3-Week Europe Itinerary: The BEST Of Europe (By A Local!)
Firstly, welcome to this 3-week Europe itinerary. You are probably here because you are considering or already planning your next trip to Europe, what a great idea!
You might be overwhelmed by all the possibilities Europe has to offer. There are so many countries to consider, let alone all the cities that might be on your list, as well as deciding on the type of holiday you want it to be.
Below you will find a suggestion for a 3-week Europe itinerary that covers a little bit of everything. Hopefully, this layout will be helpful in making your trip an unforgettable experience.
3-Week Europe Itinerary
With this itinerary, you travel across three countries over three weeks. A high-level overview:
Week 1 – Wonderful France: Visit Paris, Normandy and Dijon. A deep dive into history, culture, and the beauty of French landscapes. Wine and cheese are a must!
Week 2 – Beautiful Switzerland and stunning Italy: Glassy lakes, dining on a boat, and experiencing la dolce vita.
Week 3 – City hopping across Italy: Arts, opera, and good food, that’s what Italy is all about.
Week One of the Itinerary: Wonderful France
Days 1-5: Normandy
Normandy is famous for many reasons; You might know the name as it was the location where D-Day took place. Moreover, this is the region where France produced its delicious ciders, calvados, and many famous cheeses such as the world-renowned camembert. It is one of the destinations where many Parisians go for their holidays and once you see it for yourself you will understand why.
Day 1 – 2: Rouen
The first two days of this trip will be spent at Rouen. It is only two hours away from Paris and by far one of my favourite cities in France. It is the capital of Normandy and is known for its rich history and many monumental buildings in the city center.
In the two days you spend in Rouen these are some recommendations for highlights to visit:
⚬ Rouen Cathedral: The cathedral is considered one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in France and is well worth a visit. Impressionist painter Claude Monet created more than 30 paintings of the cathedral capturing the changing light and atmosphere
⚬ Historial Jeanne D’Arc: Joan of Arc is probably the most famous saint in France and she is the symbol of the French resistance during the Hundred Years War. This interactive museum guides you through her fascinating story and her significance in French History.
⚬ Rue Du Gros Horloge: It is inevitable you will come across this 14th-century astronomical clock as it is right at the heart of Rouen and one of the main icons of the city.
⚬ Musée des Beaux-Arts: For anyone who loves a good museum, this extensive collection covers Renaissance up until 20th-century art. With an extended focus on Impressionism and its ties to Normandy, the museum provides a great overview to appreciate the region’s artistic heritage.
⚬ Eat the best crêpe you have ever had: Whether it is for lunch or for dinner. Whether you choose sweet, savoury, or both(!) make sure you visit Crêperie Rouennaise. Located in a picturesque street full of half-timbered houses this is a meal you do not want to miss out on! Address: 9 Rue du Père Adam, 76000 Rouen, France
❇️ Book your guided city walk in Rouen here ❇️
Where to stay in Rouen
My recommendation would always be to book a centrally located hotel as much as you can. Especially the city center of Rouen is such a scenic place, you will want to make the most of it in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.
Day 3: Étretat
Visit Etretat, and make sure you get there early as this place tends to get busy! The famous rock formations in the sea are so stunning you will want to try to have it for yourself if you can. Enjoy a scenic walk along the coastal line and maybe even dip your toe in the sea if the weather is nice.
From here you will go to Honfleur, one of the cosiest villages in Normandy and a great place for a wander, have a casual glass of cider, watch the sunset in the port, and visit one of the evening markets they frequently organize in the summer.
Where to stay in Normandy
My personal favourite would be to stay in Honfleur as suggested above due to the size and the beauty of the village. However, a lot of organised day trips for activities in Normandy start from Bayeux. Bayeux is another scenic village close to the D-Day beaches and as well as the ‘Cider Route’.
A third option would be to stay in Caen. This is a larger city with a rich history as well and like Bayeux is closer to the D-Day beaches than Honfleur.
Day 4: D-Day or cider tasting
I suggest visiting some of the historic D-Day sights in Normandy to anyone who wants to learn more about the historical role Normandy played in liberating Europe during the end of the Second World War. You can visit all 5 of the beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword) and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. I found the visit to the beaches and memorials very impactful. It gives many great insights regarding the scale of the operation and the sacrifices made to liberate Europe.
An alternative if you would prefer a lighter program for this day, you are in the cider an calvados producing region of France. ☺️ Follow the 25-mile Normandy Cider Route along some of the most famous cider houses.
Day 5: Mont Saint Michel
I am aware this destination is a little bit further out, but I assure you will not regret it. The history of the monastery at Mont Saint Michel dates back to 708 BC. The island is world-famous for its unique tidal characteristics. Depending on the time of day you visit, the landscape looks completely different. During high tide, the island is in the sea. During low tide, you will see the sand for miles on end. Make sure you visit the abbey at the island and wander the super scenic streets!
❇️ Book your private guided walk and tickets to the Abbey here ❇️
For anyone who wants the full experience, I can highly recommend the guided Mud Flat Walking tours. They take you towards the river delta during low tide give you lots of information and give you views from a completely different angle. Make sure to book well in advance, especially during high season because the tours are popular.
❇️ To book your coastal hiking tour click here ❇️
Where to stay in Mont Saint Michel
There are a few recommendations on this one. Mont St Michel itself does not have many overnight accommodations, so therefore it might be more convenient to stay over in one of the villages close by.
On Mont St Michel itself you might want to consider:
⚬ Auberge St Pierre: It is on the island itself and located in a 14th-century half-timbered house.
⚬ Mercure Hotel Mont St Michel: Very close by and the comfort of the Mercure standard
⚬ Studio Centre Ville Dol-de-Bretagne: Place to go for a local experience. A highly picturesque little town with some amazing restaurants to try and away from the large crowds. The studio houses 2.
Day 6-7: Paris
Whenever in Paris, there is always more to do than you can possibly squeeze in the time you have.
If it is your first time visiting Paris a few of the highlights you do want to include are:
the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées the Notre-Dame, and probably Montmartre where you can find many artists, the Sacré Coeur church, and a stunning view over Paris.
If you want to have some time in quieter areas of the city, I would highly recommend: Sainte Chapelle Church (close to Notre-Dame), wandering the 6th arrondissement called St Germain de Prés for great little shops and wonderful lunch. Head over to the le Marais district with its stunning buildings and mansions and the Jewish district where you will eat the best falafel in Paris at L’As du Falafel.
❇️ For a full gastronomic tasting experience in le Marais, have a look here ❇️
For anyone who loves to visit museums, should check out 33 of the best museums Paris and the rest of western Europe have to offer! Here you will find many recommendations for the best museums to add to your list: 33 best museums in Europe.
Some other recommendations for activities in Paris:
❇️Don’t miss out on the boat tours in Paris to see the City from the Seine ❇️
Where to stay in Paris
There are many amazing areas to choose from in Paris depending on what takes your fancy. Here are some of my suggestions:
⚬ 1er Arrondissement: This is right in the heart of Paris where you will find the Louvre, Palais Royal, the Tuileries Gardens and Place Vendôme. If you want to have the buzz and the main highlights close by this is the place to be.
⚬ 6th Arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés: On the other side of the Seine this is the most Parisian experience you can possibly have. Home to both Café Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore where many famous writers, painters and artists came together, this area is known for its high end shops, the Quartier Latin where you find the Sorbonne University and Jardin the Luxembourg, one of my favourite parks in Paris.
⚬ 3rd Arrondissment, Le Marais: As highlighted earlier already this buzzing area of Paris will never bore you. The stunning architecture, wonderful boutiques and restaurants and little squares this is a very relaxing place to be.
⚬ As a general rule, I would recommend booking accommodation in arrondissements 1 up to 8. They are all highly central, safe, and great locations to stay, especially if you only have a short amount of time in Paris.
The Second Week Traveling In Europe: On The Road To Stunning Switzerland And Italy
Day 8: Dijon
Whilst you are headed to Switzerland, there is a suggested stop on the way to break up a long journey by visiting wonderful Dijon. You will probably recognise the name of this city due to the famous mustard they produce. If you want to know more about it, pay a visit to the Maille Mustard Museum. Furthermore, the city center is ancient, and known for its prestigious buildings and scenic squares. Additionally, there are many markets worth visiting such as Marché des Halles or Marché de Gresilles.
If you are planning to visit in autumn, keep an eye out for the annual gastronomic fair with over 500 exhibitors and over 200,000 visitors every year!
❇️ Fancy a private tour? Book yours here ❇️
❇️ For a more relaxing afternoon, why not book a wine tasting and masterclass? ❇️
Where to stay in Dijon
Always the same advice. Try and stay somewhere central to make the most of your time in any city.
⚬ Mama Shelter: the new kid in town. Very stylish, quirky and comfortable accommodation to make the most of your stay in Dijon
⚬ Prefer some real luxury? Stay in Hostellerie Du Chapeau Rouge, accompanied by a 2 Michelin-star Restaurant.
Day 9 – 10: Zürich
Next stop: Switzerland. Country of the Alps, chocolate and raclette.
The first destination on the itinerary is Zürich, only a couple of hours away from Dijon. Zürich is known to be the financial heart of Switzerland. Nonetheless, it is a great city to visit during a holiday as well. There are many amazing shops and picturesque streets to visit. Moreover, the city is located next to the ‘Zürich See’. On this enormous lake you can book some excellent and very scenic boat tours.
❇️ Get your tickets for Zürich sightseeing with lake cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate ❇️
Where to stay in Zürich
For Zürich I would suggest staying somewhere central. I would highly recommend booking a hotel with a river or lake view. This allows you to enjoy the city even whilst you’re in your room!
Alternatively, opt for accommodations in the Old Town. You will be surrounded by charming medieval architecture, boutique shops, and historic landmarks.
Day 11: Lucerne
My personal favourite city in Switzerland is Lucerne (or Luzern as the locals spell it). This is largely because I frequently went here as a kid and there is such a laid-back atmosphere in this city. Make sure to explore the ‘Altstadt’ the Old Town and cross the Kapelbrücke.
❇️ For a guided private Lucern experience by foot and boat have a look here ❇️
If you feel more adventurous and would like to get out of town, take the train to ski village Engelberg. The ride is great as you are climbing into the mountains and you will enjoy some stunning views. In Engelberg, you will have many different walking trails to choose from. Alternatively, take one of the cable cars to the top of the mountain!
Where to stay in Lucerne
Book one of the hotels around the edges of the lake. Here you will enjoy some of the best waterfront views of Lucerne.
Day 12 – 13: Lake Como
If you like to drive, this day is for you. To get to Lake Como you can either take the Gotthart Tunnel (a 35 mile long tunnel). Or, choose the more adventurous mountain pass route that will take you past some of the best views of the Alps. Drive carefully, as this road has many twists and turns, but it will be worth it! (NB: check the pass is open, this depends on the weather. Especially during autumn and winter they might close the pass if the weather is tricky.)
Once you are past the pass you will soon enter Italy and then it is only a short while to Lake Como. Depending on what takes your fancy you can either stay in Como City, or in one of the much smaller villages facing the riverfront.
You have two days you can spend here. My recommendation would be to use the river taxis to go to various villages facing the lake, such as; Como, Varenna, and Bellagio. All of them are equally unique and offer stunning views over the lake.
My two favourite places are Bellagio and Varenna. Bellagio has many little shops to buy locally produced silkware and jewelry. Varenna has a marvelous walk along the river. It is a leisurely stroll and offers many blissful views and cute restaurants for a well-deserved lunch.
Where to stay around Lake Como
As highlighted above nearly all villages surrounding the lake are worth visiting. In terms of accommodation, my suggestions are:
⚬ Bellagio: Altogether, one of the most famous and most stunning villages along the lake there are some stunning and very old hotels facing the lake. It will give you the full Lake Como experience.
⚬ Como: This is the largest city facing the lake and has a lot to offer in terms of shopping, restaurants and architecture. Basically, a great place to stay if you like a city-vibe.
Day 14 – 15: Milan
Known to many as the Capital of fashion, Milan is always a great place to visit. The city is famous for its spectacular architecture, large squares, and many local delicacies you need to make sure to try!
A few of the highlights to add to your list:
⚬The Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): Explore the iconic Gothic cathedral, known for its stunning architecture, intricate details, and panoramic views from the rooftop.
⚬Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ mural painting: Da Vinci painted this masterpiece in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church and til this day it attracts visitors from all over the world. Don’t miss out when you are in Milan, make sure to book your tickets well in advance.
⚬Shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Without a doubt one of the chicest shopping galleries in Italy I have come across. Even if you are not a big fan of shopping, the gallery itself is free of charge and a delight to walk through. Make your experience even more enjoyable with a gelato in hand!
❇️ Get a combined ticket for the Duomo and Last supper with a guided tour ❇️
Where to stay in Milan
Book an accommodation in Brera. This neighbourhood offers a great blend of historical charm and contemporary flair. Furthermore, this artistic neighbourhood is home to winding cobblestone streets, art galleries, and many, trendy cafes and boutiques, all within walking distance of the main attractions.
Third And Final Week: City Hopping Across Italy
Day 16 – 17: Verona
Always a delight to visit Verona. The city is famous for its alfresco opera performances that still take place in the ancient amphitheater. The theater was built by Romans in the first century BC. Of course, you do not want to miss out on the Romeo and Juliet balcony, as Verona was the setting of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
Furthermore, the city has a wonderful city center with many buildings dating from the Medieval and Renaissance eras. It truly is an unforgettable experience to wander around these scenic streets and feel like you have gone back in time.
Below you can find some links to book tickets to visit the Verona opera performances.
❇️ Get your opera tickets here ❇️
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative I would suggest having a look at the opera website itself. Here you can book tickets to sit around the upper edges of the amphitheater. Obviously, I love these seats as they give you an amazing view. You can see the people entering the theater before the show starts and you have a holistic view of the overall decorum. Make sure to bring a cushion, because having to sit down on the stone benches for three or more hours is a sore experience!
Where to stay in Verona
Definitely try and stay within the city walls of Verona’s old time for the best experience of this city. Great if you fancy and evening stroll when the building are romantically lit up in the dark.
Day 18 – 19: Parma
Another city on my list of favorites is Parma. Famous for its Parma Ham, the hometown of the late Giuseppe Verdi and listed as a UNESCO creative city for its exquisite culinary tradition this is a great place to enjoy all the good things Italy has to offer.
Having two days to spend in Parma these are some of the recommendations that should be high on your list:
⚬ Stroll across the Old Town: Parma is known for its rich history and many picturesque streets, parks and historical architecture. This is the area where you will find all of Parma’s iconic landmarks too.
⚬ Visit the Parma Cathedral and Baptistery: Probably two of the most famous buildings in Parma due to their unique architecture dating back to the 12th century.
⚬ Pallazzo della Pilotta: THe museum I would recommend everyone to visit. An exquisite and extraordinary large national museum that houses works by the likes of Da Vinci. You can wander the Farnese theatre and you can find some of the largest statues I have personally come across. Anyone keen on exploring Italy’s rich history needs to pay a visit here.
⚬ The Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Steccata: THe build of the sanctuary started in the 16th century and took several centuries to be completed. The mix of styles including baroque and neo-classical makes it a very rich design that is well worth a visit.
⚬ Join the annual festival Verdi: In honor of the famous opera composer Verdi,the city of Parma organizes an annual opera festival that is deemed to be one of the best in Italy. The event usually takes place in October and is a unique setting to experience the masterpieces that were created by Verdi.
Where to stay in Parma
Book a hotel or apartment in Parma’s Old Town so you can walk to all the restaurants and bars in the evening.
Day 20 – 21: Florence
Welcome to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance!
When visiting Florence for the first time these are definitely the highlights you should see:
⚬ Uffizi Museum: Home to some of the most renowned paintings such as ‘The Birth of Venus’ by Botticelli and ‘The Anunciation’ by Da Vinci.
⚬ Florence Cathedral: One of the most famous landmarks in Florence with its iconic cathedral. Climb the Cupola for great city views.
⚬Ponte Vecchio: Cross the ancient bridge over the Arno, with picturesque old house on it.
⚬ Santa Croce Church: Wonderful church and burial place for of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli, and Dante Alighieri.
⚬ Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze: Can’t miss out on the Galleria to visit The David.
For more local activities I recommend:
⚬ Mercato Sant Ambrogio: For food lovers, visit the oldest market in Florence. Located in some very old market halls you find fresh produce on the ground floor, and food stands upstairs. Honestly, some of the best street food you can try in Florence.
⚬ San Minitato al Monte: My favourite place in Florence, located on the other side of the river. Only walk there if you fancy a climb, be warned of the hills and steps. The church dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest in Florence. The frescos and decorations are mesmerizing. Furthermore, you will enjoy one of the best views over Florence here so, don’t miss out on this one.
⚬ Gelateria Vivoli: The oldest Gelatteria in Florence, founded in 1929 they have hands down the best gelato in Florence. Enter a different era when you walk into the parlour and enjoy this amazing gelato.
Where to stay in Florence
When visiting Florence, Italy, stay in the charming neighbourhood of Santa Croce. It’s in the historic center. You’ll be near iconic attractions like the Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza Santa Croce. There are many artisan shops, cafes, and trattorias for authentic cuisine.
3-Week Europe Itinerary Map
Tips For Planning A Eu rope Trip
Planning a 3-week trip takes a lot of time and effort. Below you can find some helpful tips, based on my own experience.
✔️ Check opening hours for restaurants
Especially in France and Italy, it is common to have set hours for lunch and dinner. Many restaurants – especially in smaller cities – tend to close during the afternoon. Avoid disappointment and have a look in advance so you don’t miss out on any of your planned meals!
Lunch is usually between 12 and 2 pm and dinner starts from around 7 pm – 8 pm onwards in France and Italy. Have an aperitif on a terrace before you head out for dinner. Kitchens in Switzerland do open a lot earlier for dinner.
✔️ Bring some cash
Especially when visiting more local places in Europe, credit cards may not be accepted everywhere, especially if you are just having a coffee or looking to buy something on a local market. Make sure to get some cash Euros and some Swiss Francs to make your life easier!
✔️ Book excursions and attractions in advance
I cannot emphasize this enough. The holiday season in Europe tends to get busy. Save yourself time and stress and book any of the excursions, attractions, and museum tickets in advance. It gives you certainty and saves you a lot of time queueing to make sure you can make the most of the time you have in Europe!
✔️ Check the dress code
Especially when visiting religious institutions or churches make sure you dress modestly. If you are not dressed according to the dress code you may be refused entry.
The same applies to upscale bars and restaurants, especially in France and Italy.
✔️ Walk or take public transport
Highlights in European cities are usually within walking distance of one another. Wear some comfortable shoes and enjoy picturesque streets, historical sights, and hidden views whilst wandering the city.
If you do need to cover longer distances, check out public transport. There are often multiple options e.g. metro, train, or bus and it is a very common way of travel, fares are low and trains and metros are often quicker than cars due to traffic.
FAQs
Some answers to questions I get a lot when people plan their next trip to Europe:
Is 3 weeks enough time in Europe?
Firstly, you can spend years in Europe and still have a long list of things you would like to do as there are so many different countries, landscapes, and cultures to explore. In three weeks, however, you will be able to cover many highlights. It allows you to travel cross-border without having to rush and will give you enough time to take some of the sidetracks away from the touristy places everyone visits and have the local European experience.
How many countries should I visit in Europe in 3 weeks?
The above itinerary is only one scenario for traveling across Europe and only covers three countries. For any 3-week trip you plan my recommendation would be not to exceed more than 4 countries as a maximum. Increasing the number out countries beyond 4 means you will be on the road for the majority of the time you have. Rather than being able to enjoy everything each destination has to offer.
What is the best way to travel around Europe?
Personally, my recommendation for travel across Europe will always to by train or by car. Europe has without a doubt one of the best railway networks in the world and the the destinations on this itinerary can all be reached by train.
There are many high-speed international connections that make it very easy to travel between the big cities by train and often you can reach more local destinations too. Meanwhile, you will be able to enjoy scenic landscapes in comfortable seats.
Finally, the security checks when traveling by train are less extensive than they would be if you decided to travel by plane and you can take more luggage without having to pay extra!
Of course, this itinerary is very suitable to travel by car, which ultimately might give you more freedom than railway travel.
I would always recommend searching for sustainable vehicles when you decide to rent a car. Europe is rapidly increasing its network of charging points for electric vehicles, which makes it very easy to travel long distances in a sustainable electric vehicle.
This applies mainly to the following countries: Norway, Germany, France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, and Denmark.
Alternatively, you can decide on a hybrid model, so you are not solely dependent on charging points. Note eligibility to drive in Europe to drive is 18 years old.
When is the best time to visit Europe?
Depending on your preference and the type of trip you plan to visit Europe, here are some recommendations on the best seasons.
My personal favourite is spring in Europe. Cherry blossom trees are at their best around May-time and this is before the high season during the summer. During spring in Europe you might be able to avoid the large crowds and prices for accommodation are more manageable. Temperatures across Europe are much more enjoyable as well, especially when visiting cities in the Mediterranean and Balkan countries.
Alternatively, you can come and visit later in the year of course. In many cities across Europe, the lead-up to Christmas is a wonderful time to come over. Many Christmas markets are hosted, ice skating rinks are set up and many of the streets in any city you visit are nicely decorated and lit up. Make sure to try a glass of Glühwein, our seasonal specialty.
Ultimately, if you are planning a classical summer holiday, of course, you will be visiting in high season. It is worth noting summer holidays in many places in Europe are largely taken during July and August. If you visit in June it might still be slightly quieter and temperatures might be slightly lower.
Conclusion: 3-Week Europe Itinerary
Hopefully, this suggested itinerary has given you a great layout for the next trip you are planning, some useful suggestions for highlights to add to your list to visit, or some new ideas for activities to book for your holiday. Have a great time!