3 Week Europe Itinerary: Planning the Perfect Europe Trip
This 3 week Europe itinerary explains how to plan a trip, the best destinations to visit, and how to hit the highlights of Europe in three weeks.
Europe is a stunning continent with so many places to visit and is a bucket list vacation for many. Planning an itinerary to see many destinations can be overwhelming.
My first “big” international trip as a kid was a Europe trip that included a couple days in London, Paris, and Rome followed by a 10 day Mediterranean cruise.
Then, my first “big” trip with my boyfriend was a similar trip that included a few days in Iceland, London, Amsterdam, Rome, and Venice followed by a week long Adriatic cruise.
If you are planning one of your first “big” trips like those listed above or if you are a seasoned traveler, this guide to planning a Europe itinerary is for you.
This guide breaks down the best destinations in Europe to visit, how long to spend in each location, the best way to travel around Europe, and a guide to European cruising.
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3 Week Europe Trip Itinerary at a Glance
The below itinerary is my favorite way to travel Europe in 2-3 weeks. It’s a great itinerary because it covers a variety of different countries and cultures with minimal transit time between stops.
The itinerary has 16 location days and approximately 4 travel days. Keep reading this guide for more detail on how to plan this itinerary or something similar.
- Travel Day from USA to Reykjavik
- Reykjavik, Iceland – 2 Days
- London, England – 2 Days
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – 1 Day
- Rome, Italy – 3 Days
- Venice, Italy – 1 Day
- Adriatic Cruise – 7 Days
- Travel Day from Venice to USA
Map of this Europe 3 Week Itinerary
Using this Planning Guide
This guide walks through a sample three-week Europe trip itinerary that we followed but can be easily tweaked to fit your trip. To personalize the itinerary based on your interests and availability, utilize the tips below.
Adding a destination you have always dreamed of visiting. To do this, look for a stop on this itinerary that is nearby and add a train trip to visit for a few days.
Adjust for flight efficiency. Sometimes, the most direct flights from your home may land in a country not in this list. If that is the case, spend a few days in your arrival city then connect to this itinerary where it makes sense.
Availability when booking may dictate your ability to visit certain locations, especially the cruise portion. Opt for what is available and adjust accordingly.
Daily Itineraries for 3 Weeks in Europe
Reykjavik, Iceland
Coming from North America, Iceland is a great stopover location on the way to Europe. Icelandair offers a stopover program that allows you to stay up to seven days in Iceland for no additional cost.
In my sample itinerary, I spent 48 hours in Reykjavik, which is the perfect amount of time to get (slightly) adjusted to the time change and see a few of the highlights of the country.
Three reasons why an Iceland Stopover is a great idea:
1. Save money– Icelandair is a budget airline so you will save money on airfare and save money with their stopover program by not having to book multiple legs.
2. Break Up the Trip– We can all agree long-haul flights can be a drag. Breaking up the journey to Europe with a couple days in Iceland makes the journey more bearable.
3. Iceland is wonderful– Regardless of the above reasons, Iceland is a beautiful country that is worth seeing. From the natural beauty to the fun adventures, an Iceland stopover is a great option for anyone.
Where to Stay in Iceland
Located in the main area of downtown Reykjavik, the Canopy by Hilton is a wonderful hotel that is walkable to many sites. This hotel has a modern Icelandic style with comfortable luxury.
The rooms are sleek, functional, and large. This hotel is a great option for those who want to be located in the city center near bars, restaurant and shopping.
For a unique and luxurious stay, check in to The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. This spa-like hotel is onsite at the popular Blue Lagoon. The rooms overlook either the lava fields or the blue lagoon.
The hotel offers luxury spa services, private access to the lagoon and onsite upscale restaurants. The proximity to the airport makes this a great option for quick trips.
Iceland Day 1: Relax and Wander
The first stop you need to make when arriving in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. While this site is known for being touristy, it is popular for good reason. The entire facility has a luxury spa atmosphere.
Since the Blue Lagoon is located between the airport and Reykjavik, it makes the most sense to visit upon arrival. The lagoon is the perfect way to quickly recover from jetlag and rejuvenate your skin after a long flight.
Tip: book your Blue Lagoon tickets ahead of time, they are not available for purchase day-of.
Later, spend the rest of your day exploring Reykjavik on foot. The city is very safe, so wander the streets and visit any stores that pique your interest.
For a great dinner option, visit the Grill Market restaurant for high-end steaks and local bites.
Iceland Day 2: Explore Nature
If you have ever seen a photo of Iceland, you know it has outstanding natural beauty. During your 48-hour Iceland stopover, you must explore some of the natural sites Iceland has to offer.
First, I suggest is a superjeep tour of the golden Circle. The golden circle is a popular drive near Reykjavik that has multiple waterfalls, geysers, and the continental divide. Superjeep.is is a great tour operator for the golden circle.
Your day will begin by getting picked up by a private driver in a recreational vehicle. You will round the golden circle at your own pace while learning about local history and culture from your driver. The benefit of this private tour is the ability to avoid crowds and make stops based on your interests.
If visiting during the winter months, you must do a northern lights tour at night. Iceland is one of the prime places in the world that you can hunt for the elusive northern lights. Superjeep.is offers a wonderful northern lights tour.
Their professional drivers know the best spots to see the lights and will persist for hour trying to find the perfect viewing location.
For more details to plan the perfect 48-hour Iceland stopover, read my guide here.
London, England
The next stop on your Europe Itinerary will be London, England. After a quick flight from Iceland, London is a great hub to start your European tour.
To make the most of your two days in England, balance time between London and visiting the nearby town of Oxford.
Where to Stay in London
Located within walking distance of Hyde park, The Chesterfield Mayfair is a great hotel option. This hotel models old-money luxury with wood paneling, elegant chandeliers, and wallpaper. Each room has a slightly different design that adds to the charm of the Chesterfield.
London Marriott Grosvenor Square
The London Marriot Grosvenor Square is an elegant, sleek, modern hotel located in the London City center. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, I seek out Marriott properties around the globe and this one stands out among them all.
The highlight of this hotel is the lush courtyard that is a nice escape from the city.
London Day 1: City Exploration
Your first day in London will be focused downtown. For transportation, take advantage of the advanced train station to easily get all around town.
Some great stops are listed below, pick and choose which sound the most interesting to you.
Harrods: This expansive, high-end mall overshadows all other malls in the world. Therefore, you could spend hours wandering the different sections of Harrods and even get lost in there.
Choose 2-3 spaces that sound the most interesting then move on with the city tour.
Westminster Abbey: One of the most famous churches in London, Westminster Abbey is a great stop during your day in London.
For some, a simple walk-by will be sufficient while others may choose to purchase tickets to go inside.
Big Ben: Another iconic landmark, Big Ben is must-see. I recommend doing a walk-by and snapping pictures but forego entering to save time.
London Eye: This giant Ferris wheel provides stunning views of the city from above. The London Eye is a great midday stop to rest your legs while taking in the stunning views.
This London Eye ticket with fast track admission will allow you to skip the line and save time.
Tower of London: The Tower of London is one of my favorite sites on this list.
A ticket for entry will grant you access to both the crown jewels and the palace where you can see medieval torture chambers. Dedicate 1-2 hours of your day to this historic site.
You will only be able to see all the above sites of you move at super-human speed. Instead, select which ideas best suite your interests and enjoy the day at a leisurely pace.
London Day 2: Small Town Visit
For your second day in London, hop on the tube and get out of the city.
The nearby town of Oxford is charming and showcases beautiful architecture. This old, university town has many beautiful churches and lecture halls to visit.
Spend your day walking between the different buildings of the campus and reading the educational placards. Be sure to time your visit because some buildings close based on event or class schedules.
For a super easy day trip, take this full day tour that visits Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford. It includes roundtrip transportation, entrance to the sites and guided walking tours.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
For the next leg, catch a quick 2 hour flight from London to Amsterdam. I will not pretend that one day in Amsterdam is enough time.
This wonderful city deserves at least three full days. However, due to the breadth of this Europe itinerary, we will focus on just the highlights of this city.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
From the outside, the Park Plaza looks like a palace. On the inside, it looks like a modern luxury hotel. This hotel is within walking or biking distance of all the major sites in Amsterdam.
Since it is located on a major canal, the views from the hotel are stunning.
Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel
Since your time in Amsterdam is so short, staying in the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel may make the most sense logistically.
This hotel is clean, modern, and comfortable. Since it is attached to the airport, you will save a lot of time commuting back and forth.
Amsterdam Day 1: City Highlights
Wander the Canals: The canals are what make Amsterdam so unique and charming. Spend time wandering the canals by foot or bike to find the hidden gems of Amsterdam.
This World War II walking tour is great if you prefer to explore with a guide.
Canal Boat Tour: Another way to see the city is through a canal boat tour. There are many tour operators throughout the city, and you do not need to book ahead.
One option is an open-air booze cruise which I would recommend for a sunny day.
The other option is a closed-top tour with a commentator. While the second option is less exciting, it is good in poor weather.
Anne Frank House: The Anne Frank house is an absolute must during your one day in Amsterdam. The museum and tour are incredibly well done.
This tour will be emotionally and mentally difficult but extremely important and educational. Be sure to book your tickets early; they can sell out months ahead of time.
Cheese Museum: For all my dairy-lovers, the Amsterdam cheese museum is fun and tasty. You can sample many variations of local cheeses then learn about the cheese making process.
See a two day itinerary for Amsterdam here.
Rome, Italy
Next up on this ultimate Europe trip itinerary is Rome. Rome is one of my favorite cities in the entire world and your three days here are guaranteed to be memorable.
In addition to the below activities, be sure to eat all the things. Indulge yourself with wine, pasta, pizza and gelato. Remember, vacation calories do not count.
Where to Stay in Rome
$700 per night
The St Regis Rome is above and beyond beautiful. Located in the coveted Piazza Navona, you cannot go wrong with this hotel. The rooms are large, elegant, and luxurious.
This hotel showcases. world-class service that St Regis is known for. in other words, you will have all of your needs taken care of.
Airbnb Near the Spanish Steps
$150 per night
On my past trip to Rome, I stayed in this gorgeous Airbnb apartment near the Spanish Steps. This place provides incredible value for your money.
The accommodation had the perfect location and great amenities. Since you will be spending a bit more time in Rome, it is great to have a fully functional home-base with a small kitchen.
Rome Day 1: Ancient Rome
The first day in Rome, you will be heading back in history. First, visit the Colosseum. The ticket line for the Colosseum gets extremely long so plan to book your tickets ahead.
If visiting in the summer, plan to visit early in the day before the sun gets too intense.
Next, walk a short distance to the Roman Forum. The entrance here will be included with your Colosseum ticket.
Wander the ancient rubble and learn from the informational signs posted throughout.
With any extra time, visit the outdoor market in the Trastevere neighborhood. There are many vendors selling local food, crafts, and alcohol.
Rome Day 2: Modern City
Day 2 in Rome will focus on the modern city center. If you are staying in one of the accommodations listed above, this will be the area directly surrounding your hotel.
Warning: These sights are all extremely busy so keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Trevi Fountain: Story says, if you toss a coin in the fountain, you will return to Rome someday. If you want to get a classic photo in front of the fountain, arrive at sunrise. Otherwise, you will be shoulder to shoulder with other tourists trying to toss their coin in as well.
Pantheon: A beautiful church in the center of modern Rome. Entrance is free and there is usually little to no line. Walk in, look up, and take in the architectural beauty of this site.
Piazza Navona: One of many vibrant squares in Rome, Pizza Navona is the most famous. This is a great place to relax on a park bench and watch the entertaining street performers. Visit the local artists showcasing their work all around the square and even think about buying a piece to bring home.
Spanish Steps: The Spanish Steps are in the area of Rome with the high-end designer shopping. Walk through the stores and admire the beautiful shoes, purses, and fashion.
If you are looking to splurge, treat yourself to buying something. I bought my first Gucci purse at the Spanish Steps location and it is a fond memory to this day.
Warning: This area is notorious for a tourist scam where a vendor will “gift” women with a rose then harass them to pay for it. To avoid this, do not accept any “gifts” and keep walking.
Rome Day 3: Vatican City
Enter a completely new country tucked into the center of Rome. The Vatican and Sistine Chapel are another opportunity to buy tickets ahead of time and save time.
Meander through the museums, take in the beautiful artwork and if you are lucky, spot the pope.
On our most recent trip to Rome, we noticed extra security when entering St. Peters Square. Oblivious, we continued walking around then heard voices booming from speakers.
In front of us, was the Pope giving a speech on a stage. This is one of the best travel memories I have to date.
Complete Rome travel guide here.
Venice, Italy
Unpopular opinion, but I think Venice is a bit overrated. While I think everyone needs to visit, 24 hours in Venice is plenty.
This gives you the perfect amount of time to enjoy the canals and visit the major sites without wasting unnecessary money on the expensive accommodations and food.
Where to Stay in Venice
This hotel is absolutely gorgeous. Baglioni Hotel Luna is in the famous St Marks Square and is well worth the high price tag. The rooms are large, elegant and overlook the canals.
The rooftop lounge is to-die for and will make your 24 hours in Venice unforgettable.
Another great place to stay in Venice is the Bauer Palazzo. Also, nearby St Marks Square, the located of this hotel will optimize your travel time to all of the major sites during your 24 hours in Venice.
The rooms and hotel facilities are decorated in a traditional style that will make you feel like royalty.
Venice Day 1: City Highlights
St Marks Square: The center of action in Venice, St Mark’s Square is a great starting point for your day. Admire the landmark clock tower, visit local shops, and visit Saint Mark’s Basilica.
To avoid lines, purchase your basilica tickets ahead of time and arrive early.
Gondola Ride: When people think of Venice, their first though is likely the romantic gondolas that float the canals. This is a must when you visit.
If you wait to book a gondola until you arrive, it will cost around $80. You can book ahead here for $30.
Get Lost in the Canals: Some of my favorite memories of Venice have been getting lost in the canals. Away from the tourist centers, you will wander upon small squares where locals are drying laundry and kids are playing.
These areas showcase the true culture of Venice which in my opinion, overshadows the tourist attractions.
One Week European Cruise
From Venice, your next stop during your 3 weeks in Europe will be a European cruise. After a fast-paced trip with many stops, full travel days and constantly changing hotels, a cruise is the perfect way to relax while still seeing more destinations.
Benefits of Cruising
One Home-Base– A huge benefit of cruising is the ability to unpack and get comfortable in your cabin. You can also get comfortable with the layout of the cruise, the staff and the food options which can be comforting after a couple weeks of jumping around.
See Many Places– It would take at least double the time to see all these ports by land and air travel. Cruising allows you to optimize your time by traveling while you sleep and exploring during the day.
Meet New People- While these cruises hold thousands of passengers, you will find yourself running into the same people time and time again. This is a great way to meet people and make friends from all over the world.
Sample European Cruise Itineraries
There are many different European cruise itineraries leaving from many different ports. For the purposes of this European itinerary, I suggest finding one that embarks from Venice.
I highly recommend Royal Caribbean International, as it is our all-time favorite cruise line. Below, find two sample itineraries that are currently being offered.
European Cruise Itinerary #1: 7 Night Greek Isles Cruise
Venice, Italy — Kotor, Montenegro — Corfu, Greece — Athens, Greece — Mykonos, Greece — Argostoll, Greece — Cruising Day — Venice, Italy
European Cruise Itinerary #2: 7 Night Italy & Adriatic Cruise
Venice, Italy — Cruising — Olympia, Greece — Valletta, Malta — Cruising — Ibiza, Spain — Palma de Mallorca, Spain — Barcelona, Spain
European Cruise Port Guides
The below guides are samples of what you can do in some of the European cruise destinations.
Kotor, Montenegro Port Guide
Kotor, Montenegro is a lesser-known town in the Adriatic. Tucked at the base of mountains, this port town has great old-world charm.
Hike to the Castle of Saint Johns. This hike is tucked into the back of old town and consists of approximately 800 steps. At the end, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the town and port.
Wander the old town of Kotor. Kotor has old-world charm with large walls, fortresses, and community squares. Wandering the streets will allow you to get a sense of the beauty of culture of this town.
Meet the local kittens. Kotor is known for having many stray kittens. These playful creatures are cared for by local businesses and are adorable.
If you prefer to explore with a guide, this private walking tour with food and wine tasting is the perfect way to see the city and learn about its history.
Dubrovnik Croatia Port Guide
Dubrovnik is an absolutely stunning city that has many things for visitors to do. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world, and a great cruise port.
Here are some of the top things to do in Dubrovnik:
1. Explore The Old Town: Dubrovnik’s beautiful old town is a must-see. Its winding, cobbled streets and ancient architecture make it one of the top tourist attractions in Croatia. Spend some time here wandering around and taking in the sights!
2. Go Island Hopping: Take a boat tour and visit some of the nearby islands, such as Lokrum or Mljet. On these islands you’ll find some gorgeous beaches, caves to explore, and plenty of opportunities to relax.
3. Visit Fort Lovrijenac: This fortress was built during the 11th century and offers incredible views over Dubrovnik’s old town as well as the Adriatic Sea beyond. Climb up to the top for a great photo opportunity!
Olympia, Greece Port Guide
Olympia, Greece, or the Port of Katakolon is the site of the original Olympic games. The main activity here is visiting the Olympic grounds.
Book a tour of the Olympic stadium through your cruise line or a local company. I highly recommend this private guided tour. You will be transported to and from the port, tour the entire stadium and learn about the local history.
Santorini, Greece Port Guide
Santorini is my favorite island in Greece due to the stunning beauty and carefree culture. To get to the town of Oia from the cruise port, be sure to book a boat or bus transfer.
Wander the town of Oia and shop local vendors. The white buildings and cobblestone pathways of Oia are world famous. The entire town is clean, luxurious, and very safe. Wander the hilly streets while stopping at local shops.
If you are there late enough, be sure to catch the sunset. Santorini is world-famous for having the best sunsets. The sky will glow with shades of orange which is a stark contrast to the whites and blues of the town.
Read more about one day in Santorini.
Barcelona, Spain Port Guide
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain, for good reason. It is a great place to sample the food and culture of this country.
Go to La Sagrada Familia and tour the inside. La Sagrada Familia is a modern church that was designed by Antoni Gaudi. This building is unique for two reasons: the non-traditional architecture and the extended build time (it is still under construction today). This ticket allows you to skip the line and includes a guided tour.
Visit the beaches for relaxing time in the sun. As a beautiful, coastal city, Barcelona has stunning beaches that attract both tourists and locals.
The Best Time to Visit Europe
Europe is a year-round destination. In the summer, focus your itinerary on coastal destinations where you can enjoy the water. In the winter, focus your itinerary on mountain destinations where you can enjoy the snow.
This Europe itinerary focuses on some coastal destinations that are more popular in the spring and summer but will be enjoyable in any season. To adjust this itinerary for the winter, perhaps add a few more destinations in France or Switzerland that known for snow, mountains, or Christmas markets.
Other Great Cities to Visit in Europe
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt Switzerland is one of my favorite towns in Europe. If you are planning a trip for the winter, be sure to include Zermatt on your itinerary. In Zermatt, you can ski beside the Matterhorn, eat authentic cheese fondue, and play in the snow.
Check out my complete guide to Zermatt for more information.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como, Italy is not only one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but it’s also one of the most romantic getaways.
Located in the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como has a stunning natural landscape and is home to some of Italy’s finest villas. With its dramatic views, world-renowned cuisine and luxury accommodation options, this Italian paradise is perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape.
If you are taking a cruise to or from Italy, Lake Como is a great addition.
Florence, Italy
Florence is my favorite city in Italy. I even like it more than Rome! If you have an extra two days, Florence can easily be added to the end of this itinerary by taking a train from Venice.
In Florence, enjoy the local food and shopping and soak in the last bit of European magic before heading home.
Summary of this Three Week Europe Trip Itinerary
Between the travel days and touring days, this itinerary will be approximately a full 3 weeks in Europe. I find this the perfect amount of time to see many places without getting burned out on full-time travel.
As mentioned above, this Europe trip itinerary is only a sample of how you can spend 3 weeks in Europe. Be sure to adjust based on your interests, budget, or logistics.
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