Looking for the very best 12-day Europe trip itinerary? Keep reading! Whether you want to travel around Europe by train, plane, or car, you will find the perfect itinerary right here!
Whether you are planning to travel around Europe by train, plane, or even by car, you will find the perfect 12-day Europe trip itinerary right here!
But that’s not all… After traveling around Europe for years, I’ve realized two things:
First? Traveling in Europe can be expensive. Second? There is nothing worse than rushing around during your European road trip to see everything you want to see. Europe is bigger than we tend to think…
That’s why I came up with these three perfect itineraries. They are all (relatively) budget-friendly and time-efficient!
So get ready, you are going to Europe soon! And you won’t have to sell your house or stress about time management!
This blog post highlights the very best 12-day Europe trip itinerary depending on your mode of transportation!
12-DAY EUROPE TRIP ITINERARY: Flying Between Destinations
If you want to fly around Europe, here is the best itinerary for you. Obviously, there is so much more to see, but here are my best suggestions for spending 12 days in Europe! Take notes and start planning your European dream!
Rome, Italy
If you are traveling to Europe for the first time, what better place to start than the beautiful city of Rome? Architecture, history, delicious food and drinks… Definitely one of the best European capitals to kickstart your trip!
Here is a quick list of the things you shouldn’t miss while in Rome:
- The Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- The Vatican, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.
- The Pantheon.
- The Trevi Fountain.
- The Spanish Steps.
I’d suggest spending 3 days in Rome, from day 1 to day 3, so you have two nights there and won’t have to rush around the city to explore its wonders! Plus, depending on what time you arrive on day 1, it doesn’t really count…
Barcelona, Spain
If you can catch a flight in the evening of day 3 to Barcelona, Spain, it would be perfect! If not, try to leave early in the morning of day 4 so you can spend more time exploring this lovely Catalan city.
You might be surprised to see that Spanish is not the only language spoken in Barcelona. The city of Barcelona and the whole region of Catalonia mostly speak Catalan. But don’t worry, if you speak Spanish or English, you will have no problem being understood during your quick trip there.
Why Barcelona and not Madrid, you might ask? Well… That’s just a personal preference. I’ve visited both Spanish cities, and Barcelona stole my heart the first time I was there. Believe me, there are so many things to do and see, time will quickly fly!
Here are a few things to add to your Barcelona itinerary:
- La Sagrada Familia—if you are visiting Barcelona in 2025, it has been said that it will finally be done!
- Park Güell.
- The Boqueria Market.
- The Cathedral of Barcelona.
- Ciutadella Park.
Oh, and obviously… Enjoy tapas and sangria while you are there… Everything to immerse yourself in the culture, right?
As you probably won’t stay there more than 2 or 3 days tops, you won’t have time to see and visit everything Barcelona has to offer. If I can give you some advice? Put your sneakers on and just walk around the city and in between your main attractions. You will be able to see so many hidden gems along the streets and will see much more than by taking the subway all day long.
Catch your next flight at the end of day 5 or early on your 6th day… You are going to Paris!
PARIS, FRANCE
Oh Paris… I’m pretty sure I don’t have to convince you to visit the capital of love! If you are going to Europe for the first time, I am sure that the French capital is high on your European bucket list. And believe me, you are right!
Not only is Paris beautiful and culturally and historically rich, but Paris is a whole way of living. And don’t get me started on the food… As a French gal, I might be biased, but seriously, French food is as diverse as it is delicious.
The only problem? You won’t have time to visit everything… The same way you won’t be able to see everything in Barcelona and Rome in 3 days, you won’t be able to do so in Paris. But let me help you with a quick list of the most important things to see in Paris:
HERE ARE THE MUST-SEE IN PARIS:
- The Trocadero Gardens and the Eiffel Tower.
- Walk on the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Go on a cruise on the Seine River or take a stroll by its side.
- Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde and Tuilleries Gardens.
- Versailles and the gardens.
- Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur Basilica.
There is so much more to see in Paris, but for a three-day stay, I believe these places would give you a great overview of the French capital. And if you want to come back one day to visit more in depth, you are more than welcome! There is always something new to do and see in Paris!
Prague, Czech Republic
Your 12-day Europe travel itinerary comes to an end… But believe me, for the last three days of your trip, you are going to have a blast in Prague! And you’ll be happy to know that the cost of living there is significantly cheaper than in Paris, Barcelona, and Rome!
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, rich history and if you are into partying, you are going to love it there!
HERE IS A QUICK LIKE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN PRAGUE:
- Visit the Old Town, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock.
- Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
- Walk around the Jewish Quarter.
- Go on a beer tasting.
After these 12 (really) busy days, it is time to go home… Before you go, enjoy a late brunch at one of Prague’s cutest café terrace. There is no better way to end your 12-day Europe trip itinerary! I promise.
12-DAY EUROPE TRIP ITINERARY: Driving Between Destinations
Now if you want to travel Europe by car, here is one of the best 12-day Europe trip itinerary possible! Made to be as budget-friendly and time-efficient as possible, I am really excited for you to visit this part of Europe!
And you know what’s the best about traveling by car? You can make as many stops and detours as you want to visit even the smallest hidden European gems… So don’t be afraid to explore and add a few quick stops to your itinerary!
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The capital city of Austria, Vienna, has gained in popularity over the last decade, and with good reason. Not only is the city beautiful, but it is also filled with historical and cultural gems that you may have never heard of before.
And if you are lucky enough to visit during winter, don’t miss out on the Christmas markets! They are among the most famous Christmas markets in Europe! Be aware, though… It will be freezing cold! So pack layers to make sure you can enjoy everything this city has to offer without freezing to death!
HERE ARE THE TOP ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN VIENNA AND THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON YOUR TRIP:
- Vienna’s coffee houses.
- Learn about the history of Snow Globes.
- Hundertwasserhaus.
- Schönbrunn Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere Palace and Hofburg.
- Go on a wine tasting.
- See an opera at The Vienna State Opera.
LJUBLJANA, slovenia
After two days and three nights in Vienna, drive to Ljubljana, the small but charming capital of Slovenia. It should take you around 4 hours to drive from one to the other. I believe it is not that bad, and you shouldn’t be too tired when you get to Ljubljana.
Nevertheless, if you want to take a break on the way there, stop for a few hours in the city of Graz in Austria. It is lovely!
Now, about Ljubljana… The capital is rather small, but believe me, it is lovely! I’d suggest you stay two days there and decide if you want to go to your third destination by the end of the second day or on the third morning there. I personally stayed 3 days there, and it was perfect! I had time to see everything without rushing around!
Just remember not to drive if you are feeling too tired!
HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ADD TO YOUR LjUBLJANA BUCKET LIST:
- Ljubljana Old Town and St Nicholas’ Cathedral.
- Dragon Bridge and Ljubljana Castle.
- Tivoli Park.
- Day-trip to Lake Bled.
trieste, Italy
Only an hour and a half from Ljubljana is the lovely Italian city of Trieste, also known as the least Italian city in Italy.
You’ve probably never heard of it… I hadn’t before traveling around Europe until a friend who was living there at the time told me to stop by… Honestly, best idea ever!
Trieste is beautiful, but a full day there is enough to visit everything and relax before your next destination. Whether you want to drive to destination number four of your European road trip the same night or the next morning is up to you…
Sneak peek to know where you’re going next? The Italian city of love is located less than two hours from there…
HERE ARE THE THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN TRIESTE:
- Teatro Romano and Trieste Cathedral.
- Take a look at the famous Canal Grande.
- Molo Audace and Piazza Unita d’Italia.
- Walk to the Castello di San Giusto for the best view of the city.
- Chill in Villa Revoltella Park.
Venice, Italy
Who has never dreamt of visiting the Italian city of love? I’m pretty sure you do!
Whether you are traveling by yourself, with friends, with family or with your lover, it doesn’t matter! Venice is a place you have to visit at least once in your life! And I’m pretty sure you already know why!
So take a look at all the things to do in Venice and start planning your 3 days there!
MUST DO AND SEE IN VENICE:
- Saint Mark’s Square, Saint Mark’s Campanile and Saint Mark’s Basilica.
- Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
- Church of San Giorgio Maggiore.
- Libreria Acqua Alta.
- Cross and see all the bridges.
- Go on a Gondola ride in the canals.
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.
- Rialto Market.
- Visit the Jewish Ghetto.
Cinque Terre, Italy
To finish your European road trip, let’s keep the Italian romance alive and head to the famous Cinque Terre. Believe me, the 4-hour drive is worth it!
La Spezia and the Cinque Terre must have been one of my favorite Italian destinations ever! And you will quickly understand why when you visit!
I suggest you stay in the town of La Spezia and move from there to visit the lovely villages of the Cinque Terre. Don’t worry, it is really easy! There is a train that can take you from La Spezia to each of the villages. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even walk between villages. It is totally up to you and the kind of vacation you are looking for!
If you follow my 12-Day Europe Trip Itinerary, you will have 3 days in La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, which is more than enough to visit the main city and the 5 colorful towns of Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, and Corniglia.
If you are visiting during summer or the shoulder seasons, don’t forget your swimming suit! The views you will get from these villages will instantly make you want to jump in the water!
12-DAY EUROPE TRIP ITINERARY: Taking the Train Between Destinations
Traveling by train is definitely my favorite! Quicker than driving or taking the bus, it can be more expensive though… But if you plan your itinerary in advance, you might be able to find cheaper tickets.
So take a look at my 12-day Europe trip itinerary by train and start planning your European vacation!
London, United Kingdom
What better way to start your European trip than by visiting London? Be aware, though, that since London exited the European Union a few years back, you might need a different visa depending on the country you are from. Just check it out right here before starting to plan your trip to avoid any bad surprises!
Now, about London… This city is so big, beautiful, and interesting that you could easily spend the entirety of your 12-day Europe trip there… But that’s not the point, right? So here are a few of the must-see places in London.
Let’s be realistic thoug, even if you plan it well, you might not be able to see everything you wanted to see during your three days there. I’ve lived there for almost two years and I’ve never stopped discovering new places and hidden gems!
BEST PLACES TO SEE IN LONDON IN 3 DAYS:
- Camden Town and its famous market.
- Covent Garden.
- Soho for the night life.
- Nothing Hill.
- Westminster, the Westminster Abbaye, the London Eye and Big Ben.
- Picadilly Circus.
- Buckhingam Palace and Saint James Park.
- Tower Bridge.
The list goes on and on, but if you only have 3 days in London, these are the places I would suggest you focus on.
Paris, France
Just 2.5 hours from London, you can reach Paris thanks to the Eurostar! It’d be a shame to miss it! From one of the best European capitals to another, get ready to be amazed by these next 3 days of your European itinerary!
As with London, you could easily spend 12 days in Paris and still not see everything… But for 3 days, here is what I would suggest you add to your Paris bucket list!
BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN PARIS IN 3 DAYS:
- The Trocadero Gardens and the Eiffel Tower.
- Walk on the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Go on a cruise on the Seine River or take a stroll by its side.
- Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde and Tuilleries Gardens.
- Versailles and the gardens.
- Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur Basilica.
Brussels, Belgium
Did you know that Brussels is only an hour and a half away from Paris by train? Believe me, the Belgian capital is absolutely worth it! Sure, it is smaller than Paris and London, but it has everything to offer.
From delicious fries and waffles to incredible architecture or even vibrant nightlife, you are going to have the time of your life in Brussels! And to help you make the most of it, here are a few things you should add to your Brussels itinerary!
MUST SEE AND DO IN BRUSSELS:
- European parlement.
- Grand Place and Manneken Pis.
- Eat fries and waffles from a food truck.
- Relax and have a picnic in one of the numerous parks in Brussels.
- Have a few drinks at the Delirium Café at night.
- Take a stroll in the center to see all the monuments.
If you have time, I highly suggest you take a day trip to Bruges, only an hour away from Brussels by train!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Last but not least of your 12-day Europe trip itinerary… Amsterdam!
Before you think about it, no, Amsterdam is not only famous for its coffee shops… Although, if that’s your thing, you should enjoy it too! (I sure did when I visited when I was younger…) But if it’s not, let me give you a quick list of the best things to do in Amsterdam on the last 3 days of your trip!
THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN AMSTERDAM:
- Visit the Royal Palace.
- Take a stroll around the Hortus Botanicus.
- Visit Anne Frank’s house.
- Visit the numerous museums: Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum…
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
- Rent a bike to visit the city.
As the Dutch capital is rather small, you might have time to take a day trip to Rotterdam while you are there! Don’t worry, the journey is only an hour by train, and definitely worth it!