. If you’d rather really relax during your trip (spending less days in Rome, for example), then you could even spend 3 nights in somewhere like Sorrento eating good food, sitting at the beach, taking walks, etc. But if you want to see the sites, 1-2 days is enough. I actually have 2 week Italy itinerary (I linked it for you). If you scroll down to day 6 you will see a tour option and hotels for the Amalfi Coast. 🙂 Let me know what you think!
Hi Christa!
Loved reading your experience so much we’ve decided to take your advice and plan our trip for next year! I am having a bit of trouble deciding on the best time to make the trip based on weather. With our work schedules it looks like we’re pushing more towards beginning of May. Do you have any recommendations or tips for the weather in Europe in May?
May is a wonderful time to visit! It won’t be too busy yet as most people travel mid June through August. Layers will be key to dressing well for the weather. It’s usually not too rainy in May but since it’s the beginning of the month, who knows! Just make sure you are checking the weather when planning 🙂
Very useful, informative and authentic.
Wish you had a short Day-wise list on top OR/& a map like https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/itinerary.
A map may be a pain to make, but maybe a handwritten map, photo it & put up 🙂
I love that idea! Thank you. I will definitely try to incorporate something ASAP. ❤️
I would love this too! With a break down of costs
Hi Madeline! How can I help? ✨ Are you planning a trip in May? See a previous comment for a big breakdown on estimated costs.
This looks like a dream vacation! I took a trip to Europe years ago and have been wanting to go back. I will definitely be using this as a planner for my next trip. Thanks for putting this together!