1 Month Europe Itinerary
Woven with a wealth of wondrous terrain, time-sculpted castles and sweeping coastlines, Europe is a dreamer's delight. If you're planning the trip of a lifetime, this 1 Month Europe Itinerary will punch far above your expectations.
Waltz through the world’s ever-enchanting landscapes and dreamy destinations with this 4 week Europe itinerary. The route is meticulously mapped out to appease ardent fairytale fanatics, culture vultures and seasoned travellers too.
Providing a frame to frolic through both bustling cities and off-the-beaten-track spots, you’ll encounter a pleasant fusion of pursuits. Crowned with cliff-hanging castles, bucolic hamlets and mountaintop hideaways, you can get a taste of the enthralling expanse of storybook-inspired scenes.
1 Month in Europe: Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Italy
As a general rule of thumb, 4 weeks in Europe is considered the perfect time to dive in. You can choose to divide your time dabbling between just a couple of countries, or you can spend your time meticulously meandering through the pinnacle points. It’s your choice!
Honestly, Europe could be explored in weeks, months, years or decades. Whatever you prefer, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. This continent presents the potential for off-the-radar adventure, sustainable travel and touring across the huge haul of highlights.
This 1 month Europe itinerary kicks off in Barcelona, Spain, before moving on to France's capital, Paris. From there, you'll discover the depths of the quaint villages, before making your way to Brussels, Belgium.
Then, you'll endeavour into Munich and Bavaria in Germany, before prancing into the picturesque plains of Zurich in Switzerland. You'll continue along to the magical towns of Salzburg and Hallstatt in Austria, before crossing the border into Italy.
You'll wind through the sweeping mountains of the Dolomites, before bringing your trip to a close in Milan and Rome.
Day 1-3: Barcelona, Spain
Day 4-6: Paris, France
Day 7-9: Colmar & Chamonix, France
Day 10-12: Brussels, Belgium
Day 13-15: Munich, Germany
Day 16-17: Bavaria, Germany
Day 18-20: Zurich, Switzerland
Day 21-22: Salzburg, Austria
Day 23-24: Hallstatt, Austria
Day 25-26: Dolomites, Italy
Day 27-28: Milan, Italy
Day 29-31: Rome, Italy
Day 1-3: Barcelona, Spain
Touch down! begin your 1 month in Europe and get the ball rolling in Spain’s sprightly gem, Barcelona.
Stretched along the northeast coast, you’ll have plenty of time to scratch the surface. Stroll the palm-lined promenade at Barceloneta Beach, get your groove on in the best vintage stores and indulge in the top places to eat. Start your day on the right foot in the speciality coffee scene, feel the magic of Gaudi’s myriad monuments and explore beyond the city scene on a day trip.
See the best of this unfathomably famous city with this 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary.
If you’ve already visited Barcelona, you could opt for this 3-Day Madrid Itinerary.
Things to do in Barcelona:
Stroll through the fragrant gardens in Park Güell
See the city skyline at sunset catamaran cruise
Get lost in the soaring Sagrada Familia
See it all on an Old Town & Gothic Quarter walking tour
Go full tourist mode on a hop-on hop-off bus
Enjoy a passionate flamenco show
Stick to your budget with the Hola Barcelona Card
Where to Stay in Barcelona:
€€: Hotel Lleó
€€€: W Barcelona
Day 4-6: Paris, France
From Barcelona, jump on a flight or catch a high-speed train to France’s capital city, Paris.
Spend the next few days easing into European life in the fashion capital. Discover the delightful depths of Montmartre, stroll the city streets and watch the sun go down from the Eiffel Tower.
See the sprawling scenes at the Arc de Triomphe, waltz down the eminently elegant Champs-Élysées and gaze over the Gothic-style Notre Dame de Paris. Quench your appetite with creamy cheese, pair it perfectly with a bottle of aged wine and finish it off with a sugar-coated crepe. If you’ve got 1 month in Europe, you really can’t miss this destination!
Things to do in Paris:
Voyage under the Louvre Museum
Set up a picnic under the Eiffel Tower
Feel the royal vibes at Versailles Palace
Get entertained by the Moulin Rouge cabaret show
Act like a kid at Disneyland Paris
Feel the fresh breeze on a Seine River Cruise
See the city by night on a Paris evening bus
Sample French cuisine on a Montmartre cheese, wine & pastry tour
Where to Stay in Paris:
€€: Hôtel Rosalie
Day 7-9: Colmar & Chamonix, France
After spending your first week in Barcelona and Paris, it’s time to step into something different. Venture beyond Europe’s most popular cosmopolitan cities and into the quaint countryside towns of Colmar & Chamonix.
Frolic along the flower-framed streets and admire the canal-fringed homes, as you soak up all the stunning scenery in Colmar. Appreciate the art in the Unterlinden Museum, swing past La Petite Venise and hit the heights of the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle.
Keep the fairytale vibes running high as you make your way into Chamonix. Render in replete awe as you get a grip on rural French living.
Stop by the snow-capped peaks, trek around the sweeping mountain tops and endeavour in the enthralling pursuits. Pop by Mont Blanc, see the Aiguille du Midi and peer at the Grotte de Glace.
Things to do in Colmar & Chamonix:
See the 4 Wonders of Alsace on a day tour from Colmar
Get speedy on a segway tour in Colmar
Take a walking tour of Colmar
Hit the heights on a tandem paragliding flight in Chamonix
Indulge in a chocolate-making workshop
Where to Stay in Colmar:
Day 10-12: Brussels, Belgium
After basking in the ethereal beauty of France's quaint countryside, head north into Belgium's capital city, Brussels.
Etched with history-ridden streets, vibrant plazas and centuries-old bars, spend the next 3 days getting lost in its charm. See the Grand Place in the early morning, grace the green gardens in the Parc du Cinquantenaire and see the lavish Royal Palace of Brussels.
Get yourself into a food coma in the food scene, and don’t forget to sample the city’s iconic waffles and French fries. Beyond the cuisine, you can ignite the explorer within on some of the Best Day Trips from Brussels.
Things to do in Brussels:
Get a bit rowdy on a beer-tasting tour
Experience the magic inside the Atomium
Go wild in a Belgian chocolate workshop
Get enchanted on a tour of Ghent & Bruges
See all the highlights on the hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Brussels:
Day 13-15: Munich, Germany
Following a near food-induced foray in Brussels, catch a flight or hop on a high-speed train to Germany. Spend the next few days in the country's second-biggest city, Munich.
See the scenes in Marienplatz Plaza, soak up the sun in the English Garden and shop ‘til you drop at the Victuals Market. Dabble in the eminent beer scene, explore the Munich Residenz and Nymphenburg Palace and get cultured in the multitude of museums.
If you’re travelling to Germany in September, get your groove on in the Oktoberfest scene!
Things to do in Munich:
Get enchanted on a day trip to Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle
Drink your way through a brewery tour
Get your heart rate up in the city on a guided bike tour
Operate in full tourist mode on the hop-on hop-off bus
Learn about the Third Reich & WWII on a walking tour
Take a day trip to Berlin
Where to Stay in Munich:
Day 16-17: Bavaria, Germany
From Munich, catch a train into Germany’s captivating countryside, Bavaria.
Knitted with a notorious neo-Romanesque castle, verdant hilltops and serrated Alps, this is your chance to take a breath of fresh air. Stroll along the forested lake, wander around Neuschwanstein Castle and feel the luxury in Linderhof Palace.
Get your adrenaline pumping in the Bavarian Alps, sip the days away on some local beer and render in the remarkable serenity.
Things to do in Bavaria:
Explore the Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle
Pay your respects at the Dachau Memorial site
Check out the Nymphenburg Palace
See the Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth
Visit the Christmas Markets in Nuremberg
Where to Stay in Bavaria:
Day 18-20: Zürich, Switzerland
Following a fantastic foray in Germany, cross the border into north-central Switzerland. Woven with a world of wondrous landmarks, churches, museums and attractions Zürich will have you on the edge of your seat.
Keep the vibes running high in this part of your 1 month Europe itinerary! Imagine life as it was in the medieval town square, venture through the time-worn Old Town and devour some of Switzerland's most palatable plates. Get a dose of greenery in the manicured gardens, sip a froth-filled beer at a riverside restaurant and reach the top of the Karlsturm Tower to gawk at the glorious Glarus Alps.
Things to do in Zurich:
Go chocolate-crazy in the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum
Get pampered in the thermal baths & spa
Venture beyond Zürich on a day trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken
Admire Mother Nature’s work at the Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls
Get an all-inclusive experience on a city, cruise & chocolate tour
Discover the heights of Mount Titlis on a day trip from Zürich
Put less of a dent in your wallet with the Zurich Card
See the top attractions on a city highlights tour
Get out of the city and into Heidiland & Liechtenstein on a day trip
Where to Stay in Zurich:
€€: Motel One Zürich
Day 21-22: Salzburg, Austria
For your final week in Europe, make your way from alpine-arrayed Switzerland into awe-worthy Austria. Hop on a flight or get an overnight train to the charming countryside in Salzburg.
Traverse the realms of this unparalleled UNESCO World Heritage Site, and uncover the rapture that’s etched within every corner. Get a feel for the rich heritage as you wander astray in the brimming Baroque buildings.
Prance along the perfectly manicured gardens of Mirabell Palace, get teched in the Technology Museum and swing by the Stift Nonnberg Monastery. Feel the fortitude of the cliff-hanging fortress, get a dose of culture in the collections of cathedrals and castles and see what inspired Mozart in his hometown.
Things to do in Salzburg:
Bask in the symphonies of a Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace
Dive into the history of the Hohensalzburg Fortress
See the best attractions on an Old Town walking tour
Get entranced on a Sound of Music tour
Feel the breeze on a boat ride on the Salzach
See the famous Eagle’s Nest & Berchtesgaden
Where to Stay in Salzburg:
Day 23-24: Hallstatt, Austria
After soaking up the ambience in Salzburg, catch a train to the eminently iconic town of Hallstatt.
Up the ante in your 1 month Europe itinerary by embarking on a voyage into this World Heritage hot spot. Sheltered by sweeping clifftops, this magical millennia-old town is pinned for its pleasurable pursuits.
Gawk at the panoramas from the Treppe ins Nichts observation deck, hit the heights on the Salzbergbahn cable car and sit by the rolling Hallstätter See Lake.
Cross over the Hallstatt Skywalk, appreciate the artistry of the Hoher Dachstein mountain peak and meander through the iconic Hallstatt Lutheran Church.
Things to do in Hallstatt:
Feel the magic on a sunrise hike
Dive deep on a guided walking tour with a photographer
Learn about time-told tales Old Town & Market Square
Enjoy the serenity sitting by the Hallstätter See
Head underground into the eerie Hallstatt Salt Mine
Where to Stay in Hallstatt:
€: Hotel-Garni & Hostel Sandwirt
€€: Seewirt Zauner
Day 25-26: Dolomites, Italy
Following a fairytale-like endeavour through Austria’s ample villages, cross the border and make your way down to Italy’s Dolomites.
Amplify your Europe trip in the unbridled beauty of northern Italy and bask in the sublime scenery. Soak up the serenity in this UNESCO-listed site, devour the cuisine in cliff-perched restaurants and savour every last minute of this mountain respite.
Get sweaty on a hiking, biking or skiing trip or kick it up a notch with extreme sports.
Things to do in the Dolomites:
Bask in the full splendour from the Terrazza delle Dolomiti
Reach the summit of the Marmolada Peak
Get gobsmacked by the Seiser Alm Plateau
Stroll along the sublime Vajolet Towers Trail
Hike or bike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop
Where to Stay in the Dolomites:
Day 27-28: Milan, Italy
After fumbling around in the forested landscapes of the Dolomites, catch a train or drive down to Italy’s notorious fashion capital, Milan.
Dowsed with luxurious stores, royal pursuits and world-class galleries, this destination is sure to have you feeling lavish.
Watch a performance at the ruby-red Teatro alla Scala, see the colourful stained-glass windows inside the Duomo di Milano and cruise through the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Meander through the mighty Sforzesco Castle, admire the Basilica di Sant-Ambrogio and soak up the summer sun from Sempione Park.
Things to do in Milan:
Master the art of making pizza & gelato
Stop by the luxurious Lake Como
Lock eyes with Da Vinci’s Last Supper
Peer out at the panoramas from the terraces of the Milan Cathedral
Keep your Europe trip budget-friendly with the Milan Pass
Hop on St. Moritz & Bernina Express
Relish in the flavours of a street food walking tour
Get enchanted by the Navigli District on a canal boat tour
See it all on a hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Milan:
€€: Hotel Regina
Day 29-31: Rome, Italy
After winding your way through Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, it’s almost time to bring this Europe trip to a close. Catch a high-speed train down from the northern stretch of Italy into the beating heart of the country’s capital, Rome.
Spend your few final days wandering around the eminent Eternal City, marvel at the museums and galleries and feel the passion-infused Italian culture. As you uncover what’s made this mystery-filled millennia-old city spectacularly successful, don't forget to taste the flavours of typical Roman cuisine. Crowd favourites include creamy carbonara pasta and sweet tiramisu.
Step inside the Pantheon, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and stand in awe at the St. Peter's Basilica. Swing by Piazza Navona, head down to the Roman Forum and see the sunset from the Spanish Steps. Appreciate the artistry in the Sistine Chapel, meander through the mighty Castel Sant-Angelo and spend an afternoon in the Vatican Museums.
Frolic through the fragrant Villa Borghese, before stepping into the Borghese Gallery and Museum and seeing the grandiose Altar of the Fatherland. There’s an endless list of attractions in Rome and this is one of the best destinations to finish your 1 month Europe itinerary.
Things to do in Rome:
Relish in the best gelato in Rome
See it all in one hit on a hop-on hop-off bus
Imagine the gladiator battles in the Colosseum
Feel like a local on a Vespa
Go food-crazy on a local street food tour
Explore the lavish Borghese Gallery
See the views from the peak of St Peter’s Basilica
Wander through the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Where to Stay in Rome:
€€€: Bio Hotel Raphael
Best Time To Visit Europe
To make the most out of your 1 month Europe itinerary, it’s important to think about the best time to visit. Planning ahead can have a massive impact on how smoothly everything pans out!
What are you aiming to get out of your Europe trip? Are you interested in sightseeing, soaking up the sunshine or avoiding the hordes of tourists? While the summertime boasts the best weather, it comes at a price. June to August draws in mass tourism and high prices.
On the contrary, the winter season offers more affordable prices, while boasting colder weather with fewer crowds. December to February is a top time if you’re interested in snow sports, particularly in places like the Penedes in Spain or the Alps in Switzerland.
The best time to visit Europe is during the shoulder seasons. These periods offer inexpensive prices on accommodation, activities, flights and transport, topped by fewer crowds. To experience pleasant weather, the best time to spend 1 month in Europe anywhere from late August to October. Alongside ample autumn festivities, Oktoberfest in Germany is a must!
Travel Tips for Your 1 Month Europe Itinerary
Don’t get me wrong, this continent is woven with a wealth of idyllic destinations.
Spending one month in Europe will undoubtedly expose you to countless cultures, history and landscapes that will leave a lasting imprint.
As with any top travel destination, preparing ahead can go a long way. Here are some travel tips to ensure that your Europe trip goes as smoothly as possible:
Make a budget and set up a savings plan for your trip
Be aware of the different currencies
Learn about the art of scoring cheap flights
Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten track
Learn how to pack light
Go over European visa requirements
Purchase a local SIM card. See this full guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe.
Brush up on the local lingo before you go
Don’t overpack your Europe itinerary – allow room for spontaneity
Shop like a local in markets
The sooner you book your flights, the better
Consider high-speed trains and buses too
Don't try to squeeze everything into one trip
Organise your accommodation well in advance
Keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially in Barcelona, Paris and Rome
Maintain peace of mind with travel insurance
Keep it budget-friendly with free walking tours
Carry a small amount of cash on you & leave the rest in your accommodation
How to Get Around Europe
Getting around in Europe isn’t exactly foolproof. With a world of buses, trains and flights, the myriad methods of making your way around can get a little confusing. Even for a local! If you’re going to be spending 1 month in Europe, it’s important to nail this aspect for a stress-free trip.
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or it’s your first time visiting Europe, planning transport ahead of time is a crucial move. Especially if you’re travelling in the peak seasons. Here are the top ways to get around Europe:
Catch the bus
As one of the most affordable ways to get around Europe, taking the bus is an evident option. There are many bus companies in Europe, but one of the most reliable is Flixbus. You can also compare times, prices and routes by using Busbud. If you’re a budget traveller or backpacker, save money on accommodation by booking an overnight bus.
Take the train
Woven with a wealth of high-speed trains, you can expect frequent connections between major cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Milan. European residents can consider an Interrail pass and non-European residents can purchase a Eurail pass. Before you book anything, make sure you compare timetables and prices on Omio or Trainline.
Fly on an aeroplane
The fastest and most convenient way to travel between major cities and countries is by aeroplane. The top budget airlines are Vueling, Volotea, Ryanair, Easy Jet, Wizz Air, AirBaltic and Norwegian Air, so if you’re trying to save money, you’re in luck. Compare all the options using Skyscanner!
If at some point in your 1 month Europe itinerary, your flight is delayed or cancelled, suss out Compensair to see if you can get some money back.
Hire a car
Hiring a car is one of the most scenic ways to get around Europe, especially if you want to take a slow-paced route. Renting a car or campervan allows you to sprinkle in extra freedom when it comes to timetables and route planning.
During your 1 month Europe itinerary, you're bound to come across destinations that urge you to stay for longer. If you have a car, you can mix and mould your Europe trip to your tastes.
Go on a tour or cruise
Although a tour or cruise isn’t always the top environmentally-friendly option, nor is it the cheapest, it’s definitely an option. An all-inclusive tour or cruise takes care of transport, food and itinerary planning, so you don’t have to.
If you want to take it easy and not worry about a thing, this is an ideal option.
Average Cost for 1 Month in Europe
Saving up the cashola for your Europe trip doesn’t have to be complicated. With these 8 Simple Steps, you can make the most out of your 1 month Europe itinerary. Easily!
Average
The average cost for 1 month in Europe is around $2,666 per person. The amount allows you to eat out most nights and includes a private room at a hostel or hotel plus a few activities.
Budget
The average backpacking cost can be narrowed down to $2,000. To get the most out of your 4 weeks, make sure you book flights and accommodation well in advance and cook at your hostel.
Luxury
The average cost for a luxury trip around Europe is around $6,000. In this four week itinerary, you’ll be able to dabble in world-class hotels and resorts, enjoy famous restaurants, and embark on private tours.
FAQS
Is 1 month enough in Europe?
30 days in Europe offers time to explore a mix of cities, countries and cultures. In one month, you can visit at least 3 to 4 different countries.
How much money do you need for 1 month in Europe?
The answer varies depending on your destinations, travel style and number of travellers. The average budget total is around €5000-7000. This includes flights, accommodation, transport and activities. Destinations like Italy, Belgium, Germany Sweden, London, Iceland, Norway and the Netherlands are more expensive.
How do I plan a 6-week trip to Europe?
Planning a trip to Europe can seem overwhelming, especially when there are so many things to consider. Here are eight steps to plan the perfect getaway:
Decide when you want to travel
Create a travel budget and savings plan
Figure out which countries and cities you’ll visit
Book your flights and accommodation
Plan transportation i.e., train, bus, aeroplane
Research activities
Schedule an itinerary (keep it rough and allow room for spontaneity)
Make any necessary adjustments to fit in with your budget
How much is a trip to Europe for 3 weeks?
The average cost for 21 days in Europe depends on your travel style and preferences. Here are the costs for a budget, average and luxury trip.
Average: €2000
Budget: €1500
Luxury: €4500+
Why Visit Europe?
Whether you want to trek through emerald mountains, render in serene hillside hamlets or soak up the buzz of the busiest cities, Europe has something in store for you.
For the trip of a lifetime, be sure to save this 1 Month Europe Itinerary!
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