7 Perfect Itineraries for First-Timers to Europe
Villefranche-sur-Mer in the Côte d'Azur region of France
Visiting Europe for the first time can feel overwhelming with possibility, and choosing what to see and do within your vacation days can be challenging.
From touring the Louvre to visiting a Tuscany winery, witnessing Moorish architectural design to exploring storybook castles, Europe is an exciting place to discover local history and intertwining culture.
As you consider your plans, these sample itineraries can inspire any first-time trip to Europe.
1. Highlights and Hidden Treasures of Italy Tour: Rome, Florence, Venice
Tiber River with Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy
Length: 10 Days
Places Visited: Rome, Florence, Venice
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
Whether eager to wander through lavish gardens or witness preserved ancient architecture, find the influence of Michelangelo or glide along charming canals, the Highlights and Hidden Treasures of Italy Tour: Rome, Florence, Venice celebrates the three iconic Italian cities. Renaissance villas and wine capture the splendor while the marbled palaces of Venice display the glamour as you have an immersive tour of the essential highlights, as well as the hidden wonders around Italy.
2. Highlights of Greece in 10 Days: Unforgettable Aegean Journey
Santorini, Greece
Length: 10 Days
Places Visited: Athens, Santorini, Chania (Hania), Crete, Heraklion
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
Greece is one of the world’s ultimate destinations and a perfect place for a first-time visit to Europe. Highlights of Greece in 10 Days: Unforgettable Aegean Journey accentuates the most iconic images of the country and brings you face-to-face with the ancient history, renowned beauty, and integral culture that has made Greece a fascinating destination for millennia. From fabled Crete to legendary Santorini, the breathtaking Parthenon to a relaxing black-sand beach, you can find immersion and splendor.
3. The Perfect London, Paris and Rome Tour
London, England
Length: 13 Days
Places Visited: London, Paris, Rome
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
First-time visitors to Europe must experience iconic architecture, culture, and art on the Perfect London, Paris, and Rome Tour. Europe overflows with treasured heritage and these three cities practically cover the history of Western Europe in the way they celebrate and showcase their design, traditions, and culinary customs. From ancient life to Renaissance beauty, the Belle Epoque to imperial grandeur, you can find glamour and prestige at Parliament, the Eiffel Tower, and the Colosseum.
4. Highlights Adventure in Spain & Portugal
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
Length: 9 Days
Places Visited: Toledo, Segovia, Lisbon, Sintra, Seville, Granada, Barcelona, Costa Brava
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
Spain and Portugal are cultural adventures with art, architecture, and traditions around every corner. Highlights Adventure in Spain & Portugal was designed to immerse you in the beauty and excitement of the Iberian Peninsula’s historic cities and tangible heritage. From cycling to flamenco, ziplining over ancient streets to sampling mouthwatering cuisine, fairytale castles to soccer, you can experience the excitement of the modern world steeped in the charms of the past perfect for first-time visitors.
5. Signature Tour of England and Scotland's Comforting Charms
Painswick in the Cotswolds, England
Length: 14 days
Places Visited: London, Dover, Canterbury, Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, Warwick, York, Yorkshire, St. Andrews, Glencoe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cotswolds, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Fife, Western Highlands, Sterling, North Berwick
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
England and Scotland offer a perfect introduction to Europe for first-time visitors with centuries of intertwined history. The Signature Tour of England and Scotland’s Comforting Charms uncovers the renowned charisma and exceptional opulence from London to Edinburgh. Experience a quaint Shakespearean village, witness the mysterious Stonehenge or explore the dramatic Scottish Highlands. From thatched-roof cottages to the Royal Mile, you will find endless beauty in England and Scotland.
6. Beacons of Central Europe: Prague, Nuremberg, Berlin Tour
The Charles Bridge in Prague.
Length: 10 days
Places Visited: Prague, Nuremberg, Berlin, Potsdam, Sachsenhausen
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
First-time visitors to Europe can find antique spires and surprising colors on the Beacons of Central Europe: Prague, Nuremberg, Berlin Tour, which reveals the captivating histories and exceptional artistry of some of Central Europe’s most dynamic cities. With illustrious architecture and unique ambiance, rolling hills, and fertile farmland, you can explore fascinating artistry in attentive luxury at your pace for a combination of adventure and discovery from the Czech Republic to Germany.
7. Fabulous Paris, Provence, and French Riviera Tour
River Seine with Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
Length: 11 Days
Places Visited: Paris, St-Remy-de-Provence, Nice, Antibes
Why we recommend this sample itinerary:
For an essential experience of glamour, luxury, and beauty France should be your first visit to Europe. Fabulous Paris, Provence, and French Riviera Tour inspires unforgettable memories along with the breathtaking scenery and exceptional culture. From the Louvre to Versailles, blossoming lavender fields to the elegant seaside ambiance, discovering France offers a unique perspective of national and greater European heritage while bringing to light the endless charms for which the country is known.
How to Plan your European Vacation
Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany
Travel to Europe offers a unique lens on history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. From Moorish castles to fairytale villages, ancient ruins to mouthwatering wines, you have endless opportunities to experience where national cultures and a greater European heritage converge. Find more inspiration to customize your vacation to Europe with our Europe Travel Guide, or begin work with a Zicasso travel specialist with a Trip Request or call 1-888-265-9707.
