The Ultimate 3 Months In Europe Itinerary

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Date Published

December 7, 2025

Last Updated

23 hours ago

Alex Johnson

Alex is the author of the travel books A Long Weekend in Ulaanbaatar and Running the Milk. Between writing, he currently splits his time between the UK & U.S. expanding his knowledge of city escapes, small town USA and regional differences whilst researching his next books.

Covering almost 4-million square miles and home to over 745-million people, Europe covers just under 7% of the Earth’s land area. Split into 50 countries, stretching from the Mid Atlantic Ridge in the west to the Ural Mountains in the east, Europe is a wonderous mix of cultures, heritages and landscapes.

With them, Europe is astonishingly diverse. From the arctic chill of northern Scandinavia to the sun-kissed islands of the Mediterranean and everything in between, Europe is as varied as continents come. There are few places on earth in which you can visit three countries in ten minutes, but in Europe, it’s not even given a second thought. With every border comes a new language, cuisine and history waiting to be explored.

It is always a joy to visit the Acropolis in the morning or late in the afternoon. — Athens, the birthplace of democracy, is one of Europe’s most visited cities (*Credit: James Robinson*)

Starting in the north, our 3 months in Europe itinerary zig-zags its way across the continent. Through suave Scandinavia, the snowy peaks of the Alps and the plains of Spain, you’ll encounter the very best Europe has to offer. From those bucket list cities to unheard of villages, it won’t take long to see that there’s more to Europe than London, Paris and Rome.

Travel Tips for a 3 Months in Europe Itinerary

Just as many of us in Europe wrongly refer to “America” when we mean the U.S., the definition of Europe isn’t always clear. Some define Europe as the European Union (EU), a political and economic union containing many, but not all, European countries. Others outline it as its main continental land mass.

For the purpose of this 3 months in Europe itinerary, we’ll be interpreting “Europe” to mean the continent as a whole, its outlying islands included.

big ben and the palace of westminster viewed across the river thames with westminster bridge to the side in london england united kingdom — Brexit took the UK out of the EU, but it is still very much in Europe (*Credit: Hugo Sousa*)

Getting Around

If you like the freedom of having your own four wheels, it’s easy to rent a car for the duration of the trip. Many rental agencies allow you to collect and drop your car off in different locations. You’ll just need to select this option when booking and let them know you’ll be driving in other countries. The main exception to this is the United Kingdom, where right-hand drive cars are used.

a car parked between cliffs overlooking the bay of kotor in montenegro — Europe offers some picture-perfect road trips (*Credit: Ilya P*)

Always check the rules for each country you’ll be driving through in advance. Make sure you know whether you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) too. There are three types: 1926, 1949 and 1968. You may need none, one or all of these and you’ll need to obtain them before leaving your home country.

If you prefer to leave the car at home, the great news is that public transport in Europe is efficient and easy to use. The European rail network is comprehensive. Trains are fast, frequent and comfortable. Check out our handy guide to Interrailing through Europe for some top tips.

avanti west coast train passing through the lake district in england — High-speed trains are the norm throughout Europe (*Source: Planet Radio*)

For those places inaccessible by rail, or if you’re more a fan of the slow road, Europe has an excellent intercity bus network. They’re super-affordable, clean, comfortable and above all, safe. Europe is also a hotbed for low-cost airlines. When you need to cover longer distances, intra-European flights are surprisingly cheap.

International Borders

During this 3 months in Europe itinerary, you’ll visit 28 countries. This doesn’t mean 28 border crossings. Or, at least not the sort which require immigration formalities. All but six of the countries we’ve included are part of the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is an open border agreement between 29 European countries. This includes most EU countries, plus a handful of non-EU members. This means that there are no passport or customs checks when you cross between them.

an auditorium with seating and the EU flag at the european parliament in brussels belgium — The European Parliament in Brussels is the powerhouse of the EU (*Credit: Thomas Lohmann*)

The countries on this 3 months in Europe itinerary which aren’t part of the Schengen Area are the UK, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania.

Money

Making your 3 months in Europe even easier, many EU member states share a common currency. The Euro (EUR) is used in many of the countries you’ll pass through.

euro banknotes in twenty, ten and five denominations — The Euro is the currency of 20 European nations (*Credit: Alex Johnson*)

Euros and U.S. Dollars are easy to exchange anywhere in Europe. Where possible, change leftover local currency back to Euros before, or at, the border.

The Ultimate 3 Months in Europe Itinerary

Month One – Northern Europe

Week 1- The United Kingdom

Travel Tip: If you can add a few days onto your 3 months in Europe itinerary, consider spending a couple of nights in Iceland before arriving in Scotland. Alternatively, explore the Emerald Isle and take a ferry across the Irish Sea to reach Edinburgh.

Our epic European odyssey begins in Bonnie Scotland. As will become the underlying theme of our 3 months in Europe, you could quite easily spend an entire week here and not even scratch the surface. I say this not to put you off, but to give you every excuse to start planning another trip.

fountain in princes street gardens edinburgh scotland with edinburgh castle in the background — Base yourself in historic Edinburgh (*Source: Trip Advisor*)

glasgow city hall and george square glasgow scotland — Base yourself in historic Edinburgh (*Source: Trip Advisor*)

Allow three days to pack in as many Scottish highlights as possible. The best way to do this is to book a city center hotel in Edinburgh. From here, you can easily take day trips to Glasgow and the Highlands.

Crossing the border to England, follow the west coast through the rolling mountains and fells of the Lake District. Spend a night in the North’s cosmopolitan powerhouse, Manchester, before crossing the Pennines to York.

derwent water in the lake district england — Derwent Water, Lake District (*Source: National Trust*)

albert square in manchester england with city hall in the foreground — Derwent Water, Lake District (*Source: National Trust*)

Make a pit stop in the university city of Cambridge before reaching London. The base for your final two days in the UK, London is everything you imagined and more. There’s so much to squeeze in here in a short time, it really pays to plan your time and make reservations in advance.

Week 2- Northern France & The Low Countries

From London, hop on the Eurostar to Paris to cross the English Channel, or La Manche depending on your persuasion. For a slower pace, take the ferry from Dover to Calais.

the arc de triomphe on place charles de gaulle in paris france — The most iconic Parisian sight of all

Allow two days to see Paris’ main sights. Paris musts include taking a trip up the Eiffel Tower, cruising the Seine and marvelling at masterpieces in the Louvre. If you get round everything in a day, use the next day to swap the city for the stunning Palace of Versailles or a fun-filled day at Disneyland.

Crossing the border to country number three of this 3 months in Europe itinerary, spend your first day in Belgium in the Ypres Salient. After a moving, but rewarding time paying tribute to the fallen of the First World War, aim for Brussels with a stop in romantic Bruges on the way.

white headstones and a world war one memorial at tyne cot cemetery near ypres in flanders fields belgium — The memorial at Tyne Cot honors the missing British soldiers of the First World War (*Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission*)

The tower of Belfry and the town of Bruges — The memorial at Tyne Cot honors the missing British soldiers of the First World War (*Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission*)

One day in Brussels is enough to tick off the main sights. Once you’re done, cross the border to the Netherlands and quirky Amsterdam. Book a central hotel to put you within walking, or cycling, distance of the must-sees. The Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and dubious De Wallen are unmissable.

Week 3- Germany

Cross the German border near Arnhem, passing through industrial North Rhineland enroute to Cologne. Spend a night here to explore the iconic cathedral, cruise on the busy waters of the Rhine and sample a Kolsch or three.

the black limestone cathedral in cologne germany — Cologne Cathedral wasn’t always black. The effects of aging and pollution on the limestone lend it it’s unique appearance (*Credit: Alex Johnson*)

colorful houses on the banks of the river neckar next to a bridge in heidelberg germany — Cologne Cathedral wasn’t always black. The effects of aging and pollution on the limestone lend it it’s unique appearance (*Credit: Alex Johnson*)

Pushing south towards Bavaria, pausing for a night in riverside Heidelberg. Allow a couple of days to see all Munich has to offer. After you’ve explored the city, leave time for a moving visit to Dachau, the longest serving concentration camp of the Third Reich, and fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle.

Working your way northwards, spend a night in Nuremberg. Take a walking tour of the former Nazi rally grounds in the city which would later bring some of the 20th century’s worst war criminals to justice.

colorful historic buildings on a cobbled street in nuremberg germany — Nuremberg’s quaint cobbled streets (*Credit: Thomas Winkler*)

trees in tiergarten berlin germany separatrd by a road with a ferris wheel at the end and the fernsehturm in the background — Nuremberg’s quaint cobbled streets (*Credit: Thomas Winkler*)

The final German city to feature on our 3 months in Europe itinerary is its history-rich capital, Berlin. Choose a hotel close to Alexanderplatz or the Brandenburg Gate to maximise sightseeing time. Take a walking tour to get to grips with the city’s long and colorful history before digging deeper at Museum Island. Whilst in Berlin, don’t miss a trip up the TV Tower (Fernsehturm), a stroll around Tiergarten and a visit to the Berlin Wall Museum.

Week 4- Scandinavia

As you cross the Danish border at Flensburg, you’ll notice the biggest cultural shift so far on this 3 months in Europe itinerary. Scandinavia may be part of Europe, but it feels like it’s own mini-continent.

Denmark is often ranked as the happiest country in the world. After a night in Copenhagen, you’ll understand why. Whilst you’re here, leave time to witness the Changing of the Guard, visit the Little Mermaid and while away the evening in Tivoli Gardens.

a statue of the little mermaid overlooking water in copenhagen denmark — The Little Mermaid was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen who founded the Carlsberg Brewery (*Credit: Anjali Shirvastava*)

the oresund link is a combined bridge and tunnel connecting malmo sweden with copenhagen denmark — The Little Mermaid was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen who founded the Carlsberg Brewery (*Credit: Anjali Shirvastava*)

Cross the Oresund Bridge to Sweden, making a stop in Malmo’s old town on the way to Gothenburg. Break up your journey with a night here before pushing for the Norwegian border in the morning.

Spend a day exploring Oslo. Once a cold and dangerous place, earning the city the nickname Tigerstaden (City of Tigers), Norway’s coastal capital is now trendy, modern and wealthy. Don’t miss the Nobel Peace Center, Royal Palace and a cruise on Oslofjord.

the nordic museum on djurgarden island in stockholm sweden seen from above with stockholm bay in the background — Djurgarden is Stockholm’s museum hotspot (*Source: Wikipedia*)

the cover of a vinyl record with an image of members of swedish pop group ABBA — Djurgarden is Stockholm’s museum hotspot (*Source: Wikipedia*)

Crossing back into Sweden, head across country to Stockholm. Dubbed Summer Night City by native pop icons ABBA, you can’t visit the Swedish capital without a stop at ABBA: The Museum which might just be the best museum on our 3 months in Europe itinerary. Leave time to explore historic Gamla Stan before boarding an overnight ferry to Helsinki.

Just as you’re beginning to get a feel for the Scandi lifestyle, Helsinki is the curveball you weren’t expecting. A wonderful mismatch of Norse, Russian and Baltic heritage, Finland’s capital is incomparable. Spend a day attempting to understand Finnish culture, ensuring you leave time for a trip across to Suomenlinna.

Month Two – Eastern Europe

Week 1- The Baltic States

A two-and-a-half hour ferry journey across the Baltic Sea will see you leaving Helsinki for the Estonian capital. Historic Tallinn is our base for the next two nights. Take a tour of the Old Town, get a glimpse of life behind the Iron Curtain and indulge in a spot of Tallinn’s famous nightlife.

Tallinn city centre seen lit up on a winter evening — Tallinn city – Old Town and the modern centre – on a winter evening (*Source: Tallink*)

the house of the blackheads in riga latvia is a large red building with a clock on top built in 1334 — Tallinn city – Old Town and the modern centre – on a winter evening (*Source: Tallink*)

The next country on our 3 months in Europe has a lot in common with its neighbor to the north. Latvia’s capital, Riga, is another former Hanseatic port city, with an equally impressive old town. Pay a visit to the Central Market and escape the city on a day trip to the Hill of Crosses.

After a night in Riga, cross the border to the third and final Baltic state, Lithuania. Allow a couple of days to explore Kaunas. It may be Lithuania’s second city, but it easily rivals, if not trumps, Vilnius. Head for Kaunas Castle, get lost in the winding passageways of the Old Town, and uncover the city’s Russian past at the Museum of the Ninth Fort.

Statue of a man with his arms out in Uzupis — Kaunas is truly easy-on-the-eye

Make your final stop in the Baltics, Vilnius. Take a tour of the Jewish Quarter, get behind the walls of the KGB and explore the cathedral’s hidden crypts. Come nightfall, indulge in a spot of traditional Lithuanian food in one of Vilnius’ top restaurants before a experiencing its vibrant nightlife scene.

Week 2- Poland & The Czech Republic

In peacetime, the best route to cross from Lithuania to Poland cuts across the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. When normality returns, it’s well worth adding a night there.

Poland

Cross the Polish border at Budzisko following a northerly route past Olsztyn to reach Elblag. Pause for lunch and a cruise on the Elblag Canal before pushing onto Gdansk for two nights.

malbork castle is a gothic teutonic castle on the banks of the river nogat in poland — Gdansk is a former Hanseatic city (*Credit: Alex Johnson*)

Pass a day in Gdansk with a tour of the Old Town and a cruise to Westerplatte on a 17th century galleon. Pushing south, head for imposing Malbork Castle, a 13th century Teutonic Order castle. Spend a night in Torun, leaving time for a cruise on the Vistula and a visit to the Museum of Gingerbread.

Travel Tip: Our 7 Day Poland Itinerary is packed with detailed information to help plan your 3 months in Europe itinerary.

warsaw old town is a highlight of a 7 day poland itinerary — Warsaw’s old town dates back to the 13th century (*Credit: Victor Malyushev*)

the main square in krakow old town poland a UNESCO world heritage site — Warsaw’s old town dates back to the 13th century (*Credit: Victor Malyushev*)

Next up is Poland’s capital, Warsaw. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, create your own Jewish history tour, visit the Royal Castle and come evening, catch a Chopin concert by candlelight.

Our final stop in Poland is Krakow. The country’s former capital, Krakow’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a tour of the Jewish Quarter, pay a visit to Wawel Castle and leave time for an excursion to Wieliczka Salt Mine.

a railway line leading to the entrance of auschwitz nazi concentration camp in poland — A visit to Auschwitz is a sombre occasion, but one everyone should make once (*Credit: Malek Bee*)

Czech Republic

Before bidding farewell to Poland, take a tour from Krakow to Auschwitz, or make a detour as you journey to the Czech border. Journey through the dramatic Tatra Mountains to reach Prague, our base for the night.

Spend a day exploring the Czech capital. Use the morning to work your way through the Old Town taking in the Jewish ghetto, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. In the afternoon, head across the Vltara River to Mala Strana. Visit Prague Castle, take in the view from atop Petrin Tower and, whatever you do, leave time to sample some Czech beer.

Week 3- Austria, Slovakia, Hungary & Serbia

Heading south from Prague, pause in Brno before crossing the border to Austria. Enchanting Vienna is our home for the next two nights of this 3 months in Europe itinerary.

old stone buildings illuminated in vienna austria — Vienna is all about the architecture (*Credit: Leyre*)

sacher torte with cream on a white plate with a gold rim — Vienna is all about the architecture (*Credit: Leyre*)

Spend your time here wandering amongst baroque gems, exploring Hofburg Palace, unearthing wartime history and admiring Schonbrunn. Don’t skimp on Viennese coffeehouses, and book tickets well-ahead for a Vivaldi concert.

Crossing yet another border, our 3 months in Europe itinerary moves on to Slovakia. Medieval Bratislava somehow falls under the radar of most travelers. Spend a night here before crossing into Hungary.

a bridge across the river danube in bratislava slovakia — Bratislava sits astride the Danube (*Credit: Martin Katler*)

the river danube flowing through budapest hungary with buda castle in the foreground — Bratislava sits astride the Danube (*Credit: Martin Katler*)

Beautiful Budapest is a history lover’s dream. Use your first day here to explore Buda, taking in the castle and St Stephen’s Basilica. On day two, head across the Danube to Pest to visit the Hungarian National Museum, Holocaust Memorial Centre and Vajdahunyad Castle.

Round off your week in Belgrade. One of the oldest cities in Europe, the Serbian capital is also one of Europe’s newest capitals. Make sure you indulge in some Serbian street food in between history lessons.

Week 4- The Balkans

Our 3 months in Europe itinerary crosses the Bosnian border to reach the fascinating city of Sarajevo. A true cultural crossroads, explore its Ottoman heritage before getting behind the gritty reality of the Bosnian war.

the minaret of the emperor's mosque rises above a market in sarajevo bosnia — Sarajevo has always been a melting pot of cultures. Remnants of Ottoman rule from 1461 to 1878 are all around (*Credit: Darcey Beau*)

our lady of the rocks is a manmade islet in the Bay of Kotor — Sarajevo has always been a melting pot of cultures. Remnants of Ottoman rule from 1461 to 1878 are all around (*Credit: Darcey Beau*)

Next, embark on one of the most scenic legs of this 3 months in Europe itinerary. Hugging the Adriatic coast, cross the border to Montenegro. Make a stop in Perast to visit Our Lady of the Rocks before reaching Kotor.

Skirting Podgorica and Lake Skadar, enter Albania and make tracks for Tirana. Stay in the center of Tirana for easy access to the Dajti Ekspres, the best Albanian food and to get a flavor of its varied history.

lake skadar marks the border between montenegro and albania — Sunset over Lake Skadar (*Credit: Nikita Tikhomirov*)

the minarets of Namazgah Mosque tirana albania illuminated after dark — Sunset over Lake Skadar (*Credit: Nikita Tikhomirov*)

Continuing east, follow the coast to Sarande for one final night in Albania before crossing the border to Greece.

Month Three – Southern Europe

Week 1- Greece

No 3 months in Europe itinerary would be complete without a little Greek island hopping. Take the ferry from Sarande to Corfu. Allow a night in Corfu town to get a taste of island life. Take a sightseeing trip around the town before indulging with your first taste of Greek food.

church square in old town of corfu — Corfu’s Old Town (*Credit: James Robinson*)

Ruins at the Temple of Olympian Zeus — Corfu’s Old Town (*Credit: James Robinson*)

Crossing to the Greek mainland by ferry or plane, head for Athens, your home for the next two nights. No words can do the capital of the ancient world justice. Athens is a city you need to explore yourself. Check out our 3-day Athens Itinerary for some helpful hints on what to see, do and eat.

Naturally, you can’t visit Greece without paying a visit to its largest island. Head for Crete and make a beeline to Chania. You may struggle to ever pull yourself away from the Venetian harbor, but if you do manage, take a trip along the coast to Heraklion to visit the Palace of Knossos.

a lighthouse and harbor wall at twilight in chania crete greece — Chania’s lighthouse is the perfect backdrop (*Credit: Alex Johnson*)

a former mosque on the venetian harbour at chania crete greece — Chania’s lighthouse is the perfect backdrop (*Credit: Alex Johnson*)

Week 2- Italy

Ferries run from Corfu, but the quickest and easiest way to reach Italy is to hop on a flight. Whichever way you choose to travel, head first for Bari, the gateway to Puglia. The heel of Italy’s boot is exactly what you imagine when you dream of Italy. Spend a couple of days exploring Monopoli, Alberobello and Taranto before heading across country to Naples.

The birthplace of Neapolitan pizza is the ideal place to base yourself for a night to discover the Amalfi Coast. Whilst you’re here, don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Pompei.

trulli houses are dry stone huts with conical roofs found in alberobello puglia italy — Alberobello is famous for its iconic trulli houses (*Credit: Brigi Harkanyi*)

castello carlo v stands at the entrance to monopoli old town by the harbour in puglia italy — Alberobello is famous for its iconic trulli houses (*Credit: Brigi Harkanyi*)

Having seen Athens earlier on this 3 months in Europe itinerary, you can’t pass up the chance to spend a few days in Rome. Allow two days to see the highlights. The Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Vatican City are our top picks.

Working your way north, spend your final night in Italy in Milan. One of Europe’s fashion capitals, the Duomo is beyond impressive. Plus, it’s perfectly positioned for a trip to Lake Como before crossing to Switzerland.

roman ancient colosseum — Early morning at the Vatican

st peters early morning quiet empty — Early morning at the Vatican

Week 3- Switzerland & The French Riviera

As you cross the border to Lugano and one of the happiest countries in the world, your eyes will be fixated. Switzerland is beauty like you’ve never seen it. Skirt around the Matterhorn as you follow the Rhone Valley to Geneva.

A night in Geneva is just long enough to get your fill of cheese, chocolate and watches. Take a cruise on Lake Geneva, indulge on a chocolate tasting walking tour and try your hand at making your very own Swiss fondue.

the matterhorn is a mountain in the swiss alps — At 4,478m, the Matterhorn denotes the border between Italy and Switzerland (*Credit: Fabrice Villard*)

a fountain rising above lake geneva with a boat on it and buildings in the background in geneva switzerland — At 4,478m, the Matterhorn denotes the border between Italy and Switzerland (*Credit: Fabrice Villard*)

Entering France for the second time on this 3 months in Europe itinerary, make a brief stop in Lyon before pushing for the Cote d’Azur. You’ll want to allow at least two nights to soak up the rays in Marseille.

Vieux Port is the perfect spot for unwinding, whilst the original Greek village and Notre Dame will provide a culture overload. When time comes to leave, follow the coast towards the Spanish border. Stop off in Narbonne for a glimpse of the Gothic cathedral.

dome art and an altar in the notre dame cathedral marseille france — The Notre-Dame took over 40 years to build (*Credit: Natalia Gusakova*)

Week 4- Spain & Portugal

Travel Tip: If you want to add an extra country to your 3 months in Europe itinerary, take a detour to the mountainous principality of Andorra.

Make Barcelona your first stop in Spain. Plan on spending two nights here to get a true feel for the place. Aside from indulging in tapas and flamenco dancing galore, spend your days marvelling at the Sagrada Familia, take a ride on the Montjuic Cable Car and amble around La Rambla.

the sagrada familia at sunset in barcelona spain — If there’s only one site you visit it Barcelona, it has to be the Sagrada Familia (*Credit: Biel Morro*)

the royal palace in madrid spain — If there’s only one site you visit it Barcelona, it has to be the Sagrada Familia (*Credit: Biel Morro*)

Next up is Madrid. The country’s vibrant capital still manages to feel relaxed in a way only Spain could pull off. Allow a night here to work your way through some of Spain’s best galleries, the Royal Palace and the home of Real Madrid.

The final border crossing of our 3 months in Europe itinerary takes us to Portugal and its capital, Lisbon. One day in Lisbon is just enough to get acquainted. Stroll along Avenida de Liberdade, take in Bairro Alto’s street art and wind up with a view to remember in Alfama.

Down at Lisbon's beach at sunset — Lisbon is beachside bliss (*Credit: Shan Osztonits*)

trams in graca alfama in lisbon old town portugal — Lisbon is beachside bliss (*Credit: Shan Osztonits*)

Last but not least, take a slow journey up the coast to Porto. Two days in the “Invincible City” is the perfect end to this 3 months in Europe itinerary. Don’t leave without taking a cruise on the Douro and sipping a glass of port or two.

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