Are you looking for the perfect 10 day Europe itinerary for your first trip to Europe? I’ve curated 16 exceptional 10 day Europe itineraries tailored for first-time visitors eager to experience the best of Europe.
Planning your first trip to Europe can feel a bit daunting! With so many incredible destinations to choose from, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you are dreaming of iconic capitals, charming countryside escapes, sunny Mediterranean hotspots, hidden Eastern European Gems, or stunning landscapes, we’ve got you covered with the best places to visit in Europe in 10 days.
From planning a 10 day European vacation itinerary to seeking inspiration for your European adventure, you’ll find the perfect plan of the best way to see Europe in 10 days. For those with 2 weeks, see these amazing itineraries!
16 of the Best 10 Day Europe Itineraries
Each itinerary is structured to help you maximize your travel time, including how to plan a trip to Europe for 10 days with the best ways to travel between European cities.
Whether you are planning a 10 day European vacation itinerary or browsing for ideas on where to go in Europe for 10 days, you’ll find the perfect plan below to make your travel planning hassle-free. here are my best Europe itinerary for first-time visitors!
Itinerary 1: Classic Capitals
Destinations: London → Paris → Rome
Perfect for: Must-see cities in Europe, city lovers, and history buffs.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but Spring and Fall have milder weather and fewer tourists.
- Day 1-3: London (3 days): Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, West End shows, and British Museum.
- Day 4-6: Paris ( 3 days) – Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, Museums, Cuisine and Coffee.
- Day 7-10: Rome (4 days)- Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman Forum, History, and pasta.
Travel Times:
- London → Paris: 2h 20m via Eurostar or 1h 15m flight
- Paris → Rome: 2h flight
The best cities in Europe for first-time travelers are found in this London, Paris, and Rome itinerary. It seamlessly blends history, nightlife, famous landmarks, and mouthwatering cuisine, all with efficient train and flight connections to maximize your time in each city. I recommend booking a flight to London and departing from Rome.
Itinerary 2: Best of Italy
Destinations: Rome → Florence → Venice → Milan
Perfect for: Art lovers, food enthusiasts, nature seekers
Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.
- Day 1-3: Rome (3 days)- Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Roman History, Art and Trevi Fountain.
- Day 4-5: Florence (2 days) – Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Wine Windows, Museums, and Art.
- Day 6-7: Venice (2 days) – Gondola rides, St. Mark’s Basilica, Canals, and Rialto Bridge.
- Day 8-10: Milan (3 days) – Duomo di Milano, La Scala, Pizza, Pasta, Gelato, and fashion district.
Travel Times:
- Rome → Florence: 1h 30m via train
- Florence → Venice: 2h via train
- Venice → Milan: 2h 30m via train
This Italy itinerary for 10 days offers a great mix of cultural experiences, rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food, making it one of the best Europe itineraries for beginners who love both cities and landscapes.
Itinerary 3: Spain & Portugal Adventure
Destinations: Lisbon → Porto → Madrid → Barcelona
Perfect for: Foodies, culture seekers, coastal adventurers
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Early Fall (comfortable temperatures), Summer ( Great Weather but crowded), Winter ( fewer crowds and Christmas markets)
- Day 1-3:Lisbon (3 days) – Belém Tower, Tram 28, Tagus River, and Bairro Alto nightlife.
- Day 4-5: Porto (2 days) – Ribeira district, port wine cellars, and Douro River cruises.
- Day 6-7: Madrid (2 days) – Royal Palace, Prado Museum, tapas in La Latina.
- Days 8–10: Barcelona (3 days) – Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter, Park Güell, beach day
Travel Times:
- Lisbon → Porto: 3h train
- Porto → Madrid: 1h 15m flight
- Madrid → Barcelona: 3h train or 1h 20m flight
If you’re wondering how to plan a Europe trip that balances vibrant cities with coastal beauty, this Spain and Portugal itinerary for 10 days is the answer. It’s perfect for foodies and cultural explorers looking to experience the best of tapas, history, and coastal charm on the Iberian Peninsula.
Itinerary 4: Greek Odyssey
Destinations: Athens → Mykonos → Santorini
Perfect for: Island hopping, Culture and history buffs, and total relaxation
Best Time to Visit: Summer (high season)
- Days 1–3: Athens (3 days) – Acropolis, Plaka, National Archaeological Museum.
- Days 4–6: Mykonos (3 days) – Beaches, Little Venice, nightlife
- Days 7–9: Santorini (3 days) – Oia sunsets, volcanic beaches, Fira town, wine tastings
- Day 10: Athens (1 day) – Last-minute sightseeing and shopping before the flight.
Travel Times:
- Athens → Mykonos: 45m flight or 2.5h high-speed ferry
- Mykonos → Santorini: 2-3h high-speed ferry
- Santorini → Athens: 50m flight
This summer in Europe itinerary aims to strike a balance between relaxation and exploration, catering to those who enjoy island vibes and ancient ruins. It offers a perfect blend of Greece’s historical heritage and island tranquility, allowing visitors to experience both vibrant city life and the serene Aegean Sea. This itinerary is ideal for a honeymoon trip.
Itinerary 5: UK & Scotland Highlights
Destinations: London → York → Edinburgh → Scottish Highlands
Perfect for: History buffs, nature lovers, city explorers
Best Time to Visit: Summer (warmer weather, outdoor festivals), Fall and Spring (fewer crowds), and Winter( Magical but chilly).
- Days 1–3: London (3 days) – Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, West End shows, Hyde Park, Museums, and Art
- Day 4: York (1 day) – York Minster, medieval city walls, ghost tours
- Days 5–7: Edinburgh (3 days) – Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, Cocktails and Food.
- Days 8–10: Scottish Highlands (3 days) – Inverness, Loch Ness, Scenic drives, Cairngorms National Park
Travel Times:
- London → York: 2h train
- York → Edinburgh: 2.5h train
- Edinburgh → Inverness: 3.5h train
Discover the best way to explore Europe in 10 days with this UK and Scotland combo. From iconic landmarks in London to the breathtaking scenic Highlands, this European travel itinerary for 10 days offers a perfect blend of vibrant cities and breathtaking countryside, all accessible by scenic train rides!
Itinerary 6: Central Europe Winter Wonderland
Destinations: Munich → Salzburg → Vienna → Prague
Perfect for: Winter enthusiasts, Christmas market lovers, culture seekers
Best Time to Visit: Winter (Christmas markets, snowy landscapes)
- Days 1–2: Munich (2 days) – Marienplatz, beer gardens, Nymphenburg Palace, English Beer garden
- Days 3–4: Salzburg (2 days) – Hohensalzburg Fortress, Sound of Music tour, Mozart.
- Days 5–7: Vienna (3 days) – Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee and Dessert houses, Belvedere Museum
- Days 8–10: Prague (3 days) – Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Old Town Clock.
Travel Times:
- Munich → Salzburg: 1.5h train
- Salzburg → Vienna: 2.5h train
- Vienna → Prague: 4h train or 50m flight
This festive itinerary captures a unique blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and festive traditions, making it an ideal choice for winter enthusiasts and Christmas market lovers. Perfect for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and city explorers, this 10-day European itinerary immerses travelers in the rich culture of Austria and Germany.
Itinerary 7: Highlights of Austria and Germany
Destinations: Vienna → Salzburg → Munich → Nuremberg → Berlin
Perfect for: History buffs, culture enthusiasts, city explorers
Best Time to Visit: Fall (Oktoberfest in Munich) and Spring (mild weather)
- Days 1–3: Vienna (3 days) – Schönbrunn Palace, opera nights, Mozart
- Days 4–5: Salzburg (2 days) – Sound of Music sites, Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Days 6–7: Munich (2 days) -English Beer garden, Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, Dachau Concentration Camp.
- Days 8–10: Berlin (3 days) – Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island, Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate
Travel Times:
- Vienna → Salzburg: 2h 30m train
- Salzburg → Munich: 1h 15m train
- Munich → Nuremberg: 1h train
- Nuremberg → Berlin: 2h 40m train
This 10 day European itinerary is designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Austria and Germany. The classical elegance of life in Vienna, Bavarian charm and beer gardens, and rich historical landmarks in Berlin are captured in this Central European itinerary.
Itinerary 8: Mediterranean Bliss
Destinations: Rome → Florence → Venice → Nice → Barcelona
Perfect for: Art lovers, Sun-seekers, food lovers, and culture enthusiasts
Best Time to Visit: Summer (beaches) and Spring (less crowded)
- Days 1–2: Rome (2 days) – Colosseum, Vatican, Museums and Art, Roman Ruins
- Days 3–4: Florence (2 days) – Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, Renaissance art
- Days 5–6: Venice (2 days) – St. Mark’s Basilica, gondola rides
- Days 7–8: Nice (2 days) – Promenade des Anglais, old town, day trips to Monaco
- Days 9–10: Barcelona (2 days) – Park Güell, Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter La Rambla
Travel Times:
- Rome → Florence: 1h 30m train
- Florence → Venice: 2h train
- Venice → Nice: 1h 20m flight
- Nice → Barcelona: 1h 20m flight
This Europe trip planner 10 days combines the best of iconic Mediterranean cities with Europe’s historic sites and delicious cuisine. A sun-soaked itinerary through Italy, France, and Spain, featuring a rich history and stunning beaches for those craving warm climates, vibrant cultures, and iconic architecture.
Itinerary 9: Scandinavian Summer Bliss
Destinations: Copenhagen → Stockholm → Oslo → Bergen
Perfect for: Scandinavian culture, nature, and vibrant city life
Best Time to Visit: Summer (long days, mild weather)
- Days 1–3: Copenhagen (3 days) – Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, biking city tour, Little Mermaid, Food Markets
- Days 4–5: Stockholm (2 days) – Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan, Museums, and archipelago kayaking
- Days 6–7: Oslo (2 days) – Vigeland Park, Akershus Fortress, and Viking Ship Museum
- Days 8–10: Bergen (3 days) – Bryggen, Fjord cruises, Mount Fløyen
Travel Times:
- Copenhagen → Stockholm: 1h flight
- Stockholm → Oslo: 1h flight
- Oslo → Bergen: 6h train or 1h flight
This 10 day Europe itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors looking to explore the best of Northern Europe during the summer. A blend of urban charm and natural beauty, making it ideal for those who want to experience the best of Scandinavia and is the perfect Europe travel guide for first-timers!
Itinerary 10: The French Dream
Destinations: Paris → Lyon → Provence → Nice
Perfect for: Foodies, wine lovers, and history enthusiasts
Best Time to Visit: Late Spring ( great weather) or Early Fall ( fewer crowds), Summer ( Lavender Season)
- Days 1–3: Paris (3 days) – City of Lights, Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Louvre Cafe
- Days 4–5: Lyon (2 days) – Culinary Capital, Wine Tours, medieval and Renaissance architecture
- Days 6–7: Provence (2 days) – Wine, the Palace of Popes, cuisine, Verdon Gorge
- Days 8–10: Nice (3 days) – French Riviera, Promenade des Anglaise, Vieux Nice, Monaco, Castle Hill
Travel Times:
- Paris → Lyon: 2h via TGV Train
- Lyon → Provence: 1h 40m via TGV Train
- Provence → Nice: 3- 4h train
Ideal for those planning a 10 day Europe trip centered around French culture and cuisine. This itinerary showcases the best places to visit in Europe in 10 days for those who appreciate fine wine, gastronomic exploration, rich history, and romantic settings. It’s the perfect first-time Europe trip itinerary to discover the best of France’s most beloved cities!
Itinerary 11: Alpine Adventures
Destinations: Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Geneva
Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts, mountain lovers, nature photographers
Best Time to Visit: Summer (outdoor adventure) and Winter (skiing + Christmas Markets)
- Days 1–2: Zurich (2 days) – Lake Zurich, central Altstadt (Old Town), Limmat River
- Days 3–4: Lucerne (2 days) – Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, Hiking.
- Days 5–7: Interlaken (3 days) – Jungfrau Region, Outdoor Activites
- Days 8–10: Geneva + Annecy (3 days) – Lake Geneva, United Nations, Lake Annecy, Old Town, and Raclette
Travel Times:
- Zurich → Lucerne: 55m train
- Lucerne → Interlaken: 1h 48m train
- Interlaken → Geneva: 2h 54m train
- Geneva → Anncey: 50m bus ride
This Europe itinerary is perfect for first-time travelers seeking a 10 day European vacation itinerary in the stunning Swiss Alps and charming cities. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, nature photographers, and anyone who enjoys scenic train rides and exploring quaint lakeside towns. It’s one of the best European travel itineraries 10 days for nature lovers.
Itinerary 12: British-Irish Highlights
Destinations: London → Dublin → Galway ( including Cliffs of Moher)
Perfect for: Cultural Explorers, History Enthusiasts, and first-time visitors.
Best Time to Visit: Late Spring and Early Fall (mild weather), Winter ( snow and Christmas Markets), Summer
- Days 1–4: London (4 days) – Tower of London, Tate Modern, Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, Museums.
- Days 5–7: Dublin (3 days) – Trinity College, Book of Kells, Irish Pubs, Museums, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse
- Days 8–10: Galway (3 days) – Cliffs of Moher, Aran Island, Connemara National Park, Eyre Square, Medieval City
Travel Times:
- London → Dublin: 1hr 15m flight
- Dublin → Galway: 2h 30m train or bus
The perfect Europe itinerary for beginners provides visitors with the chance to explore vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and breathtaking scenic views! Experience the best of London and Dublin with breathtaking Irish scenery and charm.
Itinerary 13: France and Benelux Adventure
Destinations: Paris→ Brussels → Bruges→ Amsterdam
Perfect for: Art Enthusiasts, History Enthusiasts, and charming cityscapes.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (Tulip blooms), Fall ( fewer crowds), Summer ( Concerts)
- Days 1–3: Paris (3 days): Sacré-Coeur, Tuileries Garden, Museums, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame cathedral, Cafes
- Days 4–5: Brussels (2 days) – Grand Palace, Belgian chocolate, European Quarter
- Days 6-7: Bruges (1 day) – Medieval Streets, Canal boat tour, Belfry of Bruges
- Days 8–10: Amsterdam (3 days) – Iconic Canals, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Keukenhof Gardens for Tulip Season.
Travel Times:
- Paris → Brussels: 1hr 15m train
- Brussels → Bruges: 1h 10m train or Bus
- Bruges→ Amsterdam: 2h 50m train
This Europe travel itinerary of 10 days offers historical landmarks, amazing artwork, culinary delights and iconic capital cities with short travel times! Starting in the City of Lights, this Romantic itinerary continues to Belgium and ends with a cruise through the canals of Amsterdam!
Itinerary 14: Best of Central and Eastern Europe
Destinations: Prague → Vienna → Budapest → Krakow
Perfect For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, budget travelers
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall (comfortable weather)
- Days 1–3: Prague (3 days) – Charles Bridge, Old Town, Castle District
- Days 4–5: Vienna (2 days) – Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, Vienna Opera House, and Naschmarkt.
- Days 6–7: Budapest (2 days) – Parliament, Thermal baths, Buda Castle.
- Days 8–10: Krakow (3 days) – Wawel Castle, Auschwitz Memorial, Jewish Quarter.
Travel Times:
- Prague → Vienna: 4h train
- Vienna → Budapest: 2h 30m train
- Budapest → Krakow: 7h train or 1h 15m flight
Exploring Central Europe in 10 days in Europe is made easy with this itinerary, featuring iconic cities in Central Europe, offering a blend of medieval charm, historical sites, and cultural depth. A great choice for first-time visitors seeking to experience both history and modern vibrancy while staying on a budget.
Itinerary #15: Adriatic Summer Adventure (Croatia & Slovenia)
Destinations: Dubrovnik → Split → Plitvice Lakes → Ljubljana/Lake Bled day trip
Perfect for: Historic towns, crystal-clear beaches, and stunning nature.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (long days, mild weather) or Off-peak seasons (May, June, September, and October)
- Days 1–3: Dubrovnik (3 days) – Pearl of the Adriatic, Medieval City, Mount Srd, Adriatic Ocean
- Days 4–6: Split (2 days) – Diocletian’s Palace, Riverfront Promenade, Blue Cave, Cathedral of St. Domnius.
- Day 7: Plitvice Lakes (1 day) – Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Days 8–10: Ljubljana/Lake Bled (3 days) – Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, Prešeren Square, Lake Bled, and Bled Castle
Travel Times:
- Dubrovnik → Split – 3h 30m train, 4h 45m catamaran ferry (in summer)
- Split → Plitvice Lakes – 3h 30m to 4h 30m by bus (direct routes in summer), 2h drive ( rental car is best)
- Plitvice → Ljubljana – 5h (2h bus to Zagreb, then 2h 30m train to Ljubljana)
- Ljubljana → Lake Bled – 1h by bus (each way)
This 10 day Europe itinerary offers an Adriatic adventure that truly delivers. An ideal summer route combines beaches and swimming with cultural exploration and outdoor adventures. Buses and ferries make it easy to connect these stops (and a budget-friendly trip).
Itinerary #16: Iceland Roadtrip Adventure
Destinations: Reykjavik → Golden Circle → South Coast→ Vik→ East Fjords→ North Ireland
Perfect for : Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, and Photographers
Best Time: Summer for midnight sun and mild weather, Winter for Northern Lights and Snowy Landscapes
- Days 1–2: Reykjavik (2 days) – Hallfrimskirkja Church, Capital City, Concert Hall, Blue Lagoon or Thermal Spa
- Day 3: Golden Circle (1 day) – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall.
- Days 4- 5: South Coast (2 days) – Skogafoss, Glacier Hikwa, Waterfalls, Vik (where to stay overnight), Black Sand Beach, Puffins
- Days 6 -7: East Fjords (2 days) – Hofn Harbor, Coastlines, Fishing Villages, Lake My’vatn
- Day 8-9: North Iceland (2 days) – Goðafoss Waterfall Whale Watching, Outdoor Adventures
- Day 10: Reykjavik (1 day) – drive back, enjoy the Capital city.
Travel Times:
- Reykjavik → Golden Circle– 1h drive
- Golden Circle → Vik –2h 30m drive
- Vik→ East Fjords – 5h drive
- East Fjords → Akyreyri – 4h drive
- Akyreyri→ Reykjavik – 5h drive
In just 10 days, this Iceland itinerary covers the most breathtaking sites and beautiful landscapes on this amazing island! From the bustling capital city to remote beauty, stunning waterfalls (see our map of the best ones), National Parks, hiking glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and hot springs are a few of the highlights.
Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to take a road trip (just don’t make these mistakes!) in one country at their own pace. Plus, check out these amazing tours!
Tips For Your First Trip to Europe
Planning a 10 day Europe itinerary can be overwhelming for beginners, but fear not! Each itinerary above includes destinations, a day-by-day breakdown, and travel times (train/flight durations), but we wanted to add a few additional tips to make your first trip to Europe seamless.
Plan Your Visa and Travel Documents
UK Travel Update: Since Brexit, travelers from many countries (including the USA) need a visa to enter the UK. This can be completed HERE. Europe is expected to follow in late 2025, check HERE for updates.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
Understanding Europe’s Seasonal Weather
- Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, fewer tourists. Ideal for city trips and countryside explorations. Packing tips on what to wear in Spring!
- Summer (June-August): Warm to hot weather, crowded tourist spots, ideal for beaches and festivals. Book accommodations well in advance. Packing tips on what to wear in Summer.
- Fall (September-November): Cooler weather, beautiful foliage, less crowded. Great for cultural city trips and wine regions.
- Winter (December- February): Cold and snowy in northern and mountainous areas. Ideal for Christmas markets and skiing. Southern Europe remains milder.
Money and Currency
- Currency: Many European countries use the Euro (€), but the UK uses the British Pound (£), and some Eastern European countries use their currency (e.g., Polish Zloty, Hungarian Forint).
- Use ATMs to withdraw local currency for better rates.
How to travel Europe efficiently
- Train Travel: Europe’s train network is extensive and efficient. Purchase a Eurail or Interrail pass to save money. Or check the train website.
- Budget Airlines ( best way to travel between European cities): Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer cheap flights but charge for extras like luggage.
- Walking: Most European cities are walkable, so bring comfortable shoes.
- For 10 days in Europe where to go, trains and planes make getting around easy!
Dining and Tipping
- Dining Hours: Some countries have late dinner times (like Spain) or are closed outside traditional meal times in smaller cities.
- Tipping: Not always necessary, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants.
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