Are you dreaming of spending a long vacation in Europe? Planning for 8 weeks in Europe Itinerary may be hard, but don’t worry! With the help of travel bloggers, the team at Looknwalk has put together a very interesting 8 weeks itinerary in Europe.

3 days in London, suggested by us

I did expect not to see London as a suggestion by travel bloggers. Over the years, many travelers have confided in me that we do everything they can to avoid flying into London from overseas. I still think, though, that it’s a small price to pay – in time lost in immigration – considering that there are still plenty of very affordable flights into London.

We love London and we have visited the city back in 2011. It was our first trip together, as a couple. 3 days in London means barely scratching the surface but, it does offer a good insight into what the city is about. Make sure to allow some time to visit British Museum, one of our favorite museums!

While the London Eye is considered by many a waste of money, we loved it. It’s not cheap, but it’s an experience. When visiting the area, check out Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

Don’t forget the change of the guards at Buckingham Palace and you may want to experience Piccadilly Circus at night. Trafalgar Square is also quite interesting.

Accommodation in London is plentiful. You can choose a room in a hotel and, if you book in advance (2-3 months), you can find places as cheap as 69 USD per night.

London to Edinburgh by land

The bus is the cheapest way to get between the two cities. The travel time is at least 9.5 h and prices start at 40 USD one way. Trains are much faster but even booked in advance, prices start at 180 USD one way.

2 days in Edinburgh, suggested by Olivia Petra Coman from Petra’s Chessboard

Scotland has always oozed romance and the same goes for its capital. Edinburgh is not only the symbol of a nation but a city that you can feel at ease in. As Princes Street Gardens open up and you discover the rows of inviting benches, it is not easy to miss the castle. Proudly perched on a volcanic rock, it can help you witness the speed of the clouds as you try –on clearer days– to spot the sea.

The Royal Mile takes you, between a caramel brownie and a sip of whisky, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, mythically protected by Scotland’s emblematic animal – the unicorn.

The Scottish Parliament lies at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, an opportunity to bask in that special Edinburgh light, be it at sunrise or sunset. And if you want more, the enchanting North Berwick and its Bass Rock lie only thirty miles away.

Accommodation in Edinburgh is easy to find, with prices starting at 61 USD per night.

Photo credit: Marcel Bancila

Edinburgh to Hamburg by low cost carrier

Both EasyJet and Ryanair operate flights between the cities. Book in advance and you can find fares starting at 32 USD one way. The travel time is almost 2 h.

3 days in Hamburg, suggested by Lexx from Travel Lexx

Hamburg is no stranger to the spotlight. The importance of Germany’s second-largest city cannot be overstated – its bustling port has been one of Europe’s most prominent since the Middle Ages. There is a reason why it’s been dubbed “Gateway to the World”.

History is all around you here. Wander around the cobbled streets of the Aldstadt (Old Town) and crane your neck at the impressive Rathaus (Town Hall) tower before heading to see the red-brick facades of the Speicherstadt warehouse district.

Head to Deichstrasse where the Great Fire of 1842 started and continue to St. Michael’s Church for panoramic views of the city. Nearby Hamburg Museum has excellent displays on the city’s rich history while the adjacent Planten un Blomen park is a wonderful green oasis.

Wander along the Elbe and watch the ships glide by or take a boat tour of the harbor. Make sure to try the famous Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich) from one of the many kiosks on the waterfront. Coincide your trip with a Sunday visit to the historic Fischmarkt (Fishmarket).In warmer months, people-watch from one of the many beer gardens or hit the bars and clubs of the famous neon-lit Reeperbahn.

Accommodation in Hamburg is not that hard to find, with prices starting at 59 USD per night.

Hamburg to Copenhagen by land

Buses are the cheapest option for this leg of the journey. The travel time is little under 5.5h and the prices start at 28 USD one way. Trains are a bit faster (5h) and the prices start at 45 USD one way.

3 Days in Copenhagen, suggested by Lexx from Travel Lexx

The cool and cosmopolitan Copenhagen is a poster child of Scandinavia. World-class museums, celebrated restaurants, and charming streets make it one of Europe’s best cities to visit.

Start off by wandering past the colorful houses in Nyhavn before heading over to the star-shaped fortress of Kastellet. Explore the grounds and take a selfie with the famed Little Mermaid statue nearby.

Spend time visiting the National Museum of Denmark, the Glyptotek and the former royal residence of Rosenborg Castle. A day trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a must for aficionados. A visit to edgy Christiania is a unique look at alternative Copenhagen. If all this exploring makes you hungry – don’t fret. Copenhagen is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, including renowned Noma as well as great food markets, including Torvehallerne and Copenhagen Street Food at Papiroen.

The best way to explore Copenhagen, however, is by doing what locals do – jumping on a bicycle!

Accommodation in Copenhagen is not hard to find but expect prices starting around 65 USD per night.

Copenhagen to Oslo by low cost carrier

While the cheapest option is the ferry, the travel time is painfully long (18.5h). So it’s best to fly. Flights take about 1h 15 min and the prices start at 62 USD one way on EasyJet.

5 days in Oslso, suggested by Nigel Kane

Oslo is one of those cities which is appealing at any time of year. How about visiting in early December! This is a magical time to visit Oslo as the city prepares for Christmas with its wonderful traditional Christmas market and open-air ice skating rink in the main square. Fairy lights cover the trees and people gather around small fires to keep warm and drink gløgg, a Norwegian form of mulled wine.

So what else should you see at this time of year in Oslo? Take the metro high into the mountains to visit Holmenkollen, the most famous ski jump in Norway with amazing views over the city and fjord. Vigeland sculpture park contains more than 200 sculptures all made by just one man, Gustav Vigeland. Visit the Opera House at the harbor which is a beautiful building seeming to rise from the sea like an iceberg!

Take the metro to Lake Sognsvann which in the snow at sunset is one of the most magical places you will have ever been! Visit the Norwegian Folk Museum with its collection of historic buildings from all over Norway from many different eras and if you’re lucky you might even bump into Santa. There are many more museums and art galleries in this wonderful city and a weekly travel ticket is a very economical way to get to many attractions. Thon Hotel Munch, about five minutes’ walk from the main square, is reasonably priced and has a great buffet breakfast plus free tea and coffee at reception all day to set you up for a day of exploring!

If you are looking for accommodation in Oslo, you can find rooms in hotels and the prices start at 69 USD per night.

Oslo to Tromso by low cost carrier

Another leg best covered by plane. The flights take about 2h and the prices start at 89 USD one way on EasyJet.

4 days in Tromso, suggested by Nigel Kane

Want to go somewhere really cool? Where could be cooler than the city of Tromsø in Arctic Norway! Sometimes referred to as being the Gateway to the Arctic or the Paris of the North, Tromsø is rich in Arctic culture with numerous museums.

Tromsø is also one of the best places in the world to witness the famous Northern Lights with tours designed to take visitors to the best locations to witness them. If outdoor adventure is your thing then Tromsø is the place for you with everything from cross-country skiing to husky sledding and snowmobile safaris.

The modern Thon Hotel Tromsø is right in the center of the city close to the main shopping street with lots of restaurants on its doorstep. The harbor area from which you can catch ferries or take trips was also just a five-minute walk away. Although classed as a city Tromsø has more of a cute frontier town feel about it. For the best views on a clear day take the cable car ride at Fjellheisen for a bird’s eye view of the city, fjord, and mountains. There are buses for getting around if need be but the city is really quite compact.

Late March/early April is a perfect time to visit as you have long hours of daylight compared to mid-winter when Tromsø experiences the Polar Night when the sun never fully rises. If you go in the summer then you have the midnight sun when the sun never fully sets. Going in late March/early April also means there is usually still quite a lot of snow in the mountains and even around parts of the city.

Tromso is not cheap although you can find a lot of accommodation options for prices starting as low as 105 USD per night.

Tromso to Vienna by low cost carrier

You are becoming an expert in low-cost carriers by now. You are likely to have a connection somewhere which makes the total travel time close to 15h. The prices start at 88 USD one way.

5 days in Vienna , suggested by David Johnston from Travelsewhere

Vienna has to be one of the grandest city’s Europe has to offer. The capital city of Austria, Vienna has a history as the heart of an empire and you can see that immediately. You can take your pick of which palace to visit first; be it Belvedere with its beautiful gardens, Hofburg as it looms over the city center or the regal Schonbrunn. You won’t be disappointed.

Vienna’s isn’t just a place for history lovers, it’s also for those looking to soak in some culture. There are many impressive churches to admire, like St Stephens Cathedral with its ornate, tiled roof. For fans of music and opera, there are countless theatres and the opera house, where you can catch daily performances. If you want a quieter experience, you can simply visit a typical coffeehouse for coffee and cake. Truly a grand city for a grand visit.

Accommodation in Vienna comes in various options but if you are looking for something affordable, you can opt for a private room in a hostel. Prices start at 54 USD per night.

Vienna to Bratislava by land

The distance between the two capitals is really short, so you take either a train or a bus. Bus tickets start at 12 USD one way and the travel time is just a little above 1h.

A scenic way to get between the two capitals is by high-speed ferry (hydrofoil) but make sure they run when you plan to travel.

3 days in Bratislava, suggested by us

Take this chance to relax and slow down the pace a bit. Bratislava doesn’t feel like a capital city and has that charm of a small town. You can easily visit its Old Town in less than half a day.

Plan to take a half-day trip to Devin, located outside of the city and accessible via The Danube or via a bus (or even by rental bicycle). We absolutely loved Devin and its location.

Within the city, Bratislava Castle can keep you busy for some good hours and you can also take a walk to the Blue Church, a true gem of architecture.

Accommodation in Bratislava is affordable with apartments offering prices from 39 USD per night and rooms in hotels, starting at about 54 USD per night

Bratislava to Budapest by land

Continue the slow pace and catch a train to Budapest. It takes 2.5 hours and the prices start at 10 USD one way. Buses are also available. They also take about 2.5 hours and prices start at 18 USD one way.

5 days in Budapest, suggested by us

I really was bummed that no one suggests Budapest, but the “rival” Vienna was suggested. Both once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the capitals cannot be more different. We both love Budapest, although we have also been to Vienna.

Take the chance to experience the city but also plan at least a day trip . You have plenty of choices but if you want a recommendation, Eger is a good choice.

In Budapest, explore Pest and Buda separately. Pest is home to the Parliament, Heroes Square, and the Central Market; on the other hand Buda is where you can see the amazing views across the Danube. Walk up on Gellert Hill all the way to the Cidatella and then explore Buda Castle.

Dedicate a day to just relax, either you go on Margitsziget or you decide on hiking on the hills outside the center, on the way to Elisabeth Tower, a personal favorite. Or you can just take a day to walk on the banks of Danube and do some people watching.

Accommodation in Budapest ranges from affordable to quite expensive, but you can easily find apartments for prices starting at 38 USD per night.

Budapest to Sarajevo by land

The buses are the cheapest way to get between the two cities but the travel time is long (12h). You can fly in about 4 h for prices starting at 102 USD one way.

5 days in Bosnia suggested by Ellis Veen from Backpack Adventures

Bosnia is probably Europe’s best-kept secret. When people hear about Bosnia they might still remember the war, but the war is long gone and Bosnia still is a highly diverse multicultural country where east meets west. Adding Bosnia to your Europe itinerary will not disappoint you. In fact, Sarajevo is my favorite city in Europe.

Wandering through the cobbled streets of the old town, you might feel you are in the middle east and it is easy to spend your whole day here exploring mosques, drinking tea in cozy cafes and trying out the local cuisine in one of the cheap restaurants. Bosnia is still extremely cheap compared to other European destinations.

Sarajevo can easily keep you busy for 3 days. Another city worth your time and attention is Mostar. Mostar was the most heavily bombed city during the war, but a huge effort is made to restore the old town and rebuild the destroyed bridge connecting the Muslim and Croatian parts of town with each other. train or bus ride from Sarajevo to Mostar is considered one of the most scenic routes in Europe. Spent two or three days in Mostar, wander through the old town and visit the Derwish monastery in Blagaj.

Private rooms in Accommodation in Sarajevo starts at around 19 USD per night in an apartment.

Sarajevo to Kotor by land

Your best bet for this leg is a rental car. It should take about 2.5h to cover the distance.

There are buses available but they are not direct. Your travel time will be about 8 h and prices start at 26 USD one way.

3 days in Montenegro , suggested by Shaun Robertson from ThisLifeinTrips.com

Although you could easily spend a week touring this relatively new country, seeing Montenegro’s highlights in 3 days is very doable. Base yourself in the walled town of Kotor and spend a day exploring its old town and nearby coastal sights. Don’t miss a visit to the Our Lady of the Rocks, a 15th-century church that is said to be built on a man-made island consisting of rocks thrown into the sea over hundreds of years. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of the many nearby beaches or hike the city walls for an incredible view of Kotor and beyond.

Spend another day touring the seaside town of Budva and nearby Sveti Stefan. This picturesque town turned resort is a popular stop for celebrities, and royalty while visiting the country. Lastly, head inland to take in the mountains and parks that fill the country’s interior. Depending on the weather, the Monastery of Ostrog is worth the pilgrimage. Considered the Petra of the Balkans, this 17th-century monastery is built into a rock face high above Montenegro and offers unique views and a thrilling mountainside drive.

Private rooms in Accommodation in Kotor starts around 28 USD per night in apartments.

Kotor to Dures (Albania) to Bari by land and water

The easiest way to cover this leg is by taking a bus from Kotor to Dures (Albania) and then hop on a ferry to Bari.

The total travel time is about 16.5h and the prices start at 80 USD one way.

2 days in Bari, suggested by us

We loved Bari! It is a compact easy and super easy to explore. It takes about a day to check out both the Old Town and the New Town. Set a base close to both, and you will also be close to the train station.

Allow half a day, at least, to explore Alberobello , home to the trulli. We took the bus since we visited on a Sunday, but during the week, there are trains from Bari to Alberobello and the ride is really scenic.

Accommodation in Bari is affordable starting around 49 USD per night.

Bari to Florence by land

You can consider a rail pass since you will do a bit of traveling within Italy. You need to change the train once along the day.

If booked in advance, a train ticket starts around 45 USD one way.

7 days in Tuscany, suggested by Nicola and Edoardo from My Travel in Tuscany

A short distance from the most famous places of Tuscany as Florence and Chianti, there are many opportunities to step out of the crowd and discover places off the beaten path. The Etruscan Coast is definitely one of these. A stretch of flatland set between the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and typical rolling hills covered by olive groves, vineyards and Mediterranean scrub.

You can discover its ancient origins visiting the archaeological park of Populonia and take a swim at sunset at the close beach of the Gulf of Baratti. If you love sport you can do kite surf, or ride a bike along panoramic roads and under shady pinewoods. After having discovered lovely hamlets, tasted delicious food and one of the best Italian red wines in Bolgheri, you can end your trip relaxing your body and soul at the thermal bath.

We highly recommend to look for guest houses in the cities you decide to explore in Tuscany. In Florence , you can find rooms from 58 USD per night.

Florence to Barcelona by low cost carrier

The flight time between the two cities is under 2h but, considering the transit time, it would take almost 5 h to complete the travel. Prices start at 48 USD one way on Vueling.

4 days in Barcelona by Dawn Finding from The Grey Treveller

When you say Barcelona you are saying art, football, amazing architecture, culture and coast. It is a city for walkers and staying central in a district such as El Barrio Gotic you can explore all directions easily and experience something different every day. The must-sees are some of Gaudi’s exotic facades on buildings such as Casa Batilo, a walk in Parc Guell to get a great overview of the city, a walk along the beach, a beer in Barcelonetta and a kick around at Camp Nou. 

Late afternoons can be reserved for sipping wine and eating tapas in the myriad of bars in the old quarter or the Plaza Reial before choosing dinner or hitting the hot spots in the main thoroughfare that is Las Ramblas. 

Of course, a classy city like this is not without its serious shopping areas and authentic markets. La Boqueria one of the oldest markets is easily reached via Las Ramblas and offers a range of foods to try and an opportunity to people watch. 

You can climb to the top of Mount Juic and glide back down on an aerial car whilst taking in the port side views and of course Christopher Columbus who stands high on his own column. 

With an international airport 30 minutes for the center this is an easy city to visit.

Accommodation in Barcelona is plentiful and you can easily find rooms from 74 USD per night.

Photo credit: Dawn Finding

Barcelona to Madrid by train (or plane)

There are plenty of trains connecting Barcelona and Madrid. The travel time is at least 2h 30 min and the prices depend on the type of train you choose. Expect to pay from 30 USD one way.

3 days in Madrid, suggested by us

End the itinerary in style, in Madrid. Stay for 3 days and allow at least a day to do…nothing. Well, ok, of course, you can stroll in the park – for example in Retiro Park – and eat your weight in tapas in Mercado San Miguel. Or walk along the Gran Vía, Madrid’s entertainment, shopping, and cultural center.

If you are passionate about art, the Prado Museum is a must-see. Should you be more into history – like us – then head to the National Archeological Museum.

Plaza Mayor is perfect for some people-watching. Order a coffee – but be wared the price tag is in accordance with the location – sit a cafe, and just relax as you watch the life unfold in this superb Spanish city.

Visiting Madrid during winter? Head to Chocolatería San Ginés, for some scrumptious hot chocolate and churros. They even have vegan churros!

Accommodation in Madrid is plentiful and starts at 46 USD per night in a double room.

Important note: before planning your trip around Europe, check your visa entry requirements. European Union nationals can travel visa-free between these destinations, although to travel to/from the UK, a passport is needed from October 1, 2021.

Do you like this itinerary and want to personalize it to fit your needs? Drop me a note. I can help.

Note: the post was originally written in 2016. The accommodation prices have been updated as of Sep 2023.
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