This comprehensive 10 day Europe trip includes exploring countries like Germany, Belgium, and France to Ireland.
From the beautiful streets of Brussels to smoke-filled coffee shops in Paris, Europe’s single biggest draw is its unbeatable attractions. Not only Europe is massive in size, but also diverse in the range of experiences & excursions it offers. You won’t have a problem spending your time in Europe, whether you’re backpacking for a few months or just spending some leisure time.
Europe is known to proudly boast its shimmering beaches, historical landmarks, crazy shopping experience, and incredible food & wine scenes. Every country is distinct from each other and provides limitless opportunities for you to spend your perfect European trip.
But, don’t you think planning a Europe trip could be overwhelming?
Its sheer size says it all! And certainly, it’s a hard choice to make when selecting countries, while planning a European itinerary.
There are countless combinations you can make when it comes to Europe. You can either do a 10-day itinerary clubbing multi-European countries or visit a single country for 10 days. It was daunting for me at first, to plan down a suitable itinerary that could give me a typical European experience.
If that’s the case with you, then worry not!
This in-depth guide is all about taking you on a journey to some of Europe’s best countries. With the help of this 10 day Europe itinerary, you can be sure of visiting unexplored hidden gems and also experiencing classic activities.
Overview of the 10 Day Europe Trip
The itinerary designed for this Europe trip is for 10 days. You will visit four different countries – Germany, Belgium, France, and Ireland.
All of these countries are clubbed in this 10 day trip to Europe to give you a distinctly local experience, ranging from culture & traditions to off-beaten ventures & excursions. Your journey also includes taking up a cooking class, exploring famous landmarks on a day trip, and going on full-day detours to amazing locations.
The best part about this itinerary is that you can completely customize it according to your travel requirement.
You can add in more days, or shorten it as per your own comfort.
Highlights of this 10 Days in Europe –
- Historical tours in Berlin.
- Chocolate cooking class in Brussels.
- Full-day trip to Bruges and Ghent.
- Exploration tour of Parisian landmarks.
- Discover Giant’s Causeway in Belfast.
- Full-day tour to Cliffs of Moher via Dublin.
Explore our Europe category, to find more in-depth guides, itineraries, and travel resources.
Essential Planning Tips for 10 Days in Europe
Let’s look at some of the important planning tips & ideas before you kick off your Europe trip. This is just a high-overview of a few essential things that you need to know. But I’ll ensure to drop some links to additional resources.
Best time to visit Europe: Although Europe is a year-round destination, the best months to travel are between June and September. This is where you get the best of all European countries – considering warm temperatures, good sunny climate, and less rainfall.
But, since this 10-day European itinerary consists of traveling to multiple countries – do not expect the weather to be consistent enough across the entire continent. The southernmost parts of Europe are generally warm, compared to the northern countries.
Having said that, you can definitely travel as per the below-suggested itinerary from June to September.
Health & Safety: Considering that we live in the pandemic era today, Europe is not a COVID-free continent. Expect different travel restrictions as per each country’s guidelines & protocols. Since rules and regulations constantly keep changing, it’s best advised to read Europe’s COVID-19 updates.
Visa & Documentation: Visa requirements will differ from country to country. Places like Germany, France, and Belgium will require a valid Schengen Visa. A separate Visa will need to be issued to travel to Ireland. Please read the documentation here to know about your country’s requirements.
What to pack for the Europe trip: I have covered this section later in this guide. Essential items like a jacket, warm clothes, full-sleeve shirts, and cotton pants & jeans must be carried. Also, do consult your family doctor for any medications you will require on-tour. A detailed prescription may be required for the same.
How much does a Europe trip cost: An average 10 day trip to Europe can cost you somewhere around $1600-$2200. This is just an indication based on previous travelers’ data. Your entire tour cost will heavily depend on the activities you book, excursions you take, and the kind of accommodation you choose for each location.
Additionally, your travel expenses, meal costs, and daily miscellaneous can either lower or hike your entire tour cost.
Pro Tip: To save money on this 10 day Europe itinerary, try to book budgeted stays/ cheap hostels. The money you save can be further utilized for guided tour excursions and attraction tickets. This way you can maximize your budget & travel accordingly.
Detailed Itinerary 10 Day Europe Trip
Day 1: Berlin
Arrive in Berlin and check in to your hotel.
Berlin, a modern megalopolis, is one of the top-visited places in Europe. With its stark contrasts and unique touristic opportunities, Berlin has become quite popular among travelers in recent times. Often it’s the arrival place to discover most of Central Europe’s portion.
Traveling to Berlin surely feels like visiting and navigating the past. This war-torn city houses memorials and museums for people to engage in and learn about its dark history, which once terrorized the entire globe. But that’s not all.
Berlin has emerged from its brutal past, and now is a global tourist destination with abundant activities & experiential tours. It’s now home to art galleries, sleek cafes & bars, amazing nightlife, and swanky nature parks. Since there’s much to do in the German capital city, here are a few recommended activities for you to do on day one.
Things to do in Berlin –
Historical Walking Tour of Berlin City – One of the best ways to maximize your travel in the city of Berlin – is to take a guided walking tour. This 2-hour trip will take you to Berlin’s top sights and important historic places. Basically, it’s everything in a 2-hour nutshell.
Start off your trip by visiting the Brandenburg Gate, and learning about the stories from the Second World War. Continue your way to the German House of Parliament, and you’ll get to know the curious story of the Reichstag Fire of 1933. There will be important key events, and phases to learn as you pass through the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Hitler’s bunker is the highlight of this entire tour. End your trip with a visit to Berlin’s wall, to know the palpable history of the city.
Berlin Boat Tour – If walking to Berlin’s historic sites was everything, then you need to experience a boat trip in the city. This 1-hour river cruise is a comfortable way of exploring the intriguing history of Berlin. With the help of an audio guide, you’ll discover key landmarks such as – Haus der Kulturen der Welt, German Parliament Building, Lutherbrücke, Schloss Bellevue (Bellevue Palace), Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral), Siegessäule (Victory Column), and many more. Visit this link to get detailed info about Berlin’s river cruise.
You can also extend your stay in Berlin, by adding a couple of days extra to this 10 day European itinerary.
Overnight at Berlin.
Day 2: Berlin – Brussels (Flight Duration – 2hours)
Leave early morning, to board your flight for Brussels.
Despite being a small country, Belgium is home to amazing cultural experiences for all tourists. As welcoming as the country itself is, exploring its inner cities is even more charming. Apart from historical sites & key World-War landmarks, Belgium is just more than what you think!
What most travelers come for its fries, waffles, beer, and chocolate.
The quirky shops & stalls, the legendary Christmas markets, and its famous local street food add even more fun. Not to forget, Belgium is home to more than 1,000 breweries. The locals were believed to be the first ones to perfect the beer-brewing process. Interesting, right?
Overall, travelers love Belgium. A well-loved country, that fascinates you to explore its many medieval towns, historical sites, and parks.
Here’s how you will spend your time in Brussels (capital of Belgium) –
Engage in a Belgian Chocolate Workshop – Belgium is famous for its chocolates. Its presence and its delicious richness are well-known amongst tourists. But the true experience of cherishing its taste comes from indulging in learning the ‘behind-the-scenes’ process. Hence, the experiential Belgian Chocolate Workshop.
Indulge yourself in a 1-hour cooking workshop to prepare Belgium’s amazing handmade chocolates Learn, and listen to fascinating stories behind the history of chocolates in Belgium, as you try to create your own personalized mendiants, bars, and truffles.
Visit the Brussels Atomium – This marvelous piece of architecture is the icon of Brussels and Belgium. You cannot avoid visiting this unique attraction if you’re in Brussels. It has a great history (which I would probably leave during your exploration). But apart from that, the panoramic views alone are worth a trip to the Atomium. It offers a true 360-degree angle view of the entire 19 municipalities of Brussels. You can even find a restaurant named ‘Atomium Restaurant’ on top for dining.
Overnight at Brussels.
Day 3: Brussels
Exploring Belgium’s local gems – Bruges and Ghent.
The entire day is planned for a full-guided excursion to Bruges and Ghent. These two places are Belgium’s prettiest cities. It can easily be covered in a single day, and you will explore some of the city’s best medieval monuments and picturesque neighborhoods.
Start off your trip by visiting the famous Lake of Love (Minnewater Lake). It’s a beautiful, serene lake tucked away at the southern end of Bruges. Stroll around Walplein Square. where you can find good picnic spots to relax and catch your breath. Then continue your journey to important medieval sites such as – the Dijver Canal, Church of Our Lady, Old St. John’s Hospital, Gruuthuse Palace, and the piazza of Tanners Square.
Marvel at some more architectural spires including Belfry on Castle Square and the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood. You’ll find good photography spots around this place, especially the Rozenhoedkaai spot. End your Bruges tour by venturing into Market Square (Grote Markt) to see the Bell Tower and Sint-Salvator’s Cathedral.
Stop near a good cafe or a restaurant to re-energize yourself.
Then drive to Ghent – another beautiful city of Belgium, where you’ll discover historic buildings of Belfort (Bell Tower), the Castle of Gerald the Devil, and Saint Bavo Cathedral. These eye-catchy structures have been influenced by peculiar Gothic and Renaissance-style designs.
You’ll also come across the city’s oldest monuments at St. Nicholas’ Church. Wander around the place and you’ll find other highlights of Ghent – Great Butchers’ Hall, Old Fish Market, and Castle of the Counts of Flanders.
Overnight at Brussels.
Recommended: We’ve another version of the 10 days in Europe itinerary! Read our popular guide on London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary to discover amazing landmarks, top-rated attractions, planning tips, and other useful resources.
Day 4: Brussels – Paris (Road – 4hours)
Check out from your hotel early to board your flight for Paris.
Paris, the city of lights, overflows with history, culture, and beauty. It’s certainly a dream city for many, to visit Paris at least once in their lifetime.
This is one of the highlights of your 10 day Europe itinerary, as you journey through some of Paris’s greatest landmarks.
The experience of visiting Paris hits you differently. It’s a destination where sophistication, class, and style all come together, to inspire travelers. Even today, Paris is one of the few cities in the world that truly lives up to its hype.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in the city for a single day, or for a week – the exploration remains countless in terms of visiting Parisian attractions & landmarks. It could take a lifetime to explore Paris in its entirety, however with great planning, you can see the highlights in a day or so.
Read more on: Paris in Winter: 10 Best Things to do in Paris
For today, you can choose to explore the streets of Paris on your own or choose to do below suggested optional activity.
Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show – There’s nothing like witnessing live shows and performances in Paris. Since the city is known for its cultural influences, catching up on a Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show is a must.
The Moulin Rouge is one of the world’s most famous cabarets. Over 100 artists perform in this live show, featuring 1,000 costumes draped with unique designs, feathers, and sequins. In addition to that, the epic orchestral music performed by different musicians creates a whole new experience.
Overnight in Paris.
Day 5: Paris
Visit key highlights and attractions of Paris.
A full-day exploration awaits you, as Paris is ready to swank its stunning experience! Follow the below-suggested activities according to their order, and you will hit Parisian main sights in a relaxed way.
Alternatively, you’ll still have some free time towards the end of your day. You will have the flexibility to add a few more optional tours.
Top things to do in Paris –
Visit the Eiffel Tower – Widely popular amongst tourists, Eiffel Tower has been deemed the symbol of a modern and elegant Paris. It’s right to say that no trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. The only problem is that just like you, many people want to visit Eiffel Tower too! It’s one of the most-visited paid monuments in the world, known to attract millions of tourists. So you can estimate how crowded the attraction is!
But luckily, this direct access ticket to Eiffel Tower gives you immediate entry to the second and the summit floor. You don’t have to stand in a queue and can avoid crowds easily.
In total, there are three levels at Eiffel Tower. The first floor is known to house museum exhibits, a glass floor, and changing exhibitions, whereas the second floor has more shops and eateries (even a restaurant). To know more about each of the levels, and the best way to visit them – read Paris Muse’s detailed guide on Eiffel Tower.
Visit the famous Palace of Versailles – One of the largest palaces in the world, the Palace of Versailles has been a symbol of the French monarchy. For history buffs, the palace is pure bliss to experience!
The Palace of Versailles is the second-most visited place after Eiffel Tower in Paris. Even inside the palace, there are several different areas you should visit such as – the Main Palace, the Queen’s Hamlet, the Gardens, and the Trianon Estate. Each location offers the incredible sight of the lavish and ostentatious lives the French lived.
Note: You need to pre-purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Often, people end up standing in a queue and wasting about an hour’s time to get inside the palace. If you need to save time and maximize your travel, booking a skip-the-line ticket would help.
Tour the Paris Catacombs – Well, if Paris was sounding all charming to you, then get ready for a scary detour to the city’s dark catacombs. These passageways and quarries lead you to various sections of the underground chambers. They do seem creepy, and in reality, they are. But, at the same time, it’s an interesting venture to go off-beat since you were already so familiar with glittering Paris.
There’s a lot of buried history, that is surely fascinating to hear. You can read some interesting facts in this Paris Catacombs guide.
The Louvre Museum + Cruising on the Seine River – The world’s largest museum, the Louvre, is a top-rated attraction in France. Just like your other Parisian attractions, you cannot miss visiting the Louvre when in Paris. The museum’s space is spread across an area of 73,000 square meters, housing 35,000 artworks stored in three different wings. Each wing has 70 sub-rooms to explore, that holds extensive art collection and paintings. The Mona Lisa and other popular objects are the most popular here.
Note: It takes time to explore the Louvre Museum entirely. However, allow yourself an hour or two to see the greatest hits leisurely. You can also spend days exploring the Louvre if you love art!
Post your exploration at the museum, take a 1-hour Seine River cruise tour. It’s a perfect way to end your full-day exploration trip in Paris, but also to see the city’s iconic monuments in a more comfortable way. There are many Parisian landmarks that were not covered in this full-day schedule, however, you can still catch amazing sights of it while cruising. These include Institut de France, Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame, and Musee de Orsay.
If you fancy a standalone Paris trip, then check our popular guide on – 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Time Traveler.
Overnight in Paris.
Day 6: Paris – Belfast (Flight 2hours)
Board your flight for Belfast.
Welcome to Belfast, Northern Ireland! The largest city in the country, that is known for its historic centre, excellent museums, Irish pubs & cafes, and the famous Titanic Quarter. Belfast may not be as popular as Dublin, but it has still got some pace and bustle. It’s an ideal city for those looking for a less-crowded experience, but with more Irish authenticity.
You’ll have one planned activity for today. Feel free to use the evening leisure time exploring the city at your own pace.
The Belfast Titanic Experience – If you ask any Irish locals for good tourists spots, they’ll probably suggest you a single attraction i.e. the ‘Titanic Exhibit’. Belfast is popularly known as the city where RMS Titanic was built. Today, you’ll see this largest exhibit is dedicated to the Titanic.
The experience of this museum starts right from the building’s giant atrium. Hung around the corner are the 4-ship-hull-wings that surround the entire space. The infrastructure is massive in size, with 9 galleries easily built in. In addition to that, the state-of-the-art visual interaction makes you uncover the true story of the film Titanic.
Inside, you will find plenty of activities & experiences. It’s all seasonal and some events may change. You can find additional details about this tour here.
Overnight at Belfast.
Day 7: Belfast
Day trip to Giant’s Causeway.
Get ready for an exciting day, which will take you to Northern Ireland’s finest locations.
Discover Giant’s Causeway – This full-day excursion will take you across three of the fascinating locations of Ireland – the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede, and the beautiful Antrim coastal route.
Located on the foothills of the Antrim Plateau, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 40,000 black basalt columns. It’s believed that the giants lived here, and they built this path to travel across the ocean.
The drive-through experience to reach Giant’s Causeway is probably the most scenic route in Europe. As you journey along the old Antrim coast, you will come across your first attraction i.e. Carrickfergus Castle. Let your tour guide do all the work in explaining its importance and history, and then pass through Ireland’s quaint towns and villages.
Stop at nine Glens of Antrim, and listen to interesting myths and legends of the giants and leprechauns. The story behind each of these locations is unique and quite intriguing to hear.
Pass through the coastal town of Ballycastle to arrive at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Built above the sea level, at an impressive height of 30m, the rope bridge connects two cliffs across the Atlantic Ocean. Do challenge yourself to walk to the other side of the cliff, as you soak in some spectacular views of Ireland’s lush green landscapes.
Your final stop will be Giant’s Causeway, where you can learn about its legends and stories. Feel free to explore these historical basalt stones on your own, and allow enough time to capture amazing photos.
Overnight at Belfast.
Day 8: Belfast – Dublin
Check out from your hotel in Belfast to make your way to Dublin.
The city of Dublin is somewhat similar to what you may have seen in Belfast.
While the city isn’t the prettiest of all, (thanks to the gloomy days) – it still makes it up for you with typical local experiences, traditional Irish pubs, live music, and a vibrant food scene.
While the history buffs and architectural admirers will love Dublin, its scenic journeys and stunning landscapes will even excite you! It’s best made for travelers who prefer road trips, county travel, and campervan journeys.
If you fancy a Ireland road trip, we’ve got a separate itinerary curated. Read the guide here.
For now, there’s still a lot you can do in the Dublin city right away.
Guinness & Jameson Whiskey Distillery – This half-day guided tour (4-hour) gives you the true Irish experience of exploring Dublin. You’ll visit two of the city’s most famous attractions – the Guinness Storehouse & Jameson’s Whiskey Distillery.
There’s nothing like relishing some Whiskey variants when in Ireland. It’s sort of a ‘must-do’ experience to get the true Irish authenticity out of a place. As you try out samples, learn the process of making one and also the ingredients that go into making it.
Later, tour the Guinness Storehouse to sample a free pint of Guinness (an Irish dry stout). Enjoy some interesting insights from your guide, as you indulge yourself in tasting the dark beer. Also, learn how these Guinness’s are made and exported to different countries.
In summary, this experiential tour activity is an introduction to amazing Irish culture and tradition.
Popular Guide: 7 Day Ireland Itinerary : Epic Road Trip Plan
Day 9: Dublin
Explore Ireland’s scenic landscapes.
This is the final exploration tour of your 10 day European itinerary. And to give a fitting finale to this amazing journey, you’ll traverse across to Ireland’s stunning, most scenic landscapes.
These include visiting Galway, the historic Dunguaire Castle, Kilmacduagh Monastery, and finally the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Leave early morning from Dublin, to embark on your journey to Galway. Explore the town and its surroundings, and visit its famous landmarks – Dunguaire Castle and Kilmacduagh Monastery. Once done, then head to the visitor’s center for an interactive-based experience of Cliffs of Moher.
This visual multi-media takes you on a virtual 360-degree tour of the cliffs and their surroundings. Post your experience, spend around 2 hours exploring Cliffs of Moher on your own. This is probably the highlight of your entire 10 days Europe itinerary, so make sure you enjoy every moment of it.
Later, discover the lunar landscapes of ‘The Burren’ and hear great stories behind them from your guide.
Reach Galway, and explore the city on your own. The streets are lined with great shops and market stalls – so you’ll have plenty of time to look for souvenirs.
Pass through the final stretch of your tour, by taking a scenic journey of the Wild Atlantic Way to Kinvara.
Overnight at Dublin.
Day 10: Dublin
Depart Dublin anytime.
Feel free to extend your stay in Ireland! You have the flexibility to choose additional guided tours for your post-tour exploration.
Accommodation for 10 Days in Europe
Choosing the right accommodation in Europe is a crucial task. Cities like Paris and Berlin cost you higher rates for hotels, compared to Brussels, Dublin, and Belfast. Price will vary from location, thus making it difficult for you to select the right one.
Having said that, Europe boasts world-class hotels and stays. The range of options you get is unbeatable. Whether you’re to stay in a hostel, or in a fancy luxury suite – the plethora of accommodation it boasts is immense.
Sometimes, these options could even confuse you. Hence, to make it simpler – I’ve suggested a few options based on different (price) categories.
All the categories linked below, complement our 10 day European itinerary. So be assured that you’re booking the right one.
Budgeted stays – Paris is a place that could go heavy on your pockets. Look to cut down your stay expense by exploring these budgeted stays in Paris.
Mid-range Hotels – Look out for mid-range hotels in Berlin and Brussels.
For hotels across Ireland, check these budgeted & mid-range options.
What to Pack for 10 Day Europe Trip
For any European trips, I advise you to carry a convenient travel bag. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials.
Essential Items –
T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)
Long pants/ Jeans
Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)
Footwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Fleece top/sweater
Outlet adapter
First-aid kit (bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, and Aspirin)
Reusable water bottle
Few energy bars/drinks
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket
Essential Items (warm weather) –
Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts
Shorts/ skirts
Sunscreen/ Lotion
Swimwear/ Sunglasses
Further Readings & Resources
Hope this guide helped you to plan out the best 10 day European itinerary for yourself. To help you with your other destination plans – we’ve got some amazing guides & itineraries curated.
Feel free to browse through the below resources –
Alaska – 7 Day Alaska Itinerary: How To Spend A Week in Alaska
California – 10 Day California Road Trip: One Epic California Itinerary
Sedona – Phoenix to Sedona: Top Things to Do + Sedona Itinerary
Yellowstone – Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend an Ideal Time in Yellowstone
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London Paris Amsterdam – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
London Paris Barcelona – London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe
