Ultimate 3 Week Europe Itinerary for 2025: London, Paris & More!

From remote islands in the chilly Arctic Ocean to the sun-kissed beaches of the Mediterranean, Europe covers over 10-million square kilometers. It’s home to almost 10% of the world’s population speaking 24 official languages and 50 countries (and five more if you count de facto states) attracting over 500 million visitors every year.

For many who reach Europe’s shores from afar, there are two things on their mind: history and culture. These, Europe has in spades. Ancient Greece, founded in the 12th century BCE, feels young in comparison to the mystical Neolithic wonder that is Stonehenge.

If this is your first time in Europe, you no doubt have a few cities in mind you simply have to see. Our 3 week Europe itinerary gives you the chance to tick off London, Paris and Rome, but it goes further. Millennia of shared history aside, you might be surprised by just how much variety Europe has to offer.

With that, let’s jump into our expert itinerary!

Practicalities of a 3 Week Europe Itinerary

When to Visit

There’s never a bad time to embark on a 3 week Europe itinerary. Given the amount of ground you’ll be covering, you’ll encounter several different climates. In Scotland, we often say we experience all four seasons in one day, and unless you’re extremely lucky, you’ll certainly experience them at some point during your trip. Whenever you visit, be prepared for all weathers. Layers are key.

Traveling during the height of summer will likely bring you the best weather. However, if you travel during European school holidays (usually late July to the first week of September, with a few exceptions), expect tourist sites and cities to be crowded and hotel prices to be higher.

Getting Around

This 3 week Europe itinerary is designed for overland travel. Many car rental agencies allow you to hire a car in one country and drop it in another. The exception to this is, usually, the UK, so you may need to hire a different car once you reach mainland Europe. Apart from the UK, every country on this itinerary drives on the right, but it’s worth checking the laws and licensing requirements before each nation before setting out.

If you don’t fancy driving, high-speed trains are the best mode of transport for most legs. The final part of our 3 week Europe itinerary will involve a flight between Italy and Greece.

International Borders

Your three week trip through Europe will take you to seven countries. The only borders which involve a passport and customs inspection are the British and Dutch borders as you cross from the UK to Mainland Europe.

Much of Europe is in the European Union, and many EU member states use a shared currency- the Euro (EUR). The UK, which uses Pound Sterling (GBP) and Switzerland, which uses Swiss Francs (CHF) are the only countries on this 3 week Europe itinerary which don’t use the Euro.

The Ultimate 3 Week Europe Itinerary

Days 1-3: Bonnie Scotland

I’m possibly a little biased, but there is no doubt in my mind that Scotland is the best place to start any 3 week Europe itinerary. The only problem with doing so, is that you’ll never want to leave.

Travel tip: If you do find yourself unable to draw yourself away, our 7 Day Scotland Itinerary is the travel companion you need.

The first three days of our 3 week Europe itinerary are based in Scotland’s historic capital. Edinburgh is one of our favorite cities in not only the UK, but the world. Explore the iconic castle, follow in JK Rowling’s footsteps in search of Edinburgh’s famed Harry Potter locations and step aboard the late Queen Elizabeth’s pride and joy– the Royal Yacht Britannia.

During your stay, take a day trip to Glasgow, Scotland’s second city. One day in Glasgow is just enough to see the highlights. Visit George Square, check out the amazing Riverside Museum and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and sample some of Scotland’s finest food.

Days 4-6: England’s Green & Pleasant Land

York

Saying a bittersweet farewell to Scotland, follow the east coast across the English border. Stop off to visit Alnwick Castle, the real life Hogwarts, on your way to York. Founded by the Romans, settled by Vikings and conquered by the Normans, a walk through York is like stepping inside a history book.

Spend a night here to allow time to see all York has to offer. Visit the Minster, get behind its Viking past at Jorvik, indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Story and come nightfall, scare yourself silly on York’s famous Ghost Bus.

London

Continue south to spend your final two days in the UK in London. There’s so much to do here that you could devote this entire 3 week Europe itinerary to London and still only scratch the surface, but there’s a surprising amount you can see in two days.

Travel tip: Although an open top bus tour is a great way to see the highlights, London’s notorious traffic means you’ll lose precious time. To maximise time, walk where possible and use the Underground for longer journeys.

If this is your first time in London, there’s a few things you have to do. Don’t miss taking a flight on the London Eye, get inside Westminster Abbey, get a photo of the Elizabeth Tower (often, wrongly called Big Ben which is in fact the name of the bell), tour the state rooms of Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard.

For a break from sightseeing, unwind in Hyde Park, shop the day away on Oxford Street or relax on a river cruise to Greenwich. Unsurprisingly, London is home to some of England’s best restaurants. Savor truly British flavors at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, or do as the locals do and seek out a spot outside the center. Kentish Town, Spitalfields and Brick Lane are culinary hotspots.

Days 7-9: The Highlights of the Low Countries

Leaving London won’t be easy, but our 3 week Europe itinerary must go on. You could save time by hopping on a 45-minute flight or the Eurostar to Amsterdam, but sailing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland has heaps more charm. Stena Line’s cruise ferries make the crossing in eight hours, sailing twice a day.

The Netherlands

If you arrive at the Hook of Holland, make a stop in Rotterdam before reaching Amsterdam. As a city so frequently overlooked by travelers, Rotterdam is one of the hidden gems of this 3 week Europe itinerary. It’s home to Europe’s largest container port, weird and wonderful architecture, and some of The Netherland’s most happening nightlife.

Amsterdam is one of my favorite European cities. Spending one day in the Dutch capital is just long enough to see Amsterdam’s cultural highlights and sample some of its revered street food.

Start off with a self-guided tour of the Rijksmuseum to admire masterpieces from Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Delve into the life of Anne Frank at her wartime home, enjoy the views on a canal cruise and sample The Netherland’s most famous beer at the Heineken Experience.

After dark, take a stroll around the streets of De Wallen, Amsterdam’s world-famous legal red light district. Call into Red Light Secrets for a behind the scenes look at what life is like for those who work in this steamy profession.

If you have time to get out of the city, pay a visit to Zaanse Schans in Zaandam. This quirky canal-side village is home to a wonderful collection of traditional wooden buildings and Dutch windmills.

Belgium

It’s a short train ride from Amsterdam across the border to Brussels. One day in Brussels is the ideal amount of time to get your fill of Belgian culture (not forgetting the frites, waffles and chocolate).

Start Day 9 of our 3 week Europe itinerary by admiring the architectural wonder that is Grand Place. Then, wander in search of the tiny statue that has become a symbol of Belgian identity. The quirky Manneken Pis has stood in Brussels since 1619, although the one you’ll see today is a replica.

In the afternoon, after a typically-Belgian waffle lunch, head out to the Atomium. The futuristic spheres were built for the 1958 World’s Fair. Back in the city, take a tour of the European Quarter, home to the political powerhouse which oversees almost all the countries we’ll visit on this 3 week Europe itinerary.

If you’re able to add an extra day in Belgium, head to Ypres to pay tribute to the fallen of the First World War. Take a tour through the trenches of Flanders, visit the cemeteries and learn about wartime history at In Flanders Fields museum.

Days 10-11: Paris- Ville d’Amour

The French capital is one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Full of energy, this romance-inducing grand city evokes something special in the hearts of anyone who walks it’s glitzy boulevards. There’s no doubt that two days in Paris will be one of the highlights of your 3 week Europe itinerary.

Just as in London, even if you’ve never set foot in la Ville d’Amour before, you’ll already know what you want to see. When you arrive, head straight for the Eiffel Tower. It does get busy, in fact it’s never not busy, so book your tickets in advance and arrive on time. When you reach the summit, all the queuing will pale into insignifcance.

Once you’ve drawn yourself away from the views, you’ll want to start working through our Paris musts. Of course, there’s the Louvre, the Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Moulin Rouge and the artsy streets of Montmatre.

These are all iconic sights you won’t want to miss, but our favorite spots in Paris are hidden gems. The Zadkine Museum with its cobbled courtyard is an art-lover’s dream. In Montmatre, get away from the crowds at Dalida Square, then go in search of the hidden red Fiat at the MERCI store.

Versailles

On your second day in Paris, get out of the city and head for the Palace of Versailles. Stroll through the acres of landscaped gardens taking in a sweeping panorama of the city in the distance. Then, venture inside and gaze in awe at the Hall of Mirrors.

More than just an impressive sight, this is the spot at which the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 was signed. Marking the end of war in Europe, the treaty came as a damning blow to German sovereignty, laying the foundations for the Second World War.

Days 12-14: Switzerland- An Alpine Paradise

Famous the world over for its cheese, chocolate and watches, Switzerland is a favorite amongst European holidaymakers, but is all too often forgotten by first time visitors to Europe.

Just across the border from France, make lakeside Geneva your first stop. Start off with a cruise on the glistening waters of Lake Geneva. Back on dry land, head for the Patek Philippe Museum to see how Switzerland’s most famous watches are made.

Spend the night in the charming old town of Neuchatel before continuing on to Zurich. One day in Zurich is just long enough to get to grips with Switzerland’s laid back financial center. Zurich may be rich, astoundingly so, but this charming city has no airs and graces.

First, head to Lindt’s Home of Chocolate Museum. Loved all across the world, Lindt is one of the most iconic brands of Swiss chocolate. So popular is it, the factory produces over 100,000 tonnes of chocolate annually.

Aside from cheese and chocolate, Switzerland is also the capital of football. The FIFA Museum is a must for any soccer fan. Round off your time in Zurich lazing by the shores of Lake Zurich, indulging in a spot of retail therapy and don’t leave without trying traditional Swiss fondue.

Spend your final night in Switzerland in the beautiful town of Lugano, on the shores of the lake of the same name.

Days 15-19: Viva L’Italia

The border between Switzerland and Italy slices Lake Lugano in half. On its southern shore, there’s a wonderful geographical anomaly that any avid traveler on a 3 week Europe itinerary wouldn’t want to miss. Campione d’Italia is a tiny Italian enclave surrounded by Swiss soil.

Milan

After a false start, cross into Italy-proper and make tracks for Como. The main town on Lake Como requires little introduction. Como is all about relaxing by and on the lake. This afternoon, continue to Milan for a night in Italy’s fashion capital.

Sample some of Milan’s best street food for dinner and, in the morning, set out to explore the city. Pay a visit to the imposing cathedral, Doumo di Milano, enjoy a guided visit to see Da Vinci’s Last Supper and take a look around La Scala Theatre.

Bologna & Venice

As you leave Milan behind, make a stop in Bologna, one of Italy’s most underrated cities to sample classic Bolognese cuisine. The birthplace of the dish we wrongly call Spaghetti Bolognese also gave the world lasagne, mortadella and tortellini.

Aim to arrive in Venice by early evening to take a sunset gondola ride along the Grand Canal. In the morning, explore the city’s most cherished landmarks. Head first to St Mark’s Basilica on stunning Piazza San Marco. Cruise under the Bridge of Sighs before visiting Doge’s Palace and sailing out to the Venetian Islands.

Rome

Once the center of civilization, the Italian capital is a true highlight of our 3 week Europe itinerary. Just like in London and Paris, you could spend a lifetime here and never bore of its charm. A couple of days in Rome is never enough, and there’s a lot to pack in. No matter how much sightseeing you intend to do, you need to factor in time for devouring pizza, gelato and sipping the occasional Aperol Spritz.

Start your Rome experience with a guided tour through the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine. Scale the Spanish Steps, fight the crowds to get a glimpse of the Trevi Fountain, then head for the Vatican.

Europe and the world’s smallest country is a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Book your tickets early for entrance to the enchanting Sistine Chapel. Admire St Mark’s Basilica, explore the museums and head up to Castel Sant’Angelo. Round off your time in the secret passages which run beneath the church of San Clemente.

Days 20-21: Athens- The Birthplace of Democracy

It’s no coincidence that our 3 week Europe itinerary draws to a close in the city which is often dubbed the “birthplace of democracy”. The Ancient Greeks were truly ahead of their time. Modern day Athens is a homage to their achievements.

As seems to be a theme throughout our 3 week Europe itinerary, two days in Athens is barely time to scratch the surface. Pack your days as full as possible to get the most from your time here.

Appearing on every traveler’s bucket list, a visit to the Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens has to be one of the first things you do in Athens. Make sure you book tickets in advance and arrive in time for your booked slot (you won’t be allowed in early though). The Temple of Athena, Ancient Agora and the Lyceum of Aristotle are musts for archaeology enthusiasts. Don’t miss a stop at the National Archaeological Museum either.

Spend the remainder of your time in the city strolling through Plaka, climbing Lycabettus Hill and sampling delicious Greek food. If you’re able to extend your 3 week Europe itinerary, Athens is well placed for embarking on the ultimate Greek Island hopping adventure.

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