With its storied history, dazzling landscapes, and diverse cultures, Europe offers countless incredible destinations. Planning a trip to Europe can be exciting yet overwhelming. To help narrow your search, here are 10 of the best trip ideas for an unforgettable European adventure.
Whether you love art, food, history, nightlife or the outdoors, you’ll find a perfect trip match in this list. Keep reading for inspiration to start planning your dream visit to Europe.
Tour Iconic Capitals: London, Paris, Rome
For a classic first visit, tour London, Paris, and Rome – three iconic and historic European capitals.
In London, hear Big Ben chime as you view Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. Travel via Eurostar train to Paris to ascend the Eiffel Tower and explore Notre Dame and the Louvre. Then fly to Rome where highlights like the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and pasta await.
Relax on the Beaches of Greece
Trade busy cities for idyllic Greek Islands drenched in sunshine and mythology. Island-hop through Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu by ferry, taking in ancient ruins, white-washed villages, and tranquil azure waters.
Spend days lounging at luxurious beach clubs or by your hotel’s infinity pool overlooking the sea. Don’t miss world-famous sunsets in Oia, Santorini.
Road Trip Ireland’s Coastal Route
Experience dramatic emerald-green scenery on a road trip around Ireland. Drive along portions of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ring of Kerry, over mountain passes and onto windswept cliffs.
Make stops at lively Dublin, quaint towns like Kinsale, prehistoric sites like the Cliffs of Moher, and castles like Blarney along the route. The magic of Ireland unfolds mile by mile.
Cruise the Norwegian Fjords
Be awed by Norway’s majestic fjords on a Norwegian cruise or ferry ride. Depart from Bergen to sail deep into Aurlandsfjord and Flåm valley, gazing up at towering waterfalls and cliffs.
Continue to Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, then Geirangerfjord with its abandoned mountain farms. Complete the journey at Trondheim.
Bike Through Amsterdam and Beyond
Cycle your way through the flat, bike-friendly cities and landscapes of the Netherlands. Pedal along Amsterdam’s canals before biking to harbor towns like Haarlem, villages like Zaanse Schans, and the tulip fields of Lisse.
The excellent cycling infrastructure makes for an active, self-guided Dutch adventure. Don’t forget to stop for regular breaks to refuel on local beer, cheese and chocolate.
Self-Drive the Swiss Alps
Enjoy breathtaking Alpine views on a Swiss road trip through villages, lakes, vineyards, and Europe’s highest peaks. Start in Geneva or Zurich then drive past Lake Lucerne, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Interlaken’s Jungfrau region, and end in St. Moritz.
Top stops include hiking trails, castles like Chillon, scenic railways, cheese and chocolate tasting, and luxury resorts.
Absorb Art & History in Italy’s Cities
Create an Italian art and history tour to see Michelangelo’s David in Florence, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and more.
Beyond the masterpieces, immerse yourself in la dolce vita along quiet canals, lively piazzas, local trattorias, and vineyards. Milan, Cinque Terre, Pompeii and Sicily also dazzle on this cultural Italian adventure.
Pub Crawl Through Ireland
Get a true taste of Ireland’s legendary pub culture on a road trip to the country’s classic watering holes. From small-town pubs in Doolin to lively Dublin spots like O’Donoghue’s, sip Irish stouts, whiskeys, and ciders while enjoying live music and literary vibes.
Build in recovery time between stops to fully take in Ireland’s charms. Sláinte!
Luxuriate in the French Riviera
Channel your inner movie star escaping to the French Riviera. Travel by high-speed train to Nice then make your way to glitzy Cannes and Monaco, celebrity hot spot St. Tropez, and charming seaside villages like Antibes, Cap d’Ail, and Eze.
Explore seaside trails, local markets, museums, luxury hotels, and of course, plenty of Mediterranean beaches and boating.
Marvel at Iceland’s Natural Wonders
An Icelandic trip promises an adventure of natural wonders. Make stops from the Blue Lagoon to thundering waterfalls like Skógafoss to the Golden Circle’s erupting geysers.
Continue on to black sand beaches, glaciers, lava fields, hot springs, and the Northern Lights above Reykjavik. Iceland’s raw beauty never ceases to amaze.
Conclusion
This roundup of the 10 best trip ideas across Europe offers a great starting point to craft your ultimate European itinerary. Mix and match destinations to create a trip tailored just for you. Whether you crave art, culture, indulgence, adventure or scenic vistas, Europe promises an unparalleled experience with incredible diversity. Let these ideas launch your travel planning today.
