Exploring Europe offers a vast range of experiences, from the historic cities of Western Europe to the breathtaking natural wonders of Northern and Eastern Europe. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know, including the best destinations, suggested itineraries, costs, food, accommodations, transportation, travel tips, and flight options. You can use this guide to plan a seamless journey through 21 of Europe’s most fascinating countries.
1. France
Best Places to Visit:
- Paris: Visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and enjoy a Seine River cruise.
- Provence: Explore lavender fields, charming villages like Gordes, and the Roman amphitheatre in Arles.
- French Riviera: Relax in Nice, visit the glamourous Monaco, and enjoy the beaches of Cannes.
- Loire Valley: Discover grand châteaux like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Paris (sightseeing, museums, and shopping)
- Day 4-6: Provence (lavender fields, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence)
- Day 7-9: French Riviera (Nice, Monaco, Cannes)
- Day 10: Loire Valley (château tours)
Cost: €120-€200/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
- Cuisine: Savor classic dishes like coq au vin (chicken in wine), and bouillabaisse (fish stew), and indulge in local cheeses and pastries.
Accommodation:
- Paris: Hôtel de Crillon, Four Seasons George V.
- Provence: La Bastide de Gordes, Villa Gallici.
- French Riviera: Hotel Negresco (Nice), Hôtel Hermitage (Monaco).
- Loire Valley: Château d’Artigny, Domaine des Hauts de Loire.
Transportation: Use the TGV (high-speed train) to travel between major cities. Rent a car in Provence and the Loire Valley.
Travel Tips: Purchase tickets for major attractions in advance. Consider visiting during spring or fall to avoid peak tourist season.
Flights: Direct flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) from major international hubs.
2. Italy
Best Places to Visit:
- Rome: The Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and Roman Forum.
- Venice: Gondola rides through canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace.
- Florence: The Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo’s David.
- Amalfi Coast: Explore Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello with stunning coastal views.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Rome (ancient sites, Vatican, local cuisine)
- Day 4-5: Florence (art galleries, Tuscan day trip)
- Day 6-7: Venice (canals, architecture, islands)
- Day 8-10: Amalfi Coast (coastal drives, beach time, hiking)
Cost: €100-€180/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Try pasta carbonara, Neapolitan pizza, gelato, and risotto.
Accommodation:
- Rome: Hotel Hassler, Hotel Eden.
- Florence: Hotel Savoy, Villa Cora.
- Venice: Gritti Palace, Hotel Danieli.
- Amalfi Coast: Le Sirenuse (Positano), Hotel Santa Caterina (Amalfi).
Transportation: Use high-speed trains (Trenitalia or Italo) for city transfers. Rent a car for the Amalfi Coast.
Travel Tips: Book museum tickets in Florence and Rome in advance. Avoid Venice during peak summer due to crowds.
Flights: Direct flights to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) from major international cities.
3. Spain
Best Places to Visit:
- Barcelona: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter.
- Madrid: Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor.
- Seville: Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral, Plaza de España, Flamenco shows.
- Granada: Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, Albayzín district.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Barcelona (modernist architecture, beach, tapas)
- Day 4-5: Madrid (art museums, royal sites, parks)
- Day 6-7: Seville (historic sites, cultural experiences)
- Day 8: Granada (Alhambra, exploring the old town)
- Cost: €90-€150/day, including
Cuisine: Indulge in paella, tapas, jamón ibérico, and churros con chocolate.
Accommodation:
- Barcelona: Hotel Arts, Majestic Hotel & Spa.
Madrid: Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, The Westin Palace. - Seville: Hotel Alfonso XIII, EME Catedral Hotel.
- Granada: Parador de Granada, Hospes Palacio de los Patos.
Transportation: Use AVE high-speed trains between cities. Metro and buses are efficient for city transport.
Travel Tips: Consider a guided tour of the Alhambra to fully appreciate its history. Watch a flamenco show in Seville for a cultural experience.
Flights: Direct flights to Madrid Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona El Prat (BCN) from major international airports.
4. Germany
Best Places to Visit:
- Berlin: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Museum Island, Reichstag.
- Munich: Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, English Garden, Oktoberfest.
- Frankfurt: Römer, Goethe House, Main Tower, Palmengarten.
- Heidelberg: Heidelberg Castle, Old Bridge, Philosophers’ Walk.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Berlin (historic sites, art, and culture)
- Day 4-5: Munich (Bavarian traditions, beer gardens)
- Day 6: Frankfurt (modern and historic blend)
- Day 7: Heidelberg (romantic town, castle visit)
Cost: €80-€140/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Try bratwurst, sauerbraten, schnitzel, pretzels, and black forest cake.
Accommodation:
- Berlin: Hotel Adlon Kempinski, The Ritz-Carlton.
- Munich: Bayerischer Hof, Mandarin Oriental.
- Frankfurt: Jumeirah Frankfurt, Villa Kennedy.
- Heidelberg: Hotel Europäischer Hof, Boutique Suites Heidelberg.
Transportation: Use Deutsche Bahn for city transfers. Public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn) is well-developed in cities.
Travel Tips: Visit Berlin’s museums on Museum Island; consider attending Oktoberfest in Munich for a unique cultural experience.
Flights: Direct flights to Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Munich (MUC), and Frankfurt (FRA) from major international destinations.
5. United Kingdom
Best Places to Visit:
- London: Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, British Museum, London Eye.
- Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace.
- Bath: Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, Georgian architecture.
- Oxford: University of Oxford, Christ Church, Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: London (major sights, museums, West End show)
- Day 4-5: Edinburgh (history, city views, Scottish culture)
- Day 6: Bath (Roman Baths, Georgian architecture)
- Day 7: Oxford (university tour, historic sites)
Cost: £100-£180/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Sample fish and chips, full English breakfast, Sunday roast, and afternoon tea.
Accommodation:
- London: The Savoy, Claridge’s.
- Edinburgh: The Balmoral, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh.
- Bath: The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.
- Oxford: Old Bank Hotel, The Randolph Hotel.
Transportation: Use trains for city transfers; London’s Underground and buses are efficient for local transport.
Travel Tips: Book tickets for popular attractions like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace in advance. Don’t miss a traditional afternoon tea experience.
Flights: Direct flights to London Heathrow (LHR), Edinburgh (EDI), and Manchester (MAN) from major international airports.
6. Greece
Best Places to Visit:
- Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka, National Archaeological Museum.
- Santorini: Oia, Fira, Red Beach, ancient Akrotiri.
- Mykonos: Windmills, Little Venice, Elia Beach, Delos Island.
- Crete: Heraklion, Knossos, Samaria Gorge, Rethymnon.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Athens (historical sites, city walks)
- Day 3-4: Santorini (sunsets, island tours)
- Day 5: Mykonos (beach day, nightlife)
- Day 6-7: Crete (ancient ruins, natural beauty)
Cost: €70-€120/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Enjoy moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita, baklava, and fresh seafood.
Accommodation:
- Athens: Hotel Grande Bretagne, King George Hotel.
- Santorini: Canaves Oia, Katikies Hotel.
- Mykonos: Cavo Tagoo, Bill & Coo Suites.
- Crete: Blue Palace Resort, Domes Noruz.
Transportation: Use ferries for island hopping. In Athens, use metros and buses.
Travel Tips: Visit the Acropolis early in the morning to avoid crowds. Consider renting a scooter or ATV to explore the islands.
Flights: Direct flights to Athens (ATH) from major international cities; regional flights and ferries connect islands.
7. Portugal
Best Places to Visit:
- Lisbon: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama district, Bairro Alto.
- Porto: Ribeira district, Livraria Lello, Dom Luís I Bridge, Douro Valley wine region.
- Algarve: Lagos, Albufeira, Faro, Benagil Cave.
- Sintra: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Moorish Castle, Monserrate Palace.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Lisbon (historical sites, city exploration)
- Day 3: Sintra (palaces and gardens)
- Day 4-5: Porto (wine tasting, river cruises)
- Day 6-7: Algarve (beaches, natural landmarks)
Cost: €70-€120/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Try bacalhau (salted cod), pastel de nata (custard tarts), caldo verde (soup), and port wine.
Accommodation:
- Lisbon: Bairro Alto Hotel, Olissippo Lapa Palace.
- Porto: Yeatman Hotel, Pestana Vintage Porto.
- Algarve: Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, Vila Vita Parc.
- Sintra: Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, Sintra Boutique Hotel.
Transportation: Use trains for intercity travel. In Lisbon and Porto, use trams and metro.
Travel Tips: Don’t miss a Fado music performance in Lisbon. Explore the wine cellars of Porto for a unique experience.
Flights: Direct flights from major international cities to Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO).
8. Switzerland
Best Places to Visit:
- Zurich: Lake Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse, Old Town, Uetliberg Mountain.
- Lucerne: Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Mt. Pilatus, Lake Lucerne.
- Interlaken: Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Harder Kulm.
- Geneva: Jet d’Eau, United Nations, Lake Geneva, Mont Salève.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1: Zurich (city exploration, lake tour)
- Day 2: Lucerne (historic sites, mountain excursion)
- Day 3: Interlaken (adventure sports, scenic views)
- Day 4: Geneva (international sites, lake cruise)
- Day 5-6: Zermatt and the Matterhorn (hiking, skiing, mountain views)
- Day 7: Bern (UNESCO-listed Old Town, Bear Park)
Cost: CHF 150-CHF 250/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Savor fondue, raclette, rosti, chocolate, and Swiss cheese.
Accommodation:
- Zurich: Baur au Lac, Widder Hotel.
- Lucerne: Hotel des Balances, Grand Hotel National.
- Interlaken: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel, Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage.
- Geneva: Hôtel d’Angleterre, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.
Transportation: Swiss Travel Pass is ideal for unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat across Switzerland.
Travel Tips: Switzerland is known for punctuality, so be on time for trains and tours. Consider hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
Flights: Direct flights to Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) from major international hubs.
9. Austria
Best Places to Visit:
- Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna State Opera.
- Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mozart’s Birthplace, Mirabell Palace, Sound of Music tour.
- Innsbruck: Golden Roof, Hofburg, Nordkette Cable Car, Ambras Castle.
- Hallstatt: Hallstatt Lake, Dachstein Ice Cave, Salt Mine, Skywalk.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Vienna (imperial sights, cultural experiences)
- Day 3: Salzburg (historic sites, music heritage)
- Day 4: Hallstatt (natural beauty, cultural sites)
- Day 5-6: Innsbruck (mountain activities, city exploration)
- Day 7: Wachau Valley (wine tasting, river cruise)
Cost: €100-€160/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Try wiener schnitzel, apfelstrudel, kaiserschmarrn, knödel, and sauertorte.
Accommodation:
- Vienna: Hotel Sacher, Park Hyatt Vienna.
- Salzburg: Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Hotel Sacher Salzburg.
- Innsbruck: Grand Hotel Europa, NALA Individualhotel.
- Hallstatt: Heritage Hotel Hallstatt, Seehotel Grüner Baum.
Transportation: Austria’s ÖBB rail network is efficient for city transfers. Consider renting a car to explore the countryside.
Travel Tips: Visit Schönbrunn Palace early in the day to avoid crowds. The Salzburg Card is useful for accessing multiple attractions.
Flights: Direct flights to Vienna (VIE) and Salzburg (SZG) from major European cities.
10. Netherlands
Best Places to Visit:
- Amsterdam: Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, canal cruises.
- Rotterdam: Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, Cube Houses, Port of Rotterdam.
- The Hague: Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, Peace Palace, Scheveningen Beach.
- Utrecht: Dom Tower, canals, Rietveld Schröder House, De Haar Castle.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Amsterdam (art museums, historic sites, canals)
- Day 3: Rotterdam (modern architecture, port tour)
- Day 4: The Hague (political sites, beach day)
- Day 5: Utrecht (medieval sites, castle visit)
- Day 6-7: Keukenhof Gardens and windmills (spring only)
Cost: €80-€140/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Try stroopwafels, haring (herring), bitterballen, poffertjes, and gouda cheese.
Accommodation:
- Amsterdam: Conservatorium Hotel, Hotel De L’Europe.
- Rotterdam: Mainport Hotel, Hotel New York.
- The Hague: Hotel Des Indes, Hilton The Hague.
- Utrecht: Grand Hotel Karel V, Malie Hotel Utrecht.
Transportation: Use trains for intercity travel; cycling is popular in cities.
Travel Tips: Pre-book tickets for Anne Frank House. Visit Keukenhof Gardens in spring for a spectacular display of tulips.
Flights: Direct flights to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) from major international airports.
11. Belgium
Best Places to Visit:
- Brussels: Grand Place, Atomium, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace.
- Bruges: Belfry of Bruges, Markt Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, canals.
- Ghent: Gravensteen, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Graslei, Ghent Altarpiece.
- Antwerp: Cathedral of Our Lady, MAS Museum, Antwerp Zoo, Grote Markt.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Brussels (city tour, historic sites)
- Day 3: Bruges (canals, medieval architecture)
- Day 4: Ghent (historic sites, art museums)
- Day 5: Antwerp (city exploration, shopping)
- Day 6: Leuven (university town, breweries)
- Day 7: Ardennes (nature, castles, outdoor activities)
Cost: €80-€140/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Enjoy moules-frites, waffles, chocolates, speculoos, and Belgian beer.
Accommodation:
- Brussels: Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo, Hotel Metropole.
- Bruges: Hotel Dukes’ Palace, Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce.
- Ghent: Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof, Hotel Harmony.
- Antwerp: Hotel Julien, Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt.
Transportation: Use trains for intercity travel; Brussels has a comprehensive metro and tram network.
Travel Tips: Explore Brussels on foot to fully appreciate its architecture. Try the local beers; Belgium has hundreds of varieties.
Flights: Direct flights to Brussels Airport (BRU) from major international cities.
12. Norway
Best Places to Visit:
- Oslo: Viking Ship Museum, Akershus Fortress, Frogner Park, Oslo Opera House.
Bergen: Bryggen, Fløibanen, Bergenhus Fortress, Mount Ulriken. - Tromsø: Arctic Cathedral, Polaria, Tromsø Bridge, Northern Lights.
- Stavanger: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Lysefjord, Stavanger Cathedral, Kjeragbolten.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Oslo (cultural sites, city exploration)
- Day 3: Bergen (UNESCO sites, scenic views)
- Day 4: Stavanger (natural landmarks, outdoor activities)
- Day 5: Tromsø (Northern Lights, Arctic experiences)
- Day 6-7: Sognefjord (cruise, hiking)
Cost: NOK 1,200-NOK 2,000/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Savor rakfisk (fermented fish), lutefisk, klippfisk, brunost (brown cheese), and reindeer dishes.
Accommodation:
- Oslo: The Thief, Grand Hotel Oslo.
- Bergen: Hotel Norge, Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret.
- Tromsø: Clarion Hotel The Edge, Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø.
- Stavanger: Eilert Smith Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger.
Transportation: Norway’s rail network is scenic and efficient; ferries connect coastal towns.
Travel Tips: Dress in layers, as weather can change rapidly. Schedule long nights in the winter and more daylight hours in the summer.
Flights: Major international cities have direct flights to Oslo (OSL).
13. Sweden
Best Places to Visit:
- Stockholm: Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, Drottningholm Palace.
- Gothenburg: Liseberg, Universeum, Gothenburg Archipelago, Haga.
- Malmö: Turning Torso, Malmöhus Castle, Ribersborg Beach, Moderna Museet.
- Kiruna: Icehotel, Aurora Sky Station, Kebnekaise, Sami cultural experiences.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Stockholm (historic sites, museums)
- Day 3: Gothenburg (family-friendly attractions, archipelago tour)
- Day 4: Malmö (modern architecture, castle visit)
- Day 5: Kiruna (Northern Lights, Icehotel stay)
- Day 6-7: Swedish Lapland (hiking, cultural experiences)
Cost: SEK 1,200-SEK 2,000/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Try smörgåsbord, gravlax, kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), köttbullar (meatballs), and surströmming (fermented herring).
Accommodation:
- Stockholm: Grand Hôtel, Hotel At Six.
- Gothenburg: Upper House, Dorsia Hotel & Restaurant.
- Malmö: MJ’s Hotel, Clarion Hotel Malmö Live.
- Kiruna: Icehotel, Camp Ripan.
Transportation: Use the extensive rail network for intercity travel. In cities, buses, trams, and ferries are common.
Travel Tips: Visit the archipelagos for a unique experience. In winter, book well in advance for the Icehotel in Kiruna.
Flights: Direct flights to Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) from major international airports.
14. Denmark
Best Places to Visit:
- Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, The Little Mermaid.
- Aarhus: ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, Den Gamle By, Marselisborg Palace, Moesgaard Museum.
- Odense: Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Odense Zoo, Funen Village, Egeskov Castle.
- Skagen: Grenen, Skagen Museum, Råbjerg Mile, Skagen Odde Nature Centre.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Copenhagen (historical sites, city walks)
- Day 3: Odense (literary heritage, family attractions)
- Day 4-5: Aarhus (art and culture, historic sites)
- Day 6: Skagen (natural beauty, coastal walks)
- Day 7: Roskilde (Viking history, cathedral visit)
Cost: DKK 1,000-DKK 1,800/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Enjoy smørrebrød, frikadeller (meatballs), herring, æbleskiver (Danish pancakes), and danish pastries.
Accommodation:
- Copenhagen: Hotel D’Angleterre, Nimb Hotel.
- Aarhus: Hotel Royal, Comwell Aarhus.
- Odense: First Hotel Grand, Hotel Odeon.
- Skagen: Ruths Hotel, Brøndums Hotel.
Transportation: Denmark’s rail network is efficient for intercity travel. In Copenhagen, use bikes or the metro to get around.
Travel Tips: The Copenhagen Card offers free entry to many attractions and unlimited public transport. Visit the Little Mermaid early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Flights: Direct flights to Copenhagen (CPH) from major international hubs.
15. Finland
Best Places to Visit:
- Helsinki: Suomenlinna, Helsinki Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church, Market Square.
- Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village, Arktikum, Ranua Wildlife Park, Northern Lights.
- Tampere: Vapriikki Museum, Tampere Cathedral, Pyynikki Observation Tower, Särkänniemi.
- Turku: Turku Castle, Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, Turku Archipelago, Forum Marinum.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Helsinki (city exploration, historic sites)
- Day 3: Tampere (museums, outdoor activities)
- Day 4: Turku (cultural sites, archipelago tour)
- Day 5-6: Rovaniemi (Santa Claus Village, Northern Lights)
- Day 7: Finnish Lakeland (lake cruise, hiking)
Cost: €100-€180/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Savor karjalanpiirakka (rice pies), gravadlax, kalakukko (fish pie), poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer), and korvapuusti (cinnamon buns).
Accommodation:
- Helsinki: Hotel Kämp, Hotel St. George.
- Rovaniemi: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle.
- Tampere: Lapland Hotels Tampere, Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Tammer.
- Turku: Hotel Kakola, Park Hotel Turku.
Transportation: Finland’s rail and bus networks are reliable for intercity travel. Consider renting a car for more flexibility in rural areas.
Travel Tips: Winter is ideal for Northern Lights; summer is best for exploring archipelagos and lakes.
Flights: Direct flights to Helsinki (HEL) from major international cities.
16. Austria
Best Places to Visit:
- Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere Palace.
- Salzburg: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, Mozart’s Birthplace, Hellbrunn Palace.
- Innsbruck: Golden Roof, Nordkette, Ambras Castle, Bergisel Ski Jump.
- Hallstatt: Hallstätter See, Salt Mine, Dachstein Skywalk, Five Fingers.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Vienna (cultural sites, city walks)
- Day 3: Salzburg (UNESCO sites, music heritage)
- Day 4: Innsbruck (mountain activities, historic sites)
- Day 5: Hallstatt (scenic views, outdoor activities)
- Day 6: Zell am See (lakeside activities, hiking)
- Day 7: Graz (cultural exploration, shopping)
Cost: €80-€150/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Indulge in wiener schnitzel, apfelstrudel, sachertorte, goulash, and knödel.
Accommodation:
- Vienna: Hotel Sacher, Hotel Imperial.
- Salzburg: Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Hotel Sacher Salzburg.
- Innsbruck: Hotel Schwarzer Adler, NALA Individualhotel.
- Hallstatt: Heritage Hotel Hallstatt, Seehotel Grüner Baum.
Transportation: Austria’s train network is well-connected. Vienna has an efficient metro and tram system.
Travel Tips: Book tickets in advance for the popular summer music festivals in Salzburg. Take the scenic Salzkammergut route to explore the lakes.
Flights: Direct flights to Vienna International Airport (VIE) from major international cities.
17. Switzerland
Best Places to Visit:
- Zurich: Lake Zurich, Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster.
- Lucerne: Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, Lion Monument, Swiss Transport Museum.
- Interlaken: Jungfrau, Lake Brienz, Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte.
- Zermatt: Matterhorn, Gornergrat, Glacier Paradise, Sunnegga.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Zurich (city tour, cultural sites)
- Day 3: Lucerne (historic sites, mountain excursions)
- Day 4-5: Interlaken (outdoor activities, scenic views)
- Day 6-7: Zermatt (hiking, skiing, Matterhorn visit)
Cost: CHF 120-CHF 220/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Enjoy fondue, raclette, rösti, zürcher geschnetzeltes, and toblerone.
Accommodation:
- Zurich: Baur au Lac, The Dolder Grand.
- Lucerne: Hotel des Balances, Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern.
- Interlaken: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage.
- Zermatt: Grand Hotel Zermattof, Hotel Monte Rosa.
Transportation: Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on the country’s extensive train, bus, and boat network.
Travel Tips: Switzerland is known for punctuality, so be on time for trains. For the best mountain views, take the Glacier Express or Bernina Express.
Flights: Direct flights to Zurich (ZRH) from major international cities.
18. Czech Republic
Best Places to Visit:
- Prague: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock.
- Český Krumlov: Český Krumlov Castle, Vltava River, Egon Schiele Art Centrum, St. Vitus Church.
- Karlovy Vary: Hot Springs, Mill Colonnade, Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Diana Observation Tower.
- Kutná Hora: Sedlec Ossuary, St. Barbara’s Church, Italian Court, Stone House.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Prague (city exploration, historic sites)
- Day 3: Český Krumlov (medieval town, castle visit)
- Day 4: Karlovy Vary (spa town, natural hot springs)
- Day 5: Kutná Hora (UNESCO sites, day trip from Prague)
- Day 6-7: Bohemian Paradise (rock formations, hiking)
Cost: CZK 1,000-CZK 2,000/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Sample svíčková (marinated beef), goulash, trdelník, pilsner beer, and knedlíky (dumplings).
Accommodation:
- Prague: Alcron Hotel Prague, Mandarin Oriental Prague.
- Český Krumlov: Hotel Dvorak, Hotel Bellevue.
- Karlovy Vary: Grandhotel Pupp, Hotel Imperial.
- Kutná Hora: Hotel Opat, Hotel U Vlašského dvora.
Transportation: Czech Railways offers extensive routes; use trams in cities like Prague.
Travel Tips: Buy tickets for Prague Castle online to skip the lines. Try the mineral-rich hot springs in Karlovy Vary.
Flights: Direct flights to Prague (PRG) from major European cities.
19. Hungary
Best Places to Visit:
- Budapest: Buda Castle, Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
- Debrecen: Great Reformed Church, Nagyerdei Park, Déri Museum, Aquaticum.
- Eger: Eger Castle, Szépasszony Valley, Eger Basilica, The Valley of the Beautiful Woman.
Lake Balaton: Tihany Peninsula, Balatonfüred, Siófok, Keszthely.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Budapest (cultural exploration, historic sites)
- Day 3: Eger (wine tasting, castle visit)
- Day 4-5: Lake Balaton (beach activities, scenic views)
- Day 6: Debrecen (city exploration, cultural sites)
- Day 7: Pécs (UNESCO sites, cultural exploration)
Cost: HUF 10,000-HUF 18,000/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Enjoy goulash, lángos (fried dough), halászlé (fish soup), kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and dobos torte.
Accommodation:
- Budapest: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Aria Hotel Budapest.
- Debrecen: Aquaticum Debrecen Termal & Wellness Hotel, Lycium Hotel.
- Eger: Hotel Korona Eger, Hotel Senator-Ház.
- Lake Balaton: Hotel Füred Spa & Conference, Hotel Marina.
Transportation: Hungary has an extensive train network; consider renting a car for rural areas.
Travel Tips: Try a thermal bath in Budapest. In summer, visit Lake Balaton for beach activities and wine tasting.
Flights: Direct flights to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) from major international cities.
20. Slovakia
Best Places to Visit:
- Bratislava: Bratislava Castle, Devin Castle, Old Town, St. Martin’s Cathedral.
- High Tatras: Štrbské Pleso, Lomnický štít, Tatranská Lomnica, Hrebienok.
- Košice: St. Elisabeth Cathedral, Hlavná Ulica, Košice Zoo, Jakab’s Palace.
- Banská Štiavnica: Old Castle, New Castle, Holy Trinity Square, Kalvária.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Bratislava (city exploration, castle visit)
- Day 3: High Tatras (hiking, skiing)
- Day 4: Košice (cultural exploration, historic sites)
- Day 5: Banská Štiavnica (UNESCO town, castle visit)
- Day 6-7: Slovak Paradise National Park (outdoor activities, scenic views)
Cost: €60-€100/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Enjoy bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings), kapustnica (cabbage soup).zemiakové placky (potato pancakes), pierogi, and goulash.
Accommodation:
- Bratislava: Marrol’s Boutique Hotel, Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel.
- High Tatras: Grand Hotel Kempinski, Hotel FIS.
- Košice: DoubleTree by Hilton, Hotel Yasmin.
- Banská Štiavnica: Hotel Grand Matej, Penzión Kachelman.
Transportation: Slovakia has a reliable train network; buses connect rural areas. Bratislava has an efficient tram system.
Travel Tips: Hike in the High Tatras for stunning views. In Bratislava, explore the Old Town by foot.
Flights: Direct flights to Bratislava Airport (BTS) from major European cities.
21. Poland
Best Places to Visit:
- Kraków: Wawel Castle, Rynek Glowny, St. Mary’s Basilica, Kazimierz.
- Warsaw: Royal Castle, Łazienki Park, Warsaw Uprising Museum, Wilanów Palace.
- Gdańsk: Old Town, St. Mary’s Church, Westerplatte, Neptune Fountain.
- Zakopane: Gubałówka Hill, Morskie Oko, Krupówki Street, Tatra National Park.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-2: Kraków (historic sites, cultural exploration)
- Day 3: Warsaw (city exploration, museums)
- Day 4: Gdańsk (historic sites, scenic views)
- Day 5: Zakopane (mountain activities, outdoor adventures)
- Day 6: Wrocław (city exploration, cultural sites)
- Day 7: Poznań (UNESCO sites, shopping)
Cost: PLN 200-PLN 350/day, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Cuisine: Enjoy pierogi, bigos (hunter’s stew), żurek (sour rye soup), kiełbasa (Polish sausage), and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes).
Accommodation:
- Kraków: Hotel Copernicus, Bonerowski Palace.
- Warsaw: Raffles Europejski Warsaw, Hotel Bristol.
- Gdańsk: Hotel Podewils, Radisson Blu Hotel.
- Zakopane: Hotel Belvedere, Aries Hotel & Spa.
Transportation: Poland has an extensive rail network; trams and buses are efficient in cities.
Travel Tips: Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau as a day trip from Kraków. In Zakopane, try the local cheese, oscypek.
Flights: Direct flights to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) from major international cities.
