Encompassing around 50 countries, Europe is home to vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes and captivating history. With so many top destinations close together, a European getaway is perfect for ticking multiple countries off your wish list.
In this round-up, you won’t find the continent’s most-visited destinations, such as Paris, France or Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Instead, uncover stunning regions of Northern and Central Europe, including Scandinavia, Iceland, the Alps, the UK and Ireland.
No matter where you go on your Europe itinerary, expect a dazzling mix of natural wonders, cool cities and old-world charm. What’s more, some of these places are among the happiest countries in the world – another great reason to visit!
Read on for 11 trip ideas from our local travel experts. With a selection of 1-week, 10-day, 2-week and 3-week recommendations, you’ll find an itinerary to suit you.
- Make the most of your time away on a hassle-free multi-country tour of Europe
10-day Europe itineraries
If you have 10 days in Europe, it’s best to immerse yourself in a single region, rather than hopping around the continent. Check out these 10-day multi-country itineraries.
1. Tour 3 Scandinavian countries
In Northern Europe, the kingdoms of Scandinavia – Norway, Sweden and Denmark – are known for their rugged natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and white winters. No 10-day Scandinavia itinerary would be complete without time in each country.
Start in Stockholm, Sweden’s chic capital. Spend a day or two exploring the city, including the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Gamla Stan) and the grand Royal Palace. Then, hop by plane or high-speed train to Copenhagen, a Danish city famed for its canals and coffee culture.
From Denmark, take an overnight cruise to Norway where you’ll spend the second half of your trip among deep fjords and Viking cities.
Arrive in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. From there, journey to bustling Bergen – also known as the “Gateway to the Fjords” – soaking up majestic scenery along the way.
- Head north year-round with these Scandinavian summer and winter tours
- Related: Things to see and do in Stockholm
2. Uncover the highlights of the United Kingdom
Where should you go on your first trip to Europe? With its English-speaking locals, dynamic cities, and rambling countryside, the UK is a good bet. Plus, there’s the added bonus of visiting multiple countries on one trip.
With 10 days to explore the UK, you could dedicate 6 to England and 2 each to Scotland and Wales.
In England, visit the mighty metropolis of London, with its world-class museums, theatres and restaurants. And don’t miss the picturesque university city of Oxford or the ancient standing stones known as Stonehenge.
You’ll find Scotland and Wales have their own distinct charm. Imagine weaving your way through Edinburgh’s medieval heart on a walking tour or glimpsing heather-clad hills in the Highlands. Meanwhile, in Wales, make time to amble around seaside Llandudno and gaze up at craggy peaks in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
- Experience England, Scotland and Wales on a self-drive tour of the UK
- Related: Visiting the UK – Travel tips from a local expert
3. Visit the German, Austrian and Swiss Alps
If it’s snow-capped peaks you’re after, whisk yourself off to the Alps. This mountain range stretches across 8 countries in the heart of Europe.
With 10 days, embark on a 3-nation adventure, touring the best of the Bavarian, Swiss and Austrian Alps. Base yourself in lakeside towns and mountain villages. Not to mention majestic cities like Munich, Innsbruck and Salzburg.
While there’s plenty to see in these cities, make sure to take day trips into nature as well.
For instance, the best things to do in Switzerland include riding the Jungfraujoch Railway to 3,463 metres (11,361 feet) above sea level for breathtaking mountain views. And relaxing on the shores of turquoise lakes, like Lake Geneva or Lake Thun.
Not far from the German city of Munich, you’ll find the fairytale palace of Neuschwanstein surrounded by forest. And from Innsbruck, you could take a cable car up Nordkette peak, or drive to the pretty Alpine village of Vipiteno.
- Awe-inspiring scenery awaits on a self-drive tour of the Alps
- Related: Fun facts about the Alps
2-week Europe itineraries
If you have more time to dedicate to your European getaway, try these 2-week itineraries.
4. Explore Celtic culture in Scotland and Ireland
Scotland and Ireland are separated by just 19 kilometres (12 miles) of sea, so combining them is a no-brainer. On a 2-week trip, discover lush landscapes and delve into the shared heritage of these Celtic neighbours.
We recommend dividing your time evenly between the 2 destinations. In Scotland, a week gives you enough time to experience dramatic Highland scenery, as well as must-see attractions in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Then, fly to the charming city of Dublin, where you’ll kickstart the Irish part of your journey. Or board a ferry heading to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
In Ireland, don’t miss the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way, including the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher and windswept Aran Islands. Stop off in Galway, a vibrant west-coast city that’s a hub for Ireland’s food and music scenes.
- Combine these Celtic nations on a tour of Scotland and Ireland
- Related: Planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland
5. Add Finland and Estonia to your Scandinavian getaway
With an entire 2 weeks, you could extend the previously mentioned Scandinavian itinerary to include the Baltic states of Finland and Estonia. Facing each other across the Gulf of Finland, they offer an eastern-inflected perspective on the Nordics.
Overnight ferries are one of the most convenient ways to travel between the Baltics and Scandinavia. Hop abroad in modern Helsinki and sail across the Baltic Sea to the medieval city of Tallinn. From Estonia’s walkable capital, it’s easy to continue onto Scandinavia.
In Finland, it’s easy to see why Helsinki is a UNESCO City of Design. Here, sleek modern design sits alongside historical landmarks. Spend a day in the city centre, sightseeing at Parliament House or Sibelius Park, before setting out for postcard-perfect Tallinn.
- Travel at your own pace on an independent tour of Scandinavia
- Related: Scandinavian cities you need to visit
6. Hop between Iceland and Greenland
In the North Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find Iceland and Greenland on the edge of Europe. For the ultimate adventure, visit both otherworldly island nations on one extraordinary trip. Picture yourself hiking along iceberg-strewn fjords, unwinding in natural hot springs, and going on whale-watching boat trips.
With 3 to 4 days in Greenland, take time to learn about Innuit culture in UNESCO-listed Ilulissat, an Arctic village on Ilulissat Icefjord. And hike to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers over 80% of the country’s land surface.
Enjoy the remaining 10 days of your trip soaking up the best of Iceland. One idea is to tour the Ring Road, the highway that loops around the country. Stunning waterfalls, striking volcanoes, black sand beaches, and more are waiting for you.
With 10 days left for travelling to Iceland and driving around the country, you could add a 1-day detour to the lesser-known Snæfellsnes peninsula.
- Visit both nations on a tour of Greenland and Iceland
- Related: Iceland vs Greenland – Where should you go?
3-week Europe itineraries
Discover even more of Europe by extending your trip to 21 days. Dive into these 3-week itineraries for inspiration.
7. Take it slow through Scandinavia and Iceland
Experience Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and beyond on a 3-week journey in the Nordics. Expect medieval cities, coastal cruises and breathtaking train rides. It promises to be the trip of a lifetime!
As described earlier, you can hop between Stockholm and Copenhagen, before setting sail for Norway. Spend a week among the epic fjords and snow-capped mountains. Then, jet off to the Land of Fire and Ice for a Ring Road adventure in Iceland.
- Discover the Nordics on an expert-curated tour of Scandinavia and Iceland
- Related: The Nordic countries – Your ultimate travel guide
8. Spend 3 weeks in the beautiful Alps
If you’re wondering which Central European countries to visit together, the Alpine nations make a lot of sense.
A 3-week road trip is one of the best ways to experience the region at a leisurely pace. This way, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the dazzling landscapes of Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy.
Begin in the magnificent Bavarian city of Munich, before heading into Switzerland. Over 3 weeks, you’ll have time to take the scenic route through the Swiss Alps. Get ready to marvel at iconic mountains like the Eiger or Matterhorn.
What’s more, the sparkling lakes of northern Italy are just across the border. Stroll the villa-dotted shores of Lake Como. Then, circle through Austria and Liechtenstein before returning to Germany, where you can fly home having visited 5 countries.
- Choose from self-drive and small group tours of the Alps
- Related: Must-see mountains in the Alps
9. Experience English-speaking Europe in Ireland and the UK
As neighbouring English-speaking countries in Western Europe, the UK and Ireland make for a perfect pairing. Plus, 3 weeks will give you time to visit top attractions, uncover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Allow 2 weeks to see the highlights of England, Scotland and Wales. Then head across the Irish Sea for a full week exploring lush landscapes, lively towns and rich musical traditions.
- See the Emerald Isle for yourself on a tour of Ireland
- Related: Best places to visit in the UK
Bonus itineraries for 1 week in Europe
If you want to visit Europe but only have a week to spare, check out these recommended 7-day trip ideas.
10. Take a Scandinavian cruise
What is the best European cruise itinerary? On a continent surrounded by stunning coastline – including the French Riviera, Italy’s Cinque Terre and the Greek islands – you’re spoiled for choice. But look north, and you’ll discover one of the most captivating coasts on the planet – Scandinavia.
On a Scandinavian cruise, you can visit Norway, Denmark and Sweden, soaking up the scenery and culture as you go.
Or why not choose one country to explore more deeply? Norway’s epic fjords and coastal cities make it a top destination for your next cruise. You could sail between Bergen and Trondheim, along the country’s jaw-dropping west coast.
- Hop aboard one of these coastal cruises in Scandinavia
- Related: Why Bergen is called the “Gateway to Norway’s Fjords”
11. Plan a one-country trip
Deciding to dedicate 7 days to getting to know a place can be rewarding – and show you sights that few others see.
For instance, you could take a Swedish road trip and experience what this Scandinavian country has to offer outside of the capital. Alternatively, spend a wintry week in the Norwegian region of Svalbard snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights.
See the best of Europe with Nordic Visitor
Whether you’re interested in 3-week adventures or a shorter escape, Nordic cruises or Alpine road trips, your dream itinerary awaits.
So, how can you plan a trip in Europe? Book a multi-country tour with Nordic Visitor and we’ll make it easy.
Choose a getaway that matches how you like to travel. For flexibility and the freedom to go at your own pace, select an independent or self-drive European tour.
Or, travel with your very own guide on a private tour of Europe. You could also explore with like-minded travellers on a small group tour led by a local guide.
Wherever you go, our travel experts will use their local knowledge to arrange your ideal getaway. Get in touch with us to start planning your multi-country tour.
