How to Choose the Right Europe Itinerary

Before choosing a route, consider four things:

1. How many days do you have?
2. Which experiences matter most to you?
3. How much travel time are you comfortable with?
4. Which destinations connect naturally?

A seven-day holiday should generally be more focused than a three-week journey.

For example, trying to visit Paris, Rome, Athens, Amsterdam, Zurich and Barcelona in one week would leave very little time for actually experiencing those destinations.

Instead, choose destinations that are geographically connected and give yourself enough time to explore.

Best 7-Day Europe Itineraries

Seven days is enough for a memorable European holiday, but the itinerary should remain relatively focused.

Itinerary 1: France & Switzerland

Paris → Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken

This is a practical combination for travellers who want both a major European capital and Alpine scenery.

Days 1–3: Paris

Explore:

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Notre-Dame
• Montmartre
• Seine River
• Latin Quarter

Spend enough time walking through different neighbourhoods rather than limiting the trip to major attractions.

Day 4: Paris to Switzerland

Travel from Paris towards Switzerland.

Switzerland Tourism notes that Paris and Swiss cities including Zurich, Basel, Geneva and Lausanne are connected by TGV Lyria services.

Days 5–7: Switzerland

Base yourself around:

Lucerne and Interlaken

Possible experiences include:

• Lake Lucerne
• Chapel Bridge
• Swiss mountain excursions
• Jungfrau Region
• Interlaken
• Scenic train journeys

This itinerary works particularly well for travellers who want to experience both urban Europe and the Alps.

Itinerary 2: Italy & France

Paris → Florence → Rome

This itinerary is ideal for travellers interested in history, art, architecture and food.

Days 1–3: Paris

Experience the French capital’s major landmarks, museums and neighbourhoods.

Day 4: Travel to Italy

Fly or use a suitable rail connection depending on your preferred route and schedule.

Days 5–6: Florence

Explore:

• Florence Cathedral
• Historic centre
• Renaissance art
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazza della Signoria
• Tuscan food experiences

Day 7: Rome

For a short trip, focus on Rome’s most important attractions rather than trying to see the entire city.

A longer version of this itinerary should allocate at least two or three days to Rome.

Itinerary 3: Switzerland & Northern Italy

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Milan

This is a particularly scenic option.

Days 1–2: Zurich and Lucerne

Explore Zurich before travelling to Lucerne.

Days 3–4: Interlaken

Use Interlaken as a base for exploring the surrounding Alpine region.

Days 5–7: Milan

Continue south towards Milan and explore:

• Milan Cathedral
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Sforza Castle
• Brera
• Italian cuisine and shopping

Switzerland Tourism confirms direct EuroCity connections between Milan and Swiss cities including Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Basel and Lugano.

This makes Switzerland and northern Italy a natural combination for travellers who enjoy scenic rail travel.

Best 10-Day Europe Itineraries

Ten days gives you more flexibility to combine three countries without making every day a travel day.

Itinerary 4: France, Switzerland & Italy

Paris → Lucerne → Interlaken → Milan → Florence/Rome

This is one of the most versatile first-time Europe itineraries.

Days 1–3: Paris

Spend three days exploring Paris.

Days 4–6: Switzerland

Possible route:

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken

Experience:

• Lakes
• Mountains
• Alpine villages
• Scenic rail journeys

Switzerland Tourism has established multi-day Grand Train Tour suggestions, including routes connecting Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken with other Swiss destinations.

Days 7–10: Italy

Continue towards northern Italy.

Possible route:

Milan → Florence → Rome

If you want to see Rome properly, consider spending fewer nights in Switzerland or extending the trip beyond 10 days.

Itinerary 5: France, Italy & Greece

Paris → Rome → Athens → Santorini

This itinerary combines three very different European travel experiences.

Days 1–3: Paris

Focus on the major landmarks, museums and neighbourhoods.

Days 4–6: Rome

Explore:

• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Vatican City

Days 7–8: Athens

Explore the Acropolis, historic neighbourhoods and Greek cuisine.

Days 9–10: Santorini

Finish with the landscapes and island atmosphere of Santorini.

Greece’s official tourism organisation promotes a wide range of cultural, island, nature and gastronomic experiences, making it particularly suitable for adding a Mediterranean component to a European itinerary.

Itinerary 6: France, Belgium & Netherlands

Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam

This is a convenient option for travellers interested in major European cities and shorter intercity journeys.

Days 1–4: Paris

Explore the French capital.

Days 5–6: Brussels

Visit:

• Grand Place
• Historic centre
• Museums
• Belgian food experiences

Days 7–10: Amsterdam

Explore:

• Canals
• Museums
• Historic neighbourhoods
• Local markets
• Cultural attractions

This itinerary works particularly well for travellers who prefer city sightseeing rather than mountain or beach destinations.

Best 14-Day Europe Itineraries

Two weeks provides enough time to build a more substantial multi-country journey.

Itinerary 7: France, Switzerland & Italy

Paris → Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Milan → Florence → Rome

Days 1–4: Paris

Four days allow time for both major attractions and neighbourhood exploration.

Days 5–8: Switzerland

Travel through:

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken

You can include mountain excursions and scenic rail experiences.

Switzerland Tourism’s Classic Grand Train Tour itinerary itself is designed around a minimum of seven days and six nights, demonstrating how much can be experienced within Switzerland alone.

Days 9–10: Milan

Explore Milan and use it as your entry point into northern Italy.

Days 11–12: Florence

Explore Florence’s historic centre and Renaissance heritage.

Days 13–14: Rome

Finish in Rome.

For travellers who want a slower pace, adding two or three extra days would make this route more comfortable.

Itinerary 8: France, Switzerland, Italy & Greece

Paris → Lucerne → Interlaken → Milan → Rome → Athens → Santorini

This is a more ambitious two-week itinerary.

Days 1–3: Paris

Days 4–6: Switzerland

Days 7–9: Italy

Focus on Milan and Rome, or Milan and Florence depending on your interests.

Days 10–12: Rome or Florence

Days 13–14: Athens or Santorini

This itinerary offers tremendous variety, but it involves more transportation than the three-country alternatives.

It is therefore more suitable for travellers who prioritise seeing multiple destinations over a slow-paced holiday.

Itinerary 9: Italy, Switzerland & Germany

Rome → Florence → Milan → Lucerne → Zurich → Munich

This route combines Italian culture, Swiss Alpine scenery and southern German heritage.

Italy

Begin with Rome and Florence.

Switzerland

Continue through Milan towards Lucerne and Zurich.

Switzerland’s location between France, Germany, Italy and Austria makes it particularly useful as a connecting destination within a central European itinerary. Swiss tourism information confirms direct rail connections with several neighbouring countries.

Germany

Finish in Munich and explore Bavaria.

This route is particularly suitable for travellers interested in history, food, architecture and landscapes.

Best 21-Day Europe Itineraries

Three weeks provide much more flexibility.

Instead of adding a large number of countries, use the additional time to explore each destination more deeply.

Itinerary 10: Classic Western and Central Europe

Paris → Switzerland → Northern Italy → Florence → Rome → Munich

Days 1–4: Paris

Days 5–9: Switzerland

Possible route:

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Montreux

Switzerland Tourism’s Grand Train Tour includes destinations such as Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne and Zurich.

Days 10–12: Northern Italy

Explore Milan and nearby destinations.

Days 13–15: Florence and Tuscany

Allow time for Florence and surrounding Tuscan experiences.

Days 16–18: Rome

Explore ancient and modern Rome.

Days 19–21: Munich and Bavaria

Finish the journey in Germany.

This creates a broad European experience without constantly changing hotels.

Itinerary 11: France, Switzerland, Italy & Greece

Paris → Lucerne → Interlaken → Milan → Florence → Rome → Athens → Santorini

This route works particularly well for travellers who want a combination of:

• European capitals
• Alpine landscapes
• Historic cities
• Art
• Food
• Mediterranean islands

Days 1–4: Paris

Days 5–8: Switzerland

Days 9–11: Northern Italy

Days 12–16: Florence and Rome

Days 17–19: Athens

Days 20–21: Santorini

The itinerary is relatively ambitious, but three weeks makes it more manageable.

Itinerary 12: Mediterranean Europe

For travellers primarily interested in beaches, food, culture and coastal destinations, consider:

Barcelona → Nice → Milan → Florence → Rome → Athens → Santorini

This route combines:

• Spain
• France
• Italy
• Greece

It is particularly suited to summer holidays, although individual destinations have different seasonal characteristics.

The key is to avoid trying to explore every city in depth. Instead, select a few major experiences in each location.

How to Decide Which Itinerary Is Right for You

If You Have 7 Days

Choose two countries.

Good combinations include:

• France + Switzerland
• France + Italy
• Switzerland + Italy

If You Have 10 Days

Choose two or three countries.

Consider:

• France + Switzerland + Italy
• France + Italy + Greece
• France + Belgium + Netherlands

If You Have 14 Days

Three countries are comfortable for many travellers, while four can work with a carefully planned route.

Consider:

• France + Switzerland + Italy
• France + Italy + Greece
• Italy + Switzerland + Germany

If You Have 21 Days

Three to five countries can be possible, depending on the route and travel style.

However, additional countries should only be added when they genuinely improve the itinerary.

The Best Way to Travel Between Destinations

Transportation can determine whether an itinerary feels relaxed or exhausting.

European Train Travel

Trains are particularly useful for neighbouring countries and major cities.

For example:

Paris → Switzerland → Milan

can be structured around rail travel.

Switzerland Tourism notes that direct trains connect Switzerland with cities in France, Germany, Italy and other European countries.

Within Switzerland, scenic trains can also become part of the holiday rather than simply transportation.

Scenic Swiss Rail Experiences

Travellers can consider:

• GoldenPass Express
• Glacier Express
• Bernina Express
• Gotthard Panorama Express
• Luzern–Interlaken Express

Switzerland Tourism identifies these among its major panoramic rail experiences.

The official Grand Train Tour can also be adapted to shorter trips rather than requiring travellers to complete the entire route.

When Should You Fly?

Flying can make sense when the distance is substantial.

For example:

Rome → Athens

or

Paris → Athens

may be more practical by air than by rail for many travellers.

However, compare the total journey rather than just the flight duration.

Include:

• Journey to the airport
• Check-in
• Security
• Boarding
• Baggage collection
• Journey from the airport

A short train journey from city centre to city centre may sometimes be more convenient.

Don’t Make Every Day a Travel Day

One of the biggest problems with multi-country itineraries is changing hotels too frequently.

Consider the difference:

Fast-Paced Trip

Paris – 2 nights
Brussels – 1 night
Amsterdam – 2 nights
Zurich – 1 night
Milan – 1 night

versus:

More Relaxed Trip

Paris – 4 nights
Switzerland – 4 nights
Northern Italy – 3 nights

The second option provides fewer destinations but considerably more time to enjoy them.

Build Your Itinerary Around Overnight Stops

Day trips can sometimes allow you to experience an additional destination without changing hotels.

For example:

Stay in Lucerne

and take a day trip to a nearby mountain destination.

Or:

Stay in Florence

and explore parts of Tuscany as a day trip.

This approach reduces the number of times you have to pack and move.

How Many Nights Should You Spend in Each Destination?

There is no universal rule, but the following can be a useful starting point:

Major Capitals

3–4 nights

Examples:

• Paris
• Rome
• Athens
• Madrid
• Berlin

Smaller Cities

2–3 nights

Alpine or Scenic Regions

3–5 nights

This allows time for mountain excursions, scenic journeys and day trips.

Beach or Island Destinations

3–5 nights

Longer stays may be appropriate if relaxation is a major part of the holiday.

Plan Your Route Around Geography

A useful strategy is to create a route that generally moves in one direction.

For example:

Paris → Switzerland → Milan → Florence → Rome

This is easier to manage than:

Paris → Rome → Switzerland → Milan → Paris

The second route introduces unnecessary backtracking.

Before booking accommodation, put every destination on a map and check the actual transportation connections.

Plan Around Your Arrival and Departure Airports

Your international flights can affect the itinerary.

A round-trip flight into and out of the same city may work well for shorter holidays.

For longer journeys, consider an open-jaw itinerary, where you arrive in one city and depart from another.

For example:

Fly into Paris → travel through Europe → fly home from Rome

This can eliminate the need to return to Paris at the end.

Consider the Season

Your itinerary should also reflect the time of year.

Spring

Suitable for:

• European cities
• Walking tours
• Gardens
• Cultural attractions
• Countryside

Summer

Ideal for many:

• Mediterranean destinations
• Greek islands
• Beach holidays
• Alpine activities

Popular destinations can also be busy.

Autumn

Good for:

• City breaks
• Food and wine
• Cultural tourism
• Scenic travel

Winter

Consider:

• Christmas markets
• Alpine skiing
• Winter scenery
• Festive city breaks

Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy and Austria can all provide very different winter experiences.

Book the Important Parts First

Once you have selected an itinerary, prioritise the parts that have limited availability.

These can include:

• International flights
• Popular hotels
• Scenic trains
• Major attractions
• Special events
• Guided experiences

For Swiss panoramic trains, certain services require seat reservations in addition to the relevant transport ticket. Switzerland Tourism specifically notes reservation requirements for the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express.

Allow Time for Rest

A holiday should not feel like a race.

After several days of sightseeing, consider a slower day.

For example:

Morning: relaxed breakfast

Late morning: sightseeing

Afternoon: café or shopping

Evening: dinner and a walk

This can make a multi-country trip considerably more enjoyable.

Sample 14-Day GLS Europe Itinerary

For travellers looking for a balanced first European journey, GLS could structure a trip around:

Days 1–4: Paris

Culture, history, architecture, shopping and French cuisine.

Days 5–8: Switzerland

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken

Lakes, mountains, Alpine experiences and scenic rail travel.

Days 9–11: Milan and Northern Italy

Italian food, architecture, fashion and culture.

Days 12–14: Florence and Rome

Renaissance art, historic landmarks, Italian cuisine and ancient Roman heritage.

This itinerary combines three countries while maintaining a logical geographical progression.

Sample 21-Day GLS Europe Itinerary

For a longer European holiday:

Days 1–4: Paris

Days 5–9: Switzerland

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Montreux

Days 10–12: Milan

Days 13–15: Florence and Tuscany

Days 16–18: Rome

Days 19–21: Athens and/or Santorini

This provides a mixture of:

City + Mountains + Culture + Food + History + Mediterranean

It can also be adjusted depending on whether the traveller prefers more time in Switzerland, Italy or Greece.

Common Multi-Country Europe Planning Mistakes

Trying to Visit Too Many Countries

Five countries in seven days may sound impressive, but it can leave very little time for actual sightseeing.

Changing Hotels Every Night

Frequent hotel changes can make the trip tiring.

Ignoring Travel Time

A four-hour train journey can consume a significant portion of a sightseeing day.

Booking Attractions Without Checking the Route

Always check where an attraction is located before booking a specific time.

Not Leaving Flexibility

Weather, delays and unexpected opportunities can change your plans.

Returning to the Starting City Unnecessarily

For longer holidays, consider flying home from a different city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Europe itinerary for a first trip?

A route such as France → Switzerland → Italy provides a broad mixture of European city life, culture, mountains, food and historic attractions.

How many countries can I visit in 7 days?

Two countries is generally a more comfortable target for a seven-day holiday. Three can work if the destinations are close and the itinerary is carefully planned.

What is a good 10-day Europe itinerary?

A practical option is:

Paris → Switzerland → Milan/Rome

Another is:

Paris → Rome → Athens → Santorini, although this involves more air travel.

What is a good 14-day Europe itinerary?

A strong option is:

Paris → Switzerland → Milan → Florence → Rome

This provides three countries and a combination of city, mountain and cultural experiences.

Is Switzerland easy to combine with Italy?

Yes. Switzerland has direct rail connections with several Italian cities. Switzerland Tourism lists direct EuroCity services between Milan and destinations including Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Basel and Lugano.

Can I visit Greece as part of a multi-country Europe holiday?

Yes. Greece works particularly well as the Mediterranean portion of a longer itinerary. Athens can be combined with destinations such as Santorini or other Greek islands.

Is it better to visit fewer countries for longer?

For many travellers, spending more time in fewer destinations reduces travel fatigue and allows a deeper experience of each place.

Should I travel around Europe by train?

Train travel can be particularly convenient for connected destinations and can itself become part of the experience, especially in Switzerland where scenic rail routes are a major attraction.

Plan Your Multi-Country Europe Holiday with GlobalLink Suisse

A successful multi-country Europe holiday is not about seeing the largest possible number of countries.

It is about creating a route where the destinations, transportation, travel time and experiences work together.

Whether you want to experience:

Paris → Switzerland → Italy

or create a Mediterranean journey through:

Italy → Greece

GlobalLink Suisse can help you develop an itinerary around your preferred countries, travel dates, interests and pace.

From scenic Swiss rail journeys and historic European cities to Mediterranean islands and cultural experiences, your European holiday can be designed around the experiences that matter most to you.

Ready to plan your European adventure? Contact GlobalLink Suisse to start building your multi-country itinerary.