Europe is a continent consisting of 44 countries with diverse languages, climates, and cultures. It has numerous world-famous landmarks preserved from years upon years of history.
Spending 2 weeks in Europe will cover plenty of amazing places. It’s not much, but a good start, especially if it’s your first time here.bulga
Another great thing about Europe is that the places are close to each other, you can reach most of them via train, buses, and driving. Land borders separate the countries. However, many of them practice free movement across borders.
This continent has peninsulas, islands, and varied landforms, as well as seas, lakes, and other bodies of water. There are infinite fascinating places to see, foods to taste, and activities to try out during your 2 weeks in Europe.
TIP: This is a long-form article, I highly recommend you check the Table of Contents below to help you navigate the page easier and faster.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING EUROPE
Before you go book your flight and hotels, take a look at the information below first. It will help you visualise and plan your itinerary better. You can get ideas on when to go, how to travel around, and what to pack.
When is the best time to go to Europe
This depends on what you plan to do. Most people go to Europe during summer, but of course, if you want to ski, come between December and February. I personally love going in spring and summer, during autumn, it’s also very pretty but it rains a lot.
You might want to consider travelling during the off-season because this is when there are fewer travellers and the prices of accommodations and tours aren’t sky-high so you’ll be able to save quite a bit.
Getting around Europe
The best way to get around Europe is to rent a car especially if the country you’re visiting are next to each other or have an open border agreement. It’s cheaper and gives you freedom of your time.
However, if you are crossing countries and they are not next to each other, you are probably better off flying than doing a long drive. Check first if your driver’s license is valid in Europe and check what type of cars each country you are going to have.
For example, Italy, Spain, and France are known for using a stick or manual transmission. While the UK and Ireland drive on the left.
Buses and trains are quite reliable and affordable. But there are also domestic flights which are affordable as long as you don’t pack too much unless you are willing to pay extra.
Language and currency
There are over 24 official languages in Europe. You should be able to get around with English but it’s important to also learn basic words to show respect for each country’s culture and easily communicate with locals.
Luckily though, most countries in Europe use Euro, except in the UK, Nordic countries, and maybe some countries in East Europe. It’s easy to pay with credit cards but carrying cash with you for emergencies is still advisable.
Visa and COVID-19 policy
Each country has different visa rules, however, if your destination is an EU member, they have the same visa policy; 90 days visa-free for visitors with a passport from North America, some Latin America, some Southeast Asia and East Asia, and most Oceania. This also applies to non-EU countries such as Switzerland and Norway.
For visitors with a passport from the EU or a European country, you should have freedom of movement for unlimited time except for some nationalities such as the UK and countries in East Europe.
Europe is open to COVID-1 vaccinated tourists. If you are unvaccinated, best to check if your destination has extra entry requirements. Depending on the airline and destination, you might be required to submit a test before boarding.
Wearing a mask is no longer required in many places in Europe, but it’s smart to carry one just in case you get to countries that still require them. Read about the EU reopening.
What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Europe
As diverse as the European culture is, the cost also varies a lot. The budget for 14 days in Europe depends on a few things such as the countries, type of tours, accommodation, and how you plan to move around.
$800 in Eastern Europe will not work for Scandinavia. $800 is a tight budget, but it might work for more affordable countries such as Eastern Europe or the Baltics (assuming this excludes the flights to the region and back). $1,000 will be fine for southern-east Europe, and $1,500 will be decent for central Europe. While west Europe and the Nordics plan to spend around $3,000.
The accommodation will cost the most expensive, but the food can be budgeted. Then the transportation. You can either use public transport or rent a push bike when moving around the cities. Take the bus or train when travelling to the next country or ride a plane.
Travelling during the peak season will also cost a lot more. Check under each itinerary to see the average cost of a 2-week trip in Europe.
Other basic travel tips
Planning a trip can be exhausting and often overwhelming. To make it a bit easier, I use travel sites and services that have flexible cancellation policies in case I change my mind or my travel dates. Here’s a list of travel tools I use. From flight selections, affordable hotels, wide-range options for car rentals, and even affordable travel insurance.
BOOKED TOURS
TOP PLACES IN EUROPE (pinned map)
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
2 WEEKS IN EUROPE ITINERARIES
I will show your six itinerary options to choose from for your 14 days in Europe. Covering multiple countries and featuring famous attractions that are historical, cultural, and outdoor activities.
Deciding where to spend your 2 weeks in Europe can be hard. Should it be in Spain or Portugal? How about both? Should you visit Rome or Paris? When unsure, there are a few things you can do to see which places are more suitable for you.
For example, Rome would be ideal if you love historical sites such as ruins. Perhaps you like history, but in the form of art, then Paris is the one. For food lovers, don’t miss visiting France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Itinerary #1 South Europe: Spain and France or France and Italy
We have two sub-options in our first itinerary for your 2 weeks in Europe. This includes either Spain and France or France and Italy. Spain is well-known for its lively culture, flamenco, arts, and literature, as well as its wines, beaches, and, of course, football.
If you feel like this itinerary is a little too expensive, you can instead go to Portugal. Take a look at how to spend 2 weeks in Portugal or even just a few days in Lisbon. Spending 14 days in Southern Europe is a good place to do your first trip to this continent.
France, on the other hand, is well-known for macarons, wine, champagne, great pastries, as well as fashion, museums, and other historical sites. You could also do many water activities in France or if you plan to come during winter, you can head to the Alps for some skiing.
Italy is loved for its opera, its art cities, unique scenery, and good food. They are also among the four fashion capitals, with luxury brands, and of course, who could forget the Vespa?
If you have never been to Italy, make sure you visit Venice, Rome, Florence, and the southwest coast, where you can visit Naples for Amalfi and Sorrento. You can also consider 2 weeks in Greece for this itinerary. Not to mention, the south is a famous region to spend honeymoon in Europe.
Spain for 7 days
Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, not only for foreign visitors but also for other European nations. With its stunning beaches, yummy food, and very welcoming culture, Spain is undeniably a must-visit when you come to Europe for 2 weeks.
Most people go to Madrid, the capital of Barcelona, a coastal city. However, if you want to get away from big crowds, head to Seville, Valencia, or even Zaragoza. For young travellers who love to dance and party, Ibiza is a top spot, while Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria are awesome islands to explore and spend your vacation in.
We have a specific 2 weeks in Spain itinerary, which might help you plan a trip there if you decide to spend your trip in one European country only.
Here are some of the top-rated attractions in Spain:
- Alhambra and Generalife in Granada
- Palacio Real in Madrid – get your ticket in advance
- El Escorial near Madrid
- Aqueduct of Segovia – north of Madrid
- Sagrada Familia and Gaudi Sites in Barcelona – check tour prices
- Great Mosque in Cordoba, near Seville
- Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
- Beaches of Gran Canaria
France for 7 days
Some of the options to reach France from Spain include flying, taking a train, riding the bus, using rideshare or driving. The most recommended option is to ride a plane, but if you have plenty of time, you should consider renting a car and driving on your own. We have an article with 3 different itineraries on how to spend 2 weeks in France.
France is a country famous for many reasons. The food is great, it is rich in culture, the abundance of historical sites, and thousands of wineries to explore. France is also known for Tour de France and is a great holiday destination any time of the year. You should geat a hop-on hop-off bus that will take you to the top attractions of Paris.
Paris is an obvious place to visit, but if you don’t like big cities or have been here before, you can consider other places. For history buffs, head to Calais, Dunkirk, and Normandy. For those who love the outdoors, check out Lyon, Marseille, Nice, and Bordeaux (aka the Basque region).
Here are some of the top attractions n France:
- The Louvre in Paris – book a guided tour
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres near Paris
- Eiffel Tower in Paris – get your skip-the-line ticket in advance
- Chateau de Versailles in Paris – visit with a garden access
- Mont Saint Michel
- Loire Valley Chateaux
- Côte d’Azur aka French Riviera in the South
- Provence for lavender fields
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for skiing in the Alps
Italy for 7 days
To reach Italy from France, you could either take the train or fly but taking the train is preferred by most tourists and locals alike because you’ll be able to reach your destination in less than five hours anyway. There are tons of routes to choose from if you want to see some interesting scenery and plan to drive instead.
2 weeks in Europe have to include Italy. It is loved for its dishes to die for, beautiful castles, amazing hiking trails, and warm culture. Just like in Spain and France, wine in Italy is world-class and their historical sites are well preserved.
Before you book anything, decide where you want to go. Rome and Venice are the top places to visit in Italy. But if you have been there, it’s time to explore Florence, Milan, Bologna, and Genoa in the north. For the south, head to Naples, Sicily, and all the way to Palermo. Check out our 4 itineraries for 2 weeks in Italy.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Italy include:
- Colosseum in Rome – get your ticket in advance to skip the very long queue
- Spanish Steps in Rome
- Trevi Fountain in Rome
- Venice Grand Canal – don’t skip the romantic gondola ride
- Gode Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice – explore with a tour guide and secure a ticket
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Vatican City near Rome; Basilica of St. Peter, Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums – you can visit this in one go
- The Uffizi Gallery in Florence
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
- Lake Como near Milan
- Cinque Terre
- Amalfi Coast
- Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in Naples – visit this and the entirety of Naples on a day trip from Rome
Travel cost
These three destinations are one of the most expensive places in Europe. Budget around $2,000 for a 2-week trip around Spain, France, and Italy not including the flights from your location and back. Accommodation will be the most expensive cost while food is quite affordable in these places.
Of course, if you want to travel with luxury, you can easily spend $3,000-$5,000 which will allow you to stay at 4-5 star hotels, dine at fancy restaurants, and take a private car with a driver anywhere.
For those on a tight budget, $1,500 is possible, however, you will likely stay at youth hostels and share a room with other people in dorm/bunk rooms or even look at Couchsurfing. You can also save more money by looking at ready-to-eat meals at grocery stores or cooking in the hostel is possible. Join a free walking tour where you will be expected to give a tip based on the tour guide and the tour itself.
Itinerary #2 Central Europe: Germany and Poland
For this next itinerary, we’ll be covering 2 weeks in Central Europe, which consists of the countries Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. However, in this itinerary, we’ll only be covering Germany and Poland.
Germany is well-known for its cathedrals, castles, palaces, and colourful architecture, as well as its sausages and beers. It has many historical sites relating to World War I and II. Berlin is loved for being vegan-friendly, but meat-eaters shouldn’t have a problem finding their way around restaurants either.
Conversely, Poland is famous for its food, stunning geography, folklore, history, and friendly locals. In Poland, you’ll find Europe’s most ancient forest, Medieval Castle, the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp, amazing museums, and more.
Apart from that, you can also visit theme parks in Poland, such as Engerylandia Theme Park, Rabkoland, and Aquapark Sopot.
Germany for 8 days
Germany has so many things to offer that it would take 8 days to satiate your curiosity, and even then, you would barely scratch the surface. Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to see everything in 8 days. If you want t visit Germany only, we have these 2 weeks in Germany itineraries.
Most people will go to Berlin or Munich, but there are also other cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Cologne to name a few. I highly recommend you rent a car to move around easier, but taking a domestic flight or the train is also easy and affordable.
If you’re going to Berlin, the best way to see all the top attractions is by buying a hop-on hop-off bus with live a tour guide.
Here’s a list of the top attractions in Germany:
- Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
- Berlin Wall
- Cruise the River Spree – book a 2.5-hour boat tour
- Museum Island in Berlin
- Sachsenhausen Memorial – visit with a tour guide
- Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich
- Linderhof Palace near Munich – book a combo tour with Neuschwanstein Castle
- Marienplatz in Munich
- Pay respects at Dachau Concentration Camp – join a tour from Munich
- Kölner Dom in Cologne
- The Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, near Stuttgart
- Miniatur Wunderlandat Port of Hamburg
- Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt near Nuremberg
Poland for 8 days
There are tons of modes of transportation from Germany to Poland, including boarding a plane, using rideshare cars, trains, buses, or driving. Flights between these two countries are frequent and affordable.
Poland has a dark history, but the country is more than that. It has stunning lakes, UNESCO sites, and rather interesting cuisine, and it is in the top 20 safest countries in the world – a great place to discover if you are travelling alone.
Poland also has the biggest castle in the world, and many believe that vodka originated in Poland. In winter, you can ski in Poland, which is more affordable than France, Switzerland, and even Italy.
Many foreigners get confused and think Krakow is the capital of Piland, but it’s actually Warsaw. Apart from these two cities, you can also visit Gdansk, Wroclaw, Katowice, and Lublin. Most of the cities are connected via buses and trains hence moving around during your 2 weeks in Europe shouldn’t be a problem.
>>TIP: Check out our 2 weeks in Poland post if you prefer to explore that country on a single trip. There are two itineraries to choose from.
Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Poland:
- Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow
- Auschwitz- Birkenau Camps near Krakow – book a guided tour or combine it with the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour
- Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory in Krakow
- Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow
- Warsaw Old Marketplace
- Lazienki Park in Warsaw
- Malbork Castle near Gdansk
- Morskie Oko Lake and Hot Bath Pools near Zakopane – check tour prices
- Crooked Forest near Szczecin
Travel cost:
Central Europe in general can be costly, but only if you plan to visit Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Poland and Czechia are both affordable destinations compared to their neighbouring countries. $2,000 will take you a long way if you choose one expensive place to spend a week and the other one is a more affordable country (e.g Germany and Poland or Switzerland and Czechia).
You can save even more money if you focus on Poland or Czechia only or book a trip to Switzerland just for 2-3 days instead of an entire week.
$5,000 will be a great budget for a luxury trip. This is suitable for couples who are on their honeymoon or retiree travellers. For young visitors and backpackers, you can probably get away with $1,000 to $1,500 for the 2 weeks trip.
Accommodation in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria is costly but affordable in Poland and Czechia. Rely on using public transportation in all countries, such as buses and trains, instead of renting a car or flying.
Itinerary #3 Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
The Baltics are one of the most affordable regions in Europe. Although it has its fair share of tourists, the streets and attractions don’t get too busy, even during the summer season. It’s an awesome place to spend your 2 weeks in Europe vacation without being surrounded by a big crowd.
Lithuania is famous for its natural scenery, including forests, lakes, flatlands, and other landscapes. There are also historical spots here to visit, and you must try their local ciders. I personally loved their local food, especially beetroot. If you’re a foody, check this Vilnius food guide for a list of must-try dishes.
Conversely, Latvia is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and art nouveau architecture. It’s on the coast, hence if visiting during summer, don’t forget to dip your toes.
Last but definitely not least is Estonia, which is famous for its dense woods, thousands of uninhabited islands, and rich history. It experienced a boom in tourism recently since it implemented a digital nomad visa.
Estonia is among Europe’s most linguistic nations, is one of the countries with the cleanest air in the world, and half of the country is made up of forest, which probably explains the great air quality. We also have two itineraries specifically for 2 weeks in the Baltics only or 2 weeks in Eastern Europe itineraries.
Lithuania for 5 days
Lithuania is rich in cultural preservation, so much so that UNESCO considered their folk dance as one of the intangible cultural heritages. They also have one of the oldest languages, even older than Greek, German, and Celtic, and the oldest tree in Europe could be found here as well.
With five days in Lithuania, you can do and see a lot of things. You can cover at least two major cities; the capital city Vilnius, and the cultural art city of Kaunas. If it’s warm enough, head to the coast and visit Klaipeda.
Here is a list of the best places to see in Lithuania:
- Gediminas Castle Tower in Vilnius
- Vilnius Cathedral Square
- Hot Air Balloon Flight – over Vilnius or Trakai Castle
- Energetikos ir technikos muziejus in Vilnius
- Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and A.Mickiewicz Memorial Museum in Vilnius
- MO Muziejus in Vilnius
- Gates of Dawn in Vilnius
- Three Crosses Monument in Vilnius – join a full-day tour from Vilnius
- Walk around Uzupis
- Trakai Castle near Vilnius
- Kaunas Castle
- Devils’ Museum in Kaunas
- Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai
Latvia for 4 days
You can go to Latvia from Lithuania by driving, riding a bus, plane, or taking the train. The most recommended option is through riding a bus as it is the cheapest and fastest. Latvia is also a great destination during summer. You can take a swim on its sandy beaches, lakes, and rivers.
You can either spend the entire 4 days in Riga, the capital city or take day trips to see Gauja National Park and Turaida Museum Reserve for example. You can also explore Riga on a segway tour.
Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Latvia:
- House of the Black Heads in Riga – get your ticket in advance
- Riga Cathedral
- Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture
- St. Peter’s Church
- The Freedom Monument in Riga
- Shop souvenirs at Riga Central Market – join a food-tasting tour
- Gauja National Park outside of Riga
- Rundale Palace and Museum ner Jelgava
Estonia for 4 days
To reach Estonia if you’re coming from Latvia, you could board a plane, ride a bus, take the train, or drive. The most recommended option would be to ride a plane as it’s the fastest, but the cheapest option would be to take the bus.
Estonia is very unique, they have islands but are inhabited – and that makes them interesting to visit. There, you can go fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and for those who love birds, birdwatching is a popular thing to do in Estonia.
Tallinn, the capital, is obviously the most popular destination. However, with 2 weeks in Europe, around the Baltics, you can also head to Parnu and Tartu – both are located in the south of Estonia. Go to Haeska, Kabili, and Matsalu for birdwatching and wildlife experiences.
Here are some of the sights to see in Estonia:
- Tallinn’s Old Town
- Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor in Tallinn
- Lahemaa National Parl – sign up to a day trip
- Patarei Prison Exhibition/Communism Prison in Tallinn
- Parnu’s Beaches
- Alpakafarm near Parnu
- Estonian National Museum in Tartu
- Tagurpidi Maja (Peapeal OÜ) / Upside Down House in Tartu
- TYPA Letterpress and Paper Art Centre in Tartu
- Kuressaare Castle in Saare
- Join a 3-hour food tour
Travel cost:
Travelling around the Baltics is one of my favourite destinations and one I recommend if you’re on a budget. You will still experience the European culture, walk through the alleys and paves with cobbled stone, and eat delicious meals.
It’s honestly possible to travel here for around $1,000 for those on a budget. You will stay in a hostel and consume street food or grocery store meals. The tours also don’t cost that much. Accommodation is around $25 to $35 a night, but transportation is cheap.
$2,000 is the average cost where you get to have a private room and try out a few local restaurants. For a luxury trip, $3,000 will get you very comfortable.
Itinerary #4 East Europe: Hungary and Croatia or Romania and Bulgaria
East Europe is a massive region. You will have to choose 2-3 countries to cover during your visit and perhaps next time, you go to new places. Right now, we’ll only cover 4 destinations for your 12-day in Europe itinerary; Hungary and Croatia or Romania and Bulgaria.
Croatia has so much to offer, but in the last few years, being the filming location of Game of Thrones, this country attracted more tourists. Aside from that, they also have stunning waterfalls and gorgeous Adriatic Islands, among other landscapes.
Hungary on the other hand is famous for its ruin bars, paprikas, and goulash. It also has sought-after outdoor and public thermal bars and great nightlife. Outside the city, Hungary has a lot of nature preserves and can be an affordable ski destination in winter.
Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe and has tons of hot springs. It’s undeniable how affordable Bulgaria is as a travel destination. It also sits right on the Black Sea, a popular spot during summer.
Nightlife in Bulgaria is another reason tourists come here for its affordability. Speaking of cuisine, the traditional Bulgarian food is something of a must-try.
Romania is famous for its Carpathian Mountains, Salt Mines, and Medieval Fortresses. Just like Bulgaria, it’s also located on the Black Sea. One might want to visit Romania since it’s famous for being the home of Dracula.
Hungary for 7 days
Hungary, like many other European countries, is a landlocked country. But it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer in Hungary. This country has over 1,000 natural springs water, hence, the popularity of its thermal baths.
Budapest is not the only city worth visiting in Hungary, you should also consider Debrecen and Szeged. While Balaton Uplands National Park is the spot to you want to go hiking, join wine tours, and be around nature.
Here are some of the top tourist attractions in this country:
- Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest
- Budapest’s Széchenyi Thermal Bath – book a full-day spa
- Buda Castle
- Buy souvenirs at Central Market Hall
- Take a boat cruise Danube River in Budapest – check cruise prices
- Matthias Church in Budapest
- Esztergom Basilica
- The Caves of Lillafured near Miskolc
- Lavender field at Tihany
Croatia for 7 days
It is relatively easy to travel to Croatia if you’re coming from Hungary as they are neighbouring countries. You could travel by bus, by train or by driving. Any option is fine, but the cheapest option would be to ride the night bus.
As mentioned before, Croatia is now popular for being the filming location for Game of Thrones, but there are other places to see in this magnificent country. Just like its neighbouring country of Italy, Croatia is also a fantastic beach destination and so much more affordable.
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and a must-visit, then you can go to the coast. The most popular city is Split and Dubrovnik, but Zadar, Hvar, and Pula are an equally stunning area for swimming and other water activities.
Want to spend 14 days in Croatia? Our guide has three itineraries you can check out and see which one suits you best.
Some of the top tourist attractions in this country include:
- Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls – join a walking tour
- Trsteno Arboretum, Trsteno near Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik’s Lovrijenac Fort
- Visit Game of Thrones filming locations – book a tour
- Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb
- Diocletian’s Palace in Split – enjoy a walking tour with a local guide
- Blue Cave, near Split – book the 5 island boat tour
- Krka Waterfalls, near Split – visit on a boat tour
- Plitvice Lakes National Park near Zadar
- Kornati National Park near Zadar
- Euphrasian Basilica in Porec
- Pula’s Roman Arena
- Swim at Galebove Stijene in Pula
- Explore Brijuni/Brioni National Park near Pula
- Mulini Beach in Rovinj
Romania for 7 days
A massive country in East Europe, Romania has a lot to offer. From national parks, vibrant cities, historical sites, and beach access to the Black Sea. Bucharest is known for great nightlife, but apart from that, it’s also rich in cultural and historical spots.
Other than Bucharest, you have to go to the Transylvanian region, known as the home of Dracula. If it’s warm enough, head to Constanza, while Brasov and Cluj-Napoca are the areas to go to during winter for skiing and other winter activities.
Here are some of the places you could visit once you reached Romania:
- Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest
- Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History in Bucharest
- National Museum of Romanian History in Bucharest
- Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest
- Vaser Valley Forestry Railway
- Bran Castle aka Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania – book a tour combo with Peles and Brasov trip
- Sighisoara Historic Center
- Covered Stairway in Sighisoara
- The Clock Tower in Sighisoara
- The Black Church in Brasov
- Peles Castle near Brasov – book a 2-day tour from Bucharest to visit Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara
- Bucegi Natural Park near Brasoc
- Transylvanian Alps
Bulgaria for 7 days
Just south of Romania, you can reach Bulgaria by train, bus, or driving. The quickest option would be to drive, which would take you more or less five hours, but the cheapest option is by riding a train.
Another country with the best nightlife, Bulgaria is popular with young tourists. But it doesn’t mean non-partygoers cannot enjoy Bulgaria. This country is a great place to explore the outdoors. There are many hiking trails and to ski here, you don’t have to spend too much.
Head to the capital city, Sofia, but for winter sports, you can go to Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo. If you are coming during the warm months, you can still go to the Black Sea by heading toward Varna.
Some of the top spots in Bulgaria are:
- National Palace of Culture in Sofia
- Sofia History Museum
- Rila Monastery – visit with combo tour to Boyana Church
- Seven Rila Lakes – check tour price from Sofia
- Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo
- Belogradchik Rocks
- Prohodna Cave in Karlukovo
- Krushuna Waterfalls
- The Rose Valley near Kazanluk
- The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis in Plovdiv – join a tour of Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery
- Pirin National Park near Plovdiv
- Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari near Shumen
Travel cost
East Europe is one of the most affordable regions in Europe. The accommodation alone can range between $20-$30 while food and the use of public transportation are also very affordable.
It’s easy to travel on a budget in eastern Europe, around $800 is feasible for backpackers and young travellers. If you want to be comfortable, $1,000 will be great and get you your own private room and dine at restaurants. $2,000 can easily be a luxury trip in this region for a 2-week adventure.
Itinerary #5 Nordic: Iceland, Norway, and Denmark
The next option would be the Nordic countries, which consist of Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. However, in this itinerary, we will only cover Norway, Iceland, and Denmark.
Norway is also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. It is famous for its fjords, lakes, and magical skies (Aurora Borealis), as well as Viking culture and folklore.
Iceland is also famous for a lot of natural wonders such as geysers, active volcanoes, and glaciers. You could also see the Northern Lights here. Iceland is relying 100% on renewable energy; hydropower, and geothermal.
Last but definitely not least is Denmark, which is well-known for its coastal towns, architecture, Royalty, and cuisine. Copenhagen is a must-visit. If you find yourself with extra time, you can hop on a train and head to Sweden.
You can also just visit Denmark, Norway, and Sweden using our 2 weeks in Scandinavia itinerary.
Iceland for 4 days
Iceland is the land of fire and ice, and you might be wondering why. They have glaciers but have volcanically heated pools at the same time, where you could swim all year round. That’s pretty fascinating.
Aside from that, it is also a literary-focused country. In fact, one out of ten Icelanders will publish a book even at least once in their lifetime.
Iceland is not a big country, but spending four days here is plenty. Most tourists love staying in Reykjavik, but you don’t have to. If you want to save money, you can stay outside the city and rent a car instead. You can easily move around in your own car, which means it doesn’t matter if your hotel is not in the city.
We have a complete guide and itinerary for 2 weeks in Iceland.
Top attractions in Iceland:
- Drive the Golden Circle
- Blue Lagoon – get your ticket in advance including Kerid Volcanic Crater
- Gullfoss Falls
- Skogafoss
- Seljalandsfoss
- Silfra – snorkel between 2 tectonic plates between North American and Europe
- Þingvellir National Park
- Jökulsárlón
- Perlan
- Chase the Northern Lights – join a tour to find the best spot
- Icelandic Phallological Museum
- National Museum of Iceland
- Reykjanesfólkvangur
- ökulsárlón
- Whale Watching near Reykjavik – book a cruise
- Eystri-Fellsfjara / Diamond Beach
Norway for 6 days
You will need to ride a plane to reach Norway if you’re coming from Iceland. The fastest route takes more or less 6 hours. However, the journey would be worth it because there are so many sights and sceneries once you reach Norway.
This includes the world’s longest road tunnel and the world’s most remote island, among others. This is also an amazing place to ski during winter.
Many tourists usually go to Oslo and Bergen, but you can also add Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Tromso to your itinerary of 2 weeks in Europe.
If you want to see Fjords, you have to head west; from Trondheim all the way down to Stavanger. Check our 2 weeks in Norway itinerary list if you only want to see this country.
Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Norway:
- Bygdoy Peninsula in Oslo
- Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo
- Viking Ship Museum in Oslo
- Naeroyfjorden
- Akershus Fortress in Oslo
- Oslo’s Fjords – check tour prices or a cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm, and Stegastein
- Hanseviertel Bryggen in Bergen
- Sognefjord near Bergen
- Osterrjod and Mostraumen near Bergen – join a cruise
- Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), in Stavanger
- Lofoten Islands
- Geirangerfjord
- Arctic Museum in Tromso
- Find the Northern Lights from Tromso – book a guided tour
- Atlantic Ocean Road
Denmark for 4 days
To reach Denmark from Norway, the best would be to take a plane. There is also a car ferry service, but with a limited time, it’s not ideal. Denmark has the oldest Monarchy in Europe.
Denmark is a small country but popular not only in Europe but around the world. For many years, it has been voted the happiest country in the world. It’s also known for being safe for tourists, the home birth of lego, and has the oldest monarchy in Europe and the oldest flag in the world.
Naturally, visitors will go to Copenhagen, but since the country (excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands) is not that big, 4 days in Denmark is plenty
You can explore the entirety of Copenhagen and even have time to go to Odense, where the famous children’s book author Hans Christian Andersen was born. You can actually get to the city centre from Copenhagen airport in just 13 minutes – a great way to save time.
Here is a list of some of the best attractions in Denmark:
- The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) – explore Copenhagen in a day
- Freetown Christiania
- The King’s Garden
- Amalienborg
- Rosenborg Castle
- Tivoli Gardens – get your ticket in advance
- Botanical Garden
- The Round Tower
- Memorial Anchor
- Copenhagen Opera House
- Walk around Strøget
- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
- Christiansborg Palace
- Danish Architecture Centre
- Ofelia Plads
- Legoland in Billund
- Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home
- H. C. Andersens House
Travel cost
Nordic and Scandinavia is undeniably the most expensive place to travel around Europe. Accommodation alone could run $100, and dining and consuming alcohol are costly as well. But taking the bus and train is a little bearable.
To ensure that you will enjoy your 2 weeks in Europe around this region, plan to spend about $2,000. If you are on a budget, you can probably do it for $1,700 but no less. But for luxury, your trip cost will really skyrocket up to $5,000.
Itinerary #6 West Europe: The UK, Netherlands, and Belgium
The last itinerary option for your 2 weeks in Europe includes the countries the UK, Netherlands, and Belgium, also known as the west of Europe.
The UK is popular for many things, including its monarchy, culture, history, and performers. Being the home of four different countries; England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you can easily say that it’s worth a visit. From bustling cities, amazing hiking trails, pubs to check out, and castles to explore.
There are tons of iconic places in the Netherlands despite it being a small country. The Netherlands is famous for many things. Here, you’ll be able to see windmills, cheese markets, bulb fields, and earthenware, among others. The Netherlands also have plenty of historical spots to discover including Anne Frank’s House.
The last country on our list is Belgium. They have high-quality chocolates, hence the name Belgian chocolate. This country is also well-known for waffles and beer and is the home to NATO headquarters.
The UK for 6 days
There are many things to see in the UK, and six days is definitely not going to be enough. But don’t panic. If this is your first time here, list the attractions you really want to see first. The world-famous Big Ben, London Eye, and River Thames can all be found here, and that’s just in London.
If you have been here before, perhaps, you can now explore less popular areas. Perhaps, you can focus on hiking instead of being in the city or just spend 14 days in England only, especially if it’s your first time.
It’s undeniable that the UK has the most famous monarchy in the world. London alone has a lot of attractions related to the British Monarchy and historical places. In order to make the most out of your trip, the recommended duration of stay is at least five days.
ALSO READ: 2 weeks in the UK, 2 weeks in England, and 2 weeks in Ireland and Northern Ireland itineraries.
List of some best places to see in the UK:
- Tower Bridge
- Stonehenge – book a combo tour with Windsor Castle and Bath
- Buckingham Palace
- The British Museum
- Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition – buy your ticket in advance
- London Eye
- Kensington Palace
- Madame Tussauds – get your skip-the-line ticket
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Book a Harry Potter tour – Warner Bros. Studio
- Scotney Castle
- Bodiam Castle
- Warwick Castle
- Lake District National Park
- Snowdonia
- Dean Village
- Edinburgh Castle – book a skip-the-line tour
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands – check the tour price from Edinburgh
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Titanic Belfast – join a guided tour
- Crumlin Road Gaol
- Giants Causeway – visit with a stop at Dark Hedges, Dunluce, and Belfast
- Free Derry Corner
- The Derry Walls
The Netherlands for 4 days
You could either ride the train or drive if you want to reach the Netherlands from the UK. Once you reach the Netherlands, you could experience the biggest ice skating tour in the world, or join a cycling tour. You can also know more about world-famous painters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt.
Four days sounds too little but you can actually do a lot while in the Netherlands. You can of course explore Amsterdam, and head to The Hague, Rotterdam, and Groningen.
Some things to see and do in The Netherlands:
- Jordaan and Amsterdam’s Canals – book the famous canal cruise
- Anne Frank House
- Rijksmuseum
- Keukenhof
- Mauritshuis
- Van Gogh Museum – enjoy with an audio guide
- The Windmills of Kinderdijk
- Hoge Veluwe National Park
- Valkenburg Castle Ruins
Belgium for 4 days
To reach Belgium, you could ride the train, ride a bus, use rideshare, or drive. The cheapest option would be to use rideshare and the most recommended option would be to ride the train. It would take you almost 3 hours to reach your destination.
The popular cities in Belgium are Brussels which is the capital, Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. You can take buses, trains, or rent a car to travel between cities. Don’t forget to go try different beers and waffles which are two of my favourite part of my visit.
Popular attractions in Belgium:
- Grand Palace
- Atomium – get your entry ticket in advance
- Halle Gate
- Sign up for the famous Hungry Mary’s beer and chocolate tour or join chocolate making class
- Manneken Pis
- Day trip to Bruges and Ghent – enjoy with a tour guide
- The Canals of Bruges
- Battlefield in Flanders
- Belfry of Bruges
- Basilica of the Holy Blood
- Bruges Beer Experience
- Sint-Salvatorskathedraal
- Gravensteen
- Museum Aan de Stroom
- The Rubens House
Travel cost
What I enjoy about travelling in western Europe is how it’s honestly a pricey place but it can be done on a budget. If you think you can stay on your feet for long hours and walking around is not a problem, you can easily cut costs by taking the bus or taxi. The accommodation will surely get you, but dining can be affordable.
The street food in all these countries is fun, globally diverse, and easy to find. For budget travellers, $1,700 is required for your 2-week trip and most likely requires you to stay in a youth hostel. $2,500 offers comfort and a bit of luxury where you can dine at nice restaurants. $4,000 means you can stay in hotels right downtown and near the top attractions, With this budget, you can even hire taxis during your entire trip.
SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN EUROPE
There are so many countries to choose from if you plan to visit Europe. Fortunately, Europe has amazing transportation between cities and countries, making it easy to travel around even with limited time.
When planning your 14-day itinerary for Europe, don’t try to cram it too much. It’s better to travel a bit slower, see fewer places, but be able to enjoy and process everything you have seen and experienced. Europe is not going anywhere, you can always visit again and check out a new place.
I hope that you found these 2 weeks in Europe itineraries helpful in planning your own.
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