Europe, one of its own kind, is a magical continent boasting amazing countries, rich diversity, incredible landscapes, natural treasures, and man-made attractions. The diversity of Europe is what attracts visitors from all over the world to explore its varied art, culture, religion, and modernism.

Honestly, you could plan a month’s vacation in Europe and not get tired. The combination of touring multiple countries at once has become so trendy that people often backpack Europe for two or three months. I have my own friends living in Europe, still discovering its many idyllic villages & towns. Sometimes, you feel crazy and say, ‘Oh, how do they even manage to spend such a long vacation?”

But, on the contrary, it’s a wonderful experience. You meet new people, get accustomed to new traditions, learn local languages, get an insight into people’s ordinary life, and sometimes feel there’s a little more sparkle to everything that’s been going around you. In short, compiling multiple countries of Europe and drafting them into a single travel itinerary is a norm of today’s modern travel.

This guide + itinerary takes you on a unique journey to some of Europe’s best locations. In this article, we are covering three iconic places – Paris, Barcelona, and Lisbon. We thought of selecting these countries based on their varied experiential activities, tours, and niche discoveries. For 10 days, you’ll be treated to extravaganza fun, loaded with almost everything that’s coined ‘unmissable’.

This guide comprises all the essential planning tips, accommodation ideas, travel ideas, and much more. You can bookmark this guide for a later read too!

Overview of the Paris Barcelona Lisbon Itinerary

The itinerary designed for Paris, Barcelona, and Lisbon is for 10 days. Throughout the schedule, you’ll be visiting some of the city’s most famous landmarks, historical sites, museums, art galleries, attractions, and much more. We also included our personal suggestions to discover ‘must-do’ guided tours, experiential activities, and experiences.

Paris Barcelona Lisbon Itinerary Schedule

Day 1: Paris: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre 
Day 2: Paris: Versailles Palace and Culinary Tour
Day 3: Paris to Barcelona
Day 4: Barcelona: Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, Casa Milá and Las Ramblas
Day 5: Barcelona: Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Catalonia Museum, and Gothic Quarter
Day 6: Barcelona: Experiential Activities 
Day 7: Barcelona to Lisbon
Day 8: Lisbon: Castelo de São Jorge, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and Oceanário de Lisboa
Day 9: Lisbon: Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais.
Day 10: Depart Lisbon

Map of Paris Barcelona Lisbon Itinerary

Here’s a map of your Europe tour covering three classic cities – Paris, Barcelona, and Lisbon. You could plan a complete road trip starting from Paris and ending in Lisbon for 10-12 days. If you prefer saving time on a trip, you could book flights to travel within cities.

Detailed Itinerary for Paris Barcelona Lisbon

Day 1 | Arrive in Paris

Paris, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is a lively, bustling city with many niche activities & unique discoveries. From global landmarks and famous attractions to heart-warming boulangeries and cozy cafes, you can literally spend days and days in Paris, exploring its many Parisian activities.

Since this is your first day of our Paris Barcelona Lisbon itinerary, we will be keeping this day as leisure. You are free to explore the city of Paris on your own. There are plenty of highlights to explore in the city, for which you can book dedicated guided tours. In the evening, I highly recommend checking out the below activity:

Seine River Cruise

Honestly, a visit to Paris is incomplete without taking the magical boat ride on the Seine River. There’s a great misconception that this boat ride is only meant for couples who visit Paris for a romantic getaway. However, this is completely untrue – you can plan the Seine River cruise with your family and friends. The duration of the boat ride depends on the package you book. However, most tours often take an hour or two, bypassing many famous Parisian landmarks.

You can check some of the best Seine River tours below:

Day 2 | Highlights of Paris

Eiffel Tower

There’s a reason why the Eiffel Tower is one of the most glorious tourist attractions in the world, ever. The magnificent glimpse of this tower is what travelers get mesmerized by. That being said, no trip to Paris is complete without making a short visit to the Eiffel Tower. It’s one of those typical Parisian activities travelers look forward to achieving during their first-ever trip.

Eiffel Tower is an architectural masterpiece. It stands out from all the Parisian landmarks you’ll see on this Europe trip. And honestly, nothing beats the experience of simply marveling at the structure for hours and hours. When I first visited Paris, I spent almost 3 hours in the park looking at and admiring the grandeur beauty of this landmark.

To visit the Eiffel Tower, you must take the stairs or an elevator to reach the upper levels. You can also get the elevator, which directly leads you to the top-level floors. However, you’ll need to book your tickets well in advance. I am talking at least 6 to 7 weeks in advance.

Alternatively, the other best option is to book a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower. This is simply the best and the most feasible way of touring the insides of this landmark. These tours have skip-the-line advantages too. So there’s no hassle of queuing up in long lines to wait for your turn. With the help of these passes, you can reach the summit level of the Eiffel Tower too.

Recommended | Want to book a hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower? Check out these amazing properties to find out more.

Champs-Elysees

From the Eiffel Tower, cross the Pont d’Iéna bridge to visit another beautiful Parisian landmark – Champs-Elysees. You can also take the subway to Alma-Marceau to reach this place.

The highlight of visiting the Champs-Elysees is its vibrant, bright luminous streets that lit up the fashionable & trendy sites of Paris. Walking down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees has to be one of the most beautiful experiences of all time because you see a plethora of shops bustling with their positive energy throughout the street. From boutique shops and luxurious fashion stores to award-winning restaurants and cafes, you could simply adore the striking charm of the evergreen Champs-Elysees.

If you’re a shopaholic person, then Avenue des Champs-Elysees will be nothing but a tiny paradise for you. Most branded retail stores like Montblanc, Guerlain, and Louis Vuitton are set here. So, you can spend an awful amount of time exploring these shops.

In addition to your exploration, you can also find annual eventful occasions happening. Events like the Tour de France cycle race and the 14th July military parade are held here. On Christmas, you’ll find these streets even more charming with decorated Christmas lights.

Arc de Triomphe

Just a short 9-minute walk from Champs-Elysees will take you to one of Paris’s important attractions – Arc de Triomphe. Like the Eiffel Tower, this place is known for its expansive city views stretching out to the far-end horizons. Most travelers often visit Arc de Triomphe for their views and often get listed as one of the best places in the city to soak in a 360-degree view of Paris.

Note: In order to visit the interiors of Arc de Triomphe, you’ll need to pay a small entry fee. But you can get this free with your Paris Pass. With over 80+ attractions, you can get a single access to all places listed in the card. Purchase the card from here.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the country’s finest displays of museums ever seen. The sheer scale of its architectural beauty, the enigma of its interior, and the magnetism of its beautiful gardens are something that will leave you stunned after exploration. The Louvre Museum is an unmissable attraction in Paris. Being one of the top landmarks, the museum should be on your definite list of any Paris itinerary.

When I visited the Louvre Museum, I fell in love with the artworks, displays, magnificent paintings, and historical artifacts. These collections have been curated or drawn by some of the world’s legendary artists. So if you’re a history buff or one who applauds art, you’ll feel super excited to spend some more time.

The Louvre Museum is massive in size. It could take you days to be able to browse through each of the sections, floors, and halls the building holds. However, if this is your first time and you want to fizz pass through the Louvre’s highlights – then check out Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, the Venus de Milo, and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. With more time to spare, you could even find more fascinating sights to see inside the museum.

Day 3 | Historic Paris

Palace of Versailles

Paris is known for its many iconic landmarks, but the one that really stands apart historically – is the Palace of Versailles. This influential site has been a royal chateau to renowned people, including Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. Furthermore, the palace was also known for its political power, which came into force in 1682. Since the phase didn’t last due to French Revolution, France shifted the political power back to the city of Paris.

The Palace of Versailles is such a beautiful place that it mesmerizes you within its own world of history, ancient past, and royal family timelines. My own visit to this palace left me awe-struck, as I was simply amused by the entire tour around its corridors, grand palaces, halls, and many royal rooms. The interiors and exteriors of the palace showcase a marvelous display of French grandeur. It houses more than 2,300 rooms, including some prominent locations such as Battles Gallery, Hall of Mirrors, Marie-Antoinette’s Bedrooms, and the King’s Apartments.

Likewise, it isn’t only the sprawling fancy rooms that make your tour exciting. Outside the palace, you’ll find yourself in the middle of French-styled gardens and beautifully lined-up bushes. The elegance and the manner in which the gardens have been designed are simply stunning to watch.

If this is your first time exploring the Palace of Versailles, you’ll need to time your schedule well. The place requires a good amount of time to explore everything it houses. However, it’s best to allow two to three hours for the entire tour. As an alternative option, you can also book a guided tour to Versailles. This will help you save time and also ensure you visit notable rooms and locations.

Experiential Activities

If you think Paris is all about its global icons and landmarks, you’re probably wrong. There’s a lot to do, given that you spend some time knowing the city and its rich history. The best way to indulge or partake in such activities is to book experiential tours. Such guided walkthroughs give you the best insight into what’s happening in modern-day Paris. Plus, it’s even more fun to do something niche (apart from touring the city’s classics).

One of the best experiential activities that I personally recommend – is the food tour. The culinary tales of Paris have been a widespread talk for a decade – with many indies & global mixed cuisines coming into action. However, the city hasn’t forgotten its roots and has deeply stayed in touch with its local artisan food, including cheese, wine, pastries, croissants, escargots, macarons, cassoulet, and much more.

To get a glance at the gastronomy world of Paris, take this 3-hour guided tour which takes you to the Montmarte region of Paris. Wander through the windmills and vineyards as you pass beautiful villages across the region. As you venture into the deep alleys of Montmartre, you will find cute little stalls serving the best Parisian food. Relish your hunger by trying some French classics and treat yourself to a good deal to end your trip to Paris.

Day 4 | Paris to Barcelona

Today, we head to our next destination, i.e., Barcelona.

The journey from Paris to Barcelona by road is extensive and can take up to 6hrs to complete. However, this is one of the absolute scenic journeys you could ever partake in in Europe. The route is surrounded by splendid views of the French Alps, the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, gorgeous lakes and rivers, and small quaint villages. If you ignore the travel time, then Paris to Barcelona drive is definitely a highlight of this Europe tour.

We recommend taking Renfe-SNCF trains to reach Barcelona. On a typical day, three trains regularly depart from Paris with an average cost of €25. You need to arrive at Paris Gare De Lyon to catch a direct train for Barcelona. The train will depart at Barcelona-Sants.

Note: You’ll find rates lower on a particular day if you make advance bookings. The early you plan your journey, the cheaper the rates will be.

Day 5 | Landmarks of Barcelona

Hola! The first day of your Barcelona tour focuses on the major tourist attractions found near the city center. From exploring the masterpieces of Anton Gaudí to covering the city’s iconic laneways, we explore some of the best Barcelona highlights on day one.

Casa Batlló

Kick off your day one exploration by visiting the famous Casa Batlló. This is one of Gaudí’s famous architectural houses in Barcelona. You might have already seen some photos of it on the internet, but to look at them, in reality, is something always special.

Casa Batlló beautifully features a spiraling-styled design of its house, with pretty balconies and a façade reminiscing Venetian masks. Just like its exterior, the insides of Casa Batlló feature intriguing designs too. With small rooms at every corner, you can take your time exploring the interiors of this amazing building.

Casa Amatller

Situated right next to Casa Batlló is one of Antoni Gaudí’s visual-looking masterpieces, Casa Amatller. Just like his other works, you will be in awe of the fascinating design Gaudi pulled off. The interiors of the Cada Amatller are as beautiful as its exterior and are simply one of Barcelona’s best places to visit.

Antoni Gaudí designed this building for a famous Spanish chocolatier, Antoni Amatller Costa. If you make an inside tour, you’d see a store completely specializing in selling delicious Amatller chocolate. We highly recommend you try them, as they are sinfully crave-worthy.

Casa Milá

Also known as La Pedrera, Casa Milá was Antoni Gaudi’s last civil work. As proudly as it stands today, the building is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Similar to Casa Amatller and Casa Batlló, the work done by Gaudi is at its best. The intricate details on the insides of Casa Milá are far superior to any other designs you might have seen in Barcelona. It just gets better if you allow some time to explore the rooms at each level. In particular, tourists are fascinated by its rooftop terrace. From there, you almost get an expansive view of Barcelona city.

Las Ramblas

After you explore Gaudi’s masterpieces, it’s time to cool down and spend some leisure time at Las Ramblas. Head past the central Plaça de Catalunya and find yourself amidst the bustling sellers that call out for a visit. From local souvenir shops and stalls to street-side cafes and meat stores, you can almost find anything and everything here in Las Ramblas.

The only downside of visiting Las Ramblas is its crowd. Many tourists and travelers jam this place in the evening as they head out to stroll across these streets. It’s an even more nightmare to visit during the peak season. Nonetheless, if the crowd doesn’t bother you, then Las Ramblas is a definite experience.

Day 6 | Barcelona Classics

La Sagrada Familia

If there’s anything in Spain that you can marvel at for hours and hours (literally) – then it’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Designed by Antonio Gaudi, this massive architectural beauty was his dream project. His vision to create something extraordinary halted right after his tragic death. But, to continue what became the country’s dream after that – the reconstruction of La Sagrada began late in 1882. Even today, the church is under construction and is slated for completion in 2026.

Even with its reconstruction progress, La Sagrada Familia still invites people to venture into the interiors of the building. Most sections are open to the public, and tickets need to be booked in advance to visit them. The basic pass (€26) allows you to tour the insides without a guide. You can also book a guided tour of the same.

Park Guell

Park Guell, again one of Gaudi’s inspirational works, is a beautiful large, spaced park featuring art installations and stone displays. It is one of the city’s most colorful and vibrant spots, also boasting gingerbread houses, colonnaded pathways, tiled units, and a serpentine bench. The design of the entire park differentiates well from the previous Gaudi pieces you might have seen on tour.

Earlier, visiting Park Guell was absolutely free. However, with an increasing demand of tourists to visit the place and the ever-growing traction it receives – the park has become a paid-to-visit spot. Just like any other attraction in Barcelona, you’ll need to book your entry tickets in advance. The lines to enter the park are ridiculously long and might take hours to get in an entry. If you need to book tickets, you can visit the official website or GetYourGuide.

Gothic Quarter

In the late afternoon, you can spend time wandering the Gothic Quarter’s narrow alleys. This locality of Barcelona is considered to be one of the oldest portions of the country. With numerous cafes & restaurants lining up the quarters, you can find some of the city’s most premier and traditional shops tucked in.

Visiting the Gothic Quarter always takes you back in time. The essence of the place always fills up the positive vibes in you. During your exploration, you will be in love with the region’s many boutique shops, street-side vendors, and luxury shopping stores. You can also visit the insides of the two popular churches – anta Maria del Mar and the Barcelona Cathedral.

No matter how you spend your time here, ensure that you always carry a pocket map to explore the Gothic Quarter. The GPS in the location is inaccurate and can misguide you.

Day 7 | Barcelona to Lisbon

Today, we end our journey in Barcelona to proceed to our next stop – Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal’s charming capital city, is one of my favorite European cities. The narrow lanes, winding streets, cozy little cafes, and wine-centric villages always fascinate me to visit this place. If this is your first-time exploring Lisbon, then you’ll be overwhelmed by the abundance of things to see & do here. From incredible museums and historic buildings to award-winning restaurants and energetic nightlife scenes – you could spend an entire week in Lisbon and not get bored.

There are multiple ways to reach Lisbon from Barcelona. You could fly, drive, take a bus or opt for a train to journey to Portugal’s capital city. If you wish to drive (non-stop), it will take approximately 11hr 44mins (1245kms). With additional layover and rest-stops, you could easily consider 15hrs or more for Barcelona to Lisbon journey.

We won’t recommend a drive-through for our itinerary since you’ll already be exhausted from your previous travel. We rather suggest taking a train or bus to reach Lisbon. Both these transport modes regularly operate between Barcelona-Sants and Lisboa – Santa Apolonia. This is also one of the cheapest ways to reach Lisbon, with an average travel cost of $54-$75. The fastest mode to reach Lisbon is flying, which only takes 3hrs.

Day 8 | Lisbon

After a hearty breakfast meal, leave your hotel to explore some of Lisbon’s finest attractions.

Castelo de São Jorge

If there’s one thing you can’t afford to miss in Lisbon, then it’s the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. Known for its location, St. George’s Castle sits nicely amongst the hilltops of the Alfama, overlooking the beautiful capital city. The castle is regarded as one of Portugal’s most prestigious tourist attractions. Its incredible sightings, impressive architecture, battlements, museums and outer castle grounds make the place noteworthy and super family-friendly.

There’s plenty of exploration you can do at St. George’s Castle. You can visit the Tower of Ulysses to gain a panoramic-degree view of the entire Lisbon city. You can also tour the galleries located near the castle to learn more about the Moorish neighborhood. The Archaeological Site gets as impressive as it can with impressive ruins depicting past timelines.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a 16th-century built monastery that popularly attracts tourists from all over the world. If you’re in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, visiting Mosteiro dos Jerónimos should be on your touring bucket list. The monastery has been highly praised for its grandeur and beauty and is still known as one of the great monuments showcasing its rich history and cultural significance.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos i also listed under the UNESOC World Hertage sites. The highlights of this monastery include visiting the South Portal (known for Manueline architecture), Cloisters (impressive stonework display), tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, Upper Choir (incredible church interior), and Chapel of Senhor dos Passos.

Oceanário de Lisboa

One of the fun, family-friendly activities to do in Lisbon is to visit Oceanário de Lisboa (The Lisbon Oceanarium). If you have kids traveling along with you, then the aquarium is the best place in Lisbon to go for. You and your kids will absolutely treasure every minute spent here. The Lisbon Oceanarium is also one of the world’s largest aquariums.

The highlight of touring the Lisbon Oceanarium is its different ecosystems within. For example, the section of Antarctic habitat features playful penguins and sea otters in a playful Pacific tank. This way, there are other sections too, which you can tour during your visit.

The Oceanário de Lisboa highly promotes the biodiversity and conservation of the marine species found across the oceans. Multiple campaigns are held to promote engagement in actively taking part in conserving aquatic life found underwater.

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Lisbon is home to some of the finest cultural attractions, including many museums and art galleries. One such place that stands really apart from the rest is the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian. It’s one of Portugal’s most celebrated museums, boasting a grandeur display of Western and Eastern Art.

The facility was named after the wealthy businessman Gulbenkian, who bequeathed his very own private art collection to the country after his death. Since then, the facility has been home to some of his priceless displays. Most collections come from different parts of the world and span different civilizations and eras. You could almost spend entire half-day browsing through his collections and marveling at each piece as you go back in time. Visit this page to book a skip-to-line entry ticket for Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.

Day 9 | Lisbon

Today, choose to do any of the below-recommended activities for your Lisbon exploration. Alternatively, you can keep this day as leisure to explore the capital city on your own. You can also browse some of the best walking tours in Lisbon. For more ideas on how to explore Lisbon, visit this page.

Discovering Sintra

This full-day guided tour takes you away from the hustle & bustle of Lisbon. Join this adventurous escapade as you venture to discover some of Portugal’s most historic sites, attractions and experiences. The visit includes touring the Pena Palace in Sintra, Cabo da Roca’s high-rise cliffs, and Cascais’s coastal side town.

The journey will start from Sintra, where you are free to roam the city’s most inspiring historic estates, villas, and royal palaces. Visit the Pena Palace with an expert to gain insights into the place’s beautiful history. Continue your exploration in Sintra and discover cute narrow laneways that always take you to hideous spots, offering great panoramic lookouts of the Atlantic Ocean.

After your time in Sintra, you will head to Cabo da Roca – which is regarded as the westernmost point of Europe. Due to its location, Cabo da Roca offers splendid ocean views across the hilltops. Later, check out the romantic seaside town of Cascais, located on the Portuguese Riviera. This lovely town features energetic markets, a fishing port, and many luxury marinas. A visit to the town is one of the highlights of our Paris Barcelona Lisbon itinerary.

For more details on this tour, visit this page.

Sailboating in Lisbon

Want to try something fun? Something quirky, distinctive and quite adventurous at the same time? Hop onto this amazing 2-hour Lisbon boat ride through the River Tagus. As you sail past the capital city, explore beautiful waterfront scenery, marinas, and port harbors. You will also pass through various Lisbon attractions, including Basilica da Estrela, Castle of Sao Jorge, Torre de Belém, Commerce Square, and MAAT Museum.

Day 10 | Depart Lisbon

This marks the end of your Paris Barcelona Lisbon Itinerary for 10 days.

Accommodation Overview for Paris Barcelona Lisbon

Choosing the right pair of accommodations for the entire Europe trip is one of the most crucial planning stages. You’d want to ensure that the hotels you choose match perfectly with our Paris Barcelona Lisbon itinerary. Although Europe has a wide range of accommodation options, it tends to overwhelm first-time travellers.

In the above itinerary, you might have already seen some of the suggestions based on each European city. In addition to them, you can also refer to the below links to browse some more options –

Hotels in Paris: Check out the best hotels in Paris here.
Hotels in Barcelona: Find hotels, rental apartments, and homes here.
Hotels in Lisbon: Check out these amazing hotels in Lisbon.

Make sure to check Booking.com as well to compare rates offered by different booking partners. This way, you can ensure that you’re paying the lowest for the same hotel & its amenities.

Lonely Planet for Europe

Lonely Planet is a leading pioneer in curating travel guides for various destinations. There’s nothing quite like using their own book to get excellent travel tips & advice. I personally use them to get recommendations on all my travel-rated essentials. It comes in really handy for someone to delve deeper into the nitty-gritty of a place.

Further Readings & Resources

London Paris Amsterdam – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
London Paris Barcelona – London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe
Paris Itinerary – 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland
Ireland – 7 Day Ireland Itinerary: Epic Road Trip Plan [2022]

Explore Road Trips in Australia:

Byron Bay to the Gold Coast – The Ultimate Byron Bay to Gold Coast Itinerary (+Map, Tips)
Melbourne to the Gold Coast – 7 Ultimate Melbourne to Gold Coast Road Trip Spots
Melbourne to Coober Pedy – 9 Sensational Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip Stops
Bordertown to Port Augusta – 5 Classic Things to See from Bordertown to Port Augusta

The post Paris Barcelona Lisbon Itinerary: How to Spend 10 Days in Europe appeared first on Travel Realms.

Iceland is undeniably beautiful, boasting geothermal marvels, breathtaking landscapes, cascading waterfalls, the mystical Northern Lights, volcanoes, and soothing natural hot springs. Its unique blend of natural wonders sets it apart as one of Europe’s most naturally stunning destinations.

Iceland has secured a special place in my heart. It’s a captivating country, enriched not only by its stunning landscapes but also by its warm and welcoming people. Every return visit to Iceland reaffirms the genuine love and respect they extend to tourists, making it a cherished destination.

Whether you prefer self-drive tours, embark on Ring Road adventures, or seek off-the-beaten-path detours, each experience in Iceland is uniquely distinct. It offers tourists a wealth of options for crafting unforgettable vacations.

Why Visit Iceland in October?

For visitors seeking a quieter ambience with fewer crowds, the shoulder season (mid-May to mid-June) is ideal. On the flip side, if you thrive on the buzz and excitement of crowds, the peak season (June to August) beckons. Each season in Iceland offers distinct and enriching experiences.

However, I would recommend October as the prime time to visit Iceland.

October offers its unique allure. With shorter days and longer nights, it presents the perfect canvas for Northern Lights enthusiasts. However, the appeal doesn’t end with the Aurora Borealis.

As a transitional month, October provides a splendid fusion of both summer and winter experiences. While summer spans from June to August, and winter from November to February, October offers a sweet spot for experiencing the best of both worlds. It’s renowned for its evergreen tours and activities, making it the prime choice for travellers seeking a delightful crossover of seasons.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in October

To help you make the most out of your trip to Iceland in October, we’ve curated a special list of all top-rated experiences in the country. You can either add the below suggestions to your Iceland itinerary or pin them up on your bucket-list adventures.

Here’s a detailed list of all the best things to do in Iceland in October –

Explore Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is a vibrant urban hub that stands out even among the country’s smaller towns. Its size doesn’t limit the richness of experiences it offers. Reykjavik pulsates with a lively atmosphere, thriving nightlife, exceptional culinary scenes, and great live music. A visit to Reykjavik promises to be nothing short of delightful and memorable.

Reykjavik serves as an excellent launchpad for tourists looking to embark on off-the-beaten-path adventures. The capital city regularly hosts multi-day trips and extended excursions that whisk you away to some of Iceland’s most unimaginably beautiful places.

Destinations like the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Vatnajökull National Park, and Lake Myvatn are conveniently close to Reykjavik, simplifying access to these breathtaking locations for travellers like us.

While in Reykjavik, immerse yourself in Viking history and the city’s rich past. Additionally, the presence of world-class restaurants and charming cafes makes it a must to savour exquisite Icelandic cuisine. The capital also hosts a plethora of cultural events, outdoor shows, musical performances, art exhibitions, and galleries.

Exploring these attractions in October, with fewer tourists around, is an excellent choice for a more intimate experience of the city’s vibrant culture and history. Likewise, visiting Reykjavik in October is undoubtedly the best time to experience Iceland’s chilly weather.

Visit the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle in Iceland offers the perfect introduction to exploring a multitude of natural wonders. This renowned scenic route is among the country’s most popular, guiding you past awe-inspiring waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes.

The Golden Circle is a showcase of Iceland’s prominent geothermal activity, including spas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an essential destination for any traveller.

This circular route spans 250 kilometres (186 miles) and encapsulates three of Iceland’s major attractions: the Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfalls, and Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park.

When embarking on a day trip from Reykjavik, your first stop along the way is Thingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s three cherished national parks. This park is renowned for its remarkable geological features, which mark the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Additionally, a visit to Thingvellir offers a memorable journey through Iceland’s rich historical sites.

The second stop on the Golden Circle is the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall. Among all the waterfalls you’ll encounter in Iceland, Gullfoss stands as a truly majestic and breathtaking spectacle.

The water plummets from the glacial river Hvítá, descending a staggering 71 feet into a vast gorge below. One of the most unforgettable experiences is standing beside Gullfoss and experiencing the sheer force of the waterfall. Undoubtedly, it’s a sight that no tourist should miss.

The final destination on the Golden Circle is the Geysir Hot Springs area. As the name implies, this site is a testament to Iceland’s impressive geysers, geothermal pools, and bubbling mud pits.

Currently, two geysers are active here: Strokkur and the Great Geysir, both erupting at regular intervals. Strokkur, the main attraction, puts on a show every 10 minutes. It’s an ideal place to spend quality time and witness the incredible natural forces that define Iceland in action.

If this is your first time exploring Iceland, I’d highly recommend taking a day-trip tour to the Golden Circle.

Hike the Glaciers

While many hiking trails in Iceland, especially in places like the Westfjords and the Highlands, may be closed in October due to weather conditions, glacier hiking remains a popular and exciting activity for adventurous travellers. Don’t be discouraged by the sight of fellow hikers carrying heavy gear, as it’s common for them to tackle challenging trails.

When visiting Iceland, consider exploring the hiking trails of Solheimajokull Glacier, located in the southern part of the country. It’s among the top things to do in Iceland in October and is suitable for families and all age groups. The difficulty of the hikes may vary, so beginners can find suitable options to start with.

Furthermore, you also can visit Vatnajokull National Park and explore its incredible trails. This 3-hour hike on Falljokull Glacier is their best setup, traversing across crevasses, small ridges, ice sculptures and tiny lakes.

For a detailed guide on glacier hiking in Iceland, check this page.

Go Whale Watching

Iceland is a fantastic destination for spotting giant whales, and October marks one of the last opportunities to venture out to sea in search of these magnificent creatures. Several popular whale-watching tours depart from Iceland’s harbours, offering you the best chance to get up close to humpback whales.

Many RIB whale-watching tours provide a high likelihood of encountering whales and other marine species, including dolphins, minke whales, and porpoises. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance before arriving in Iceland to secure your spot on these exciting excursions.

Most guarantee you the success of spotting whales and other marine species like dolphins, minke whales, and porpoises. You’ll need to book the tickets before you arrive in Iceland.

Go Horse Back Riding

Horseback riding is another popular activity in Iceland in October. You don’t need to be an expert rider to enjoy this experience, as many guided tours provide beginners with the necessary training and assistance to get started. It’s a wonderful way to explore Iceland’s beautiful landscapes from a unique perspective while enjoying the company of these Icelandic horses.

Icelandic horses are indeed a special breed, known for their speed, strength, and endurance. They are well-suited for various equestrian activities, including racing over multiple laps. The locals take great pride in their horses and ensure their regular care and maintenance.

Whether you’re eager to gallop across lava fields or leisurely ride along the Black Sand Beach, horseback riding in Iceland offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience, allowing you to connect with the country’s natural beauty in a special way.

Popular Horse Back Riding Tours in Iceland –

Icelandic Horse Tour from Reykjavik – Learn to ride Icelandic horses with the help of this popular guided tour from Reykjavik.
Black Sand Beach Tour – Ride your horse through the famous Black Sand Beach of Iceland’s southern coast on this guided tour from Vik.

Note: Usually, horse ridings are clubbed with other Icelandic activities (hiking, glacial treks etc.). You can either book multi-trip tours covering the said activities or go for the individual ones (which usually last for 1-2 hours).

Wander through Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as ‘Iceland in Miniature,’ is a place of striking contrasts and diverse landscapes. Here, you’ll encounter black and golden sand beaches, grazing farm cattle, dramatic rock formations, vast lava fields, volcanic craters, stunning waterfalls, and hidden caves waiting to be explored.

It’s like a miniature version of Iceland itself, offering a wealth of sights and experiences within its relatively compact boundaries.

One of the highlights of visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the charm of its picturesque villages. Many of the houses in these towns are nestled against a stunning backdrop, offering incredible views of the coastline. Furthermore, the sunset vistas over the Atlantic Ocean from the peninsula are truly unforgettable and shouldn’t be missed!

When you visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, make sure to include a stop near Kirkjufell Mountain in your itinerary. This mountain gained popularity after being featured in the ‘Game of Thrones’ series and has become an iconic location to visit in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

On the other side of Kirkjufell Peak, you’ll also find the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, adding to the beauty of the area. It’s a must-see spot for fans of both natural beauty and pop culture.

You can also plan a full-day tour covering the places mentioned above, along with Snæfellsnes National Park. Likewise, take a short detour to Hellnar – a small hamlet located on the southern coast, for more impressive viewpoints.

Hit the Blue Ice Caves

October in Iceland is the best month to explore the country’s mighty glaciers. While wandering through these glacial points, do not forget to venture into the ice caves beneath the surface. During each winter, new and unique glacial caves are formed in Iceland.

The most visited ice caves in the country are the Katla Volcano Ice Caves, renowned for providing the ultimate ice-caving experience. These caves lie beneath the famous Katla Volcano, creating a stunning natural phenomenon. Numerous guided tours offer excursions to Katla, each providing different experiences depending on the package you choose. It’s an opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty and unique geological wonders hidden beneath the ice.

Furthermore, you can also add snowmobiling activity to your ultimate ice-caving tour. Get to experience the thrill of Icelandic activities in winter and wind through the country’s most mysterious blue cave systems.

Popular Blue Ice Cave Tours in Iceland –

Under the Volcano Tour at Katla Cave – You can opt for this tour either from Vik or Reykjavik.
Snowmobile & Ice Cave Tour – Book a combination of multi-tour activities in Iceland for a greater experience.
Crystal Ice Cave Tour – Book a super jeep ride into the bluest ice cave of Iceland.

Hike the Thorsmork Valley

As mentioned earlier, many hiking trails in Iceland close during the winter months. However, Thorsmork Valley, situated in the Highlands, remains one of the glorious paths to explore. This hiking trail seems almost too good to be true, with its lush green valleys and rugged natural beauty enveloping the entire region, making it a picturesque and rewarding destination for hikers.

The name ‘Thorsmork’ translates to ‘Valley of Thor‘ the mighty Norse god. Many visitors to Thorsmork Valley indeed feel the power and force of Icelandic nature, making it a must-try hike for all adrenaline junkies seeking a connection with the rugged and remarkable landscapes that embody the spirit of Thor himself.

Some parts of the valley are challenging to hike, which may require a good fitness level to complete the journey. It’s best recommended to join a guided tour of the Thorsmork Valley to get a smooth overall experience.

Explore Geothermal Pools

Iceland is indeed blessed with remarkable geothermal wonders. Regardless of the day trips you undertake in the country, exploring its lagoons, volcanoes, mountains, geysers, and bubbling mud pits remains a timeless and enriching experience.

What’s even more convenient is that you don’t necessarily need to plan a specific itinerary to visit Iceland’s geothermal pools—you’re likely to encounter a few of these hidden gems during your self-drive journeys

Iceland boasts over 100 swimming pools, with 17 located in its capital city, Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon is one of its most renowned attractions and will continue to be a perennial highlight for travellers.

However, October is an excellent time to indulge in Iceland’s geothermal wonders. During this month, most of the pools and natural hot springs are less crowded, providing a tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere for visitors to relax and unwind in the therapeutic waters.

Check this guide if you’re in Iceland, hunting for its geothermal highlights.

Experience Northern Lights

Iceland is renowned for offering some of the most spectacular viewing experiences of the mesmerizing Northern Lights, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. When planning a trip to Iceland, the Northern Lights often top the bucket lists of travellers.

To witness the Northern Lights at their best in Iceland, it’s essential to have dark, unpolluted nights and clear skies, as these conditions provide an ideal canvas for the enchanting dance of the aurora borealis, creating a truly magical display.

Likewise, October in Iceland is the best time to spot the Northern Lights. From the mid-week of October to April, the chances of experiencing this phenomenon are at best, giving travellers a perfect opportunity to book their Iceland trip during these months.

I would also recommend booking a guided tour of the Northern Lights to get the most out of the experience. Ideally, these tours depart from Reykjavik – taking you to different viewpoints to spot the dancing skies. If you’re not able to get a clear view, the tour guides will help you with other alternative options.

Popular Northern Lights Day Trip in Iceland in October –

Northern Lights in a Yacht Cruise – Normally, people chase the Northern Lights by car but you can differentiate your viewing experience with the help of this amazing yacht cruise tour. These tours usually depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor.

Relish Icelandic Cuisine

Iceland’s pristine natural environment has blessed it with the ability to produce local crops and ingredients year-round, contributing to a culinary tradition that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Today, visitors to Iceland can satisfy a wide range of culinary desires at world-class restaurants and cafes.

Fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (yoghurt) have long been staples of the local diet, and they continue to hold a special place in Icelandic cuisine. Traditional dishes such as Hangikjöt (Smoked Lamb), Kjötsúpa (Lamb Soup), Pylsur (Icelandic Hot Dog), Langoustine soup, and Flòki Whiskey (a popular drink) offer a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Iceland’s cuisine is a reflection of its unique natural resources and the creativity of its chefs, making it a delightful part of the travel experience.

Take a Southern Saga Tour

Journeying the southern coast of Iceland is one of the best things to do in October. You’ll visit some of the country’s most dramatic scenes, including glacier lagoons, waterfalls, black sand beaches, ice caps, and a stunning coastline.

To traverse through the southern coast, you’ll need to take Route I (part of Iceland’s Ring Road) to journey. An easy drive from Reykjavik will open up the country’s most significant highlights – waiting to be explored. Significantly, the short driving times between each viewpoint make it easier for travellers to spend quality time at every attraction. If you’ve got 4-5 days in Iceland, consider taking a road trip through the south coast to spend your vacation.

There are many prominent places spread throughout the southern coast to explore – but the few that remain special include exploring the Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfall, Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsárlón, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the famous Diamond Beach.

If planning to stay near the south coast, consider Vik village as your base.

Note: We curated exceptional Iceland itineraries, including a detailed schedule of ‘The Southern Tour of Iceland’. Check this guide to know everything about this road trip.

FAQs for Iceland in October Tour

Is October a good time to go to Iceland?
October is one of the best months to experience Iceland’s contrasting weather and seasonal beauty. From hiking to road-tripping, from whale-watching tours to enjoying the Northern Lights excursions, October in Iceland is truly charming!

How cold is it in Iceland in October?
October in Iceland marks the onset of winter, typically in its final days. Throughout the month, anticipate average temperatures that fall within the range of 37°F (3°C) to 45°F (7°C). It’s worth noting that October stands out as the wettest period of the year, with continuous rainfall and drizzle spanning across Iceland. Be prepared for wet conditions when exploring the country during this time.

Is the Blue Lagoon open in October?
Yes, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is open 365 days a year. Timings and package rates may differ based on the season you travel to. The lagoon opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. in October.

Do you need a 4×4 in Iceland in October?
In October, when exploring the Southern Iceland region, a 4×4 vehicle is generally not necessary. However, if you plan to venture into areas like the Highlands and the Westfjords, having a 4×4 car is essential, irrespective of the prevailing climate and road conditions.

Further Readings & Resources

Hope this guide helped you to figure out the best things to do in Iceland in October. To help you with your Iceland travel plan – we’ve got some amazing related guides & itineraries curated on the destination.

Feel free to browse through the below resources –

Explore Iceland’s Itineraries – 5 Epic Road Trips (+ Iceland Ring Road Itineraries)
Iceland – Iceland in October | What to Expect & Why it is the Best Time to Visit
Discover Iceland – Guide To Iceland’s Amazing Attractions
Iceland Diaries – Guide To 3 Days In Iceland
The Blue Lagoon – The Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

The post 12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October appeared first on Travel Realms.

Rugged coastline, dramatic mountains, and iconic castles – all define the true nature of Scotland.

Scotland is truly unique when compared to other European nations. Its verdant valleys, lush-green wild parks, scenic routes, cliff-side roads, and hills make it fascinating for a tourist to come and explore this land. However, this isn’t the only you experience. Its illustrious history and cultural influence make Scotland a worthwhile country.

Scotland isn’t just a place where you discover a few cities, book guided tours, and get back home. It’s a country that needs to be experienced with every passing day. You can do much more than simply touring around, and that’s precisely what we want to display on our 7 day Scotland road trip.

Overview of Scotland Itinerary 7 Days

The itinerary designed for our 7 days in Scotland is one of the most unique and well-researched layouts. Considering that we have a week in Scotland – we want to make sure that we include the best highlights and landmarks.

Furthermore, our 7 day Scotland road trip includes all “must-visit” attractions, experiences, top-rated activities, and well-curated guided tours. Along with the planned activities you’ll do on this trip, we’ve also suggested a few optional tours – which you can add to this itinerary.

While the trip is open to all age groups, certain activities may require good fitness levels. These are primarily hikes that you can still treat as optional. You can customize it according to your preference or replace it by adding your favorite tour.

7 Day Scotland Itinerary Layout

Day 1: Edinburgh
Day 2: Edinburgh – Inverness
Day 3: Inverness
Day 4: Inverness – Skye
Day 5: Skye
Day 6: Skye – Oban
Day 7: Oban – Glasgow

We curated this 7 day Scotland itinerary to showcase what the country offers. It’s one of our well-curated experiential tours – leading you to venture backcountry, medieval castles, rugged landscapes, historic sites, and much more.

Detailed 7 Day Scotland Road Trip

Day 1: Edinburgh

Arrive at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is the second-most visited destination in the UK.

The city is filled with medieval marvels, historic castles, museums, gardens, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and much more. It’s a place that charms you uniquely with its vibrant culture and atmosphere.

Visiting Edinburgh feels refreshing, and its narrow cobbled alleys make the city look quite romantic to stroll around. On the contrary, the city’s underbelly reminisces dark events, myths, and legends. Thus, giving a perfect blend of all the craziness, you can expect.

For our 7 day Scotland itinerary, we’ll only be staying in Edinburgh for a day. However, you can customize this itinerary to extend a couple of nights to explore the city. Moreover, the below suggested activities will help you have a brief introductory tour of Edinburgh.

Best things to do in Edinburgh on day one – 

Underground Vaults of Edinburgh

Edinbrugh certainly sounds like a charming city, but its underground vaults has a different story altogether. While the romantic city flares its charm, the vaults beneath the city spook you with mysterious witchcraft tales, murders and scary stories.

This guided tour is all about discovering the Old Town’s dark history. The vaults underneath the town dates back to the early 18th century, where true mysterious incidents occurred. Many television series and documentaries have featured these vaults on their show, calling it the scariest part to live in. Moreover, as you venture through these walls, learn about the Burke and Hare murders, witchcraft magic and other paranormal stories hidden inside the city of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

A trip to Edinburgh is incomplete without exploring its iconic fortification. Edinburgh Castle is the single biggest draw to attract visitors to get influenced by its amazing architecture, history, and grandeur exploration.

With the help of this skip-the-line guided tour, you can take the advantage of visiting the Castle Complex and its many attractions. Visit its prominent sites such as the Argyle Battery, One O’clock Gun, the Castle dungeons, the Crown Square, and the Hospital Square. The tour also includes an exploration of its outer grounds to make you go through its rich 3,000 years of history.

Day 2: Edinburgh – Inverness

Today, we check out early from our hotel to depart for Inverness.

Edinburgh to Inverness road trip is one of the highlights of our 7 day Scotland itinerary. You’ll find surprises filled with charming scenery and glamorous attractions along your journey. You could almost plan an entire road-trip itinerary by visiting the places between Edinburgh and Inverness. The route makes it perfect for witnessing Scotland’s unique towns, historic sites, whisky distilleries, and dramatic sceneries.

In total, 14 stops are worth visiting between Edinburgh to Inverness drive. If you want to hurry or fizz pass through essential sites, you can skip some and reach Inverness early. Without any stops or traffic, the journey from Edinburgh to Inverness takes approx 3hr 20mins (159 miles).

Edinburgh to Inverness Road Trip Stops

Stirling

Stirling is one of those unmissable places you can’t afford to explore in Scotland. This highland town houses one of the largest and most important castles – the Stirling Castle. Due to its imposing architecture, the site has been a popular stop between Edinburgh and Inverness route.

If you’re a history buff, you might be interested in a guided tour of Stirling Castle. It’s a great way to explore the past events and fascinating stories as you wander through the walls of this oldest castle. There’s also a fun family trail near the court to learn more about the historical timeline of Stirling.

St Andrews

St Andrews is a small town located 50 miles north of Edinburgh, and it makes a perfect base for travellers who often come visit to relax and unwind. Although small, it packs a lot of fascinating history to learn and discover.

The first notable attraction to explore is the University of St Andrews. It’s one of the UK’s premier institutes, where many prominent Brits, including Prince William, have studied. Since the university is operational and regular lectures happen – guided tours are limited. Walking experiences are offered every Tuesday and Friday in the morning, led by student ambassadors of the university.

There are a couple of museums to explore if you wish to experience the heritage of St Andrew’s University. Moreover, in the evenings – popular ghost tours are conducted.

Perth

Don’t confuse the name with the Australian city, as Perth of Scotland makes an interesting stop between Edinburgh and Inverness drive.

Perth isn’t loaded with attractions compared to other popular stops, but it still happens to be a place for tourists to come by. While you’re here, visit the iconic Scone Palace – famously known as the site to crown 42 Scottish kings. Later, stroll around the park to admire the town’s alluring beauty.

There are plenty of other stops to check out between Edinburgh and Inverness. While you can’t cover the rest in our 7 day Scotland itinerary, you can alternatively plan a separate road trip covering these two destinations.

After you reach your hotel, rest for some time and opt to explore Inverness’s surrounds.

Find Out | The Best Hotels to Stay Overnight in Scotland

Day 3: Inverness

Today, we can take day trips or multi-tours to explore the Highlands of Scotland.

Inverness is one of my absolute favorite cities. The only reason being – the endless opportunities the city presents. The scope of things to see and do in Inverness is never-ending – giving you a broad network of tours to select from. Be it sight-seeing bus tours, walking experiences, or museum or gallery exploration – you’ll often need three to four days to uncover Inverness’s hidden gems.

Moreover, Inverness acts as a perfect base to tour the Highlands. Mult-day trips often depart from the city, taking you across the Scottish lands.

Below, we’ve recommended a few tours and activities you can book before your Scotland trip. While we suggest taking the Loch Ness full-day tour, you also have the option to extend your stay at Inverness to discover more activities & experiences.

Best Things to Do in Inverness on Day Three

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Inverness provides unforgettable experiences to explore Scottish Highlands. Out of all, the day trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart remains unbeatable. As you journey these lands, take the benefit of soaking into dramatic scenery, walking trails, cruise, and much more.

Loch Ness is only 30-minutes by car from the south of Inverness. After your arrival, the first thing you’ll do – is a journey through the freshwater lake of Loch Ness. Here, you can opt to cruise around this stunning lake to view the Urquhart Castle and admire the glamourous beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Legends say ‘a dark monstrous creature lures beneath the expanse of Loch Ness‘. This mysterious image makes it attractive for travelers to venture through the waters of Loch Ness and satisfy their curiosity.

After your boat ride, grab lunch and take a scenic drive to Invermoriston. Here, you can stroll around to discover ancient summerhouses and the ruins. Later, explore the famous Highlands village of Fort Augustus, situated between Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. You can also visit the pretty nearby villages of Foyers and Dores.

For more details on this guided excursion, visit this page.

Other Things to do in Inverness

Explore Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is a beautifully preserved Bronze-Age cairn featuring the cultural significance of the Scottish Highlands. This complex structure of the cemetery is only a 15-minute drive from Inverness and dates back about 4,000 years.

This prehistoric site is free to visit and open year-round.

Culloden Battlefield

If you fancy learning more about Scotland’s history, head to Culloden Battlefield. It’s an incredible location to walk through the Jacobite Risings’ timeline and witness the site where they fought brutal battles.

Moreover, there’s also a visitor center located near the battle site. It houses interesting artifacts and displays featuring the fights of the Jacobites. The interactive visual session is a fascinating thing to showcase eventful details of Scotland’s dark history.

Day 4: Inverness – Skye

Today, we take the adventure of witnessing one of the most scenic routes of Scotland.

Inverness to Skye is undoubtedly the most remarkable driving route in Scotland, and it takes you to stunning locations such as Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Kilt Rock, and the Old Man of Storr. It’s also worth mentioning that plenty of 1-Day Inverness to Isle of Skye tours regularly depart, and you can check them here.

Inverness to Isle of Skye Road Trip Stops

The Five Sisters of Kintail and Glen Shiel

The first viewpoint is one of Highlands’ dramatic landscapes – the Five Sisters of Kintail and Glen Shiel. It’s a group of mountains nestled in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, and this was precisely the place where the Battle of Glen Shiel occurred in 1719. Despite its brutal history, the area is gorgeous to stop by and admire.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan, a 13th-century Castle, is one of Scotland’s most photographed castles. Located off an island, it majestically sits between three Lochs – Dutch, Alsh, and Long. Many film directors have used the castle feature in movies. You can even take a guided tour of the castle to wander off its surroundings. Explore this page to find out more.

Skye Bridge

Although not an attraction, the Skye Bridge is still a prominent place for tourists to appreciate glistening views. Most likely, you’ll be driving the bridge to cross over to the Isle of Skye, and you can stop by and spend some time spectating the mighty Cuillin Mountains.

After a brief journey, you’ll finally reach the Isle of Skye. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore the surroundings.

Day 5: Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most happening destinations. It’s also the highlight of our 7 day Scotland itinerary, where you get to witness jaw-dropping scenery, incredible hikes, quaint towns, seafood restaurants, and many more.

It’s pretty standard for a first-time traveler to get overwhelmed by the opportunities presented. But we got you covered, as we recommend the top-rated activities to do on the Isle of Skye below –

The Old Man Storr

The Old Man Storr is considered the “symbol of Skye,” and it’s one of the famous points of interest; it’s worth starting your trip from here. This vertical rock (50-meter) was created by an ancient landslide and largely dominates the northeast Skye.

Because of its sheer size, the Storr can almost be seen from anywhere. You can even hike up the area to soak in expansive views of the Isle of Skye. The total time can vary depending on your fitness, but consider the average completion of close to 1hr 15minutes. It can be a little time-consuming to complete the hike, but it is worth it to admire panoramic views.

Travel Tip: Try visiting the Old Man of Storr early in the morning, and it’s one of the best photogenic spots, especially during sunrise.

Dunvegan Castle

The Isle of Skye is all about rugged landscapes and expanding coastline. But that doesn’t leave the typical Scottish castles behind. After all, it’s Scotland!

Dunvegan Castle is nestled off on a clifftop at Loch Dunvegan. Its gardens are a particular highlight, where you can view a collection of paintings and artifacts of the MacLeod clan. Moreover, you can also take a boat ride from Dunvegan Castle to spot seals who come ashore.

Fairy Pools

As the name suggests, the Fairy Pools is one of Scotland’s most magical places to witness waterfalls. The scenes here almost look like a painting brought to life.

Located at Glenbrittle, the Fairy Pools are a series of waterfalls backed by the famous Cuillin mountains. You’ll first need to park your car at Fairy Pools car park to get here. Once done, visitors can walk the 2.4km stretch across the gravel path to reach the first waterfall in the area. This is the biggest of all and the most beautiful of the Fairy Pools region. Continue down the same path to explore other tiny waterfalls and small pools.

The tropical setting of the Fairy Pools, along with the Cuillin mountains, makes this place a must-visit location on the Isle of Skye.

Portree

Portree is more of a vibrant city compared to other places within the Isle of Skye, and it is where you can indulge in all of the seafood Scotland typically offers. Moreover, Portree makes a great place to book your accommodation because of its central location. Many of its famous cafes, pubs, and restaurants are located nearby – thus making it accessible.

You can also take short boat rides to explore the waterfront areas near Portree.

Read this fantastic guide to find more info on the Isle of Skye attractions + experiences.

Day 6: Skye – Oban

Today we depart for Oban.

There are two ways to reach Oban from the Isle of Skye – one being the Mallaig ferry and the other being the inland route via the Skye Bridge. We recommend following the course via Glenfinnan, where many people come to marvel at the railway viaduct. It’s also been featured in “Harry Potter” films and other series.

The total journey from Skye to Oban is approx 3hr 52mins (without any stops/traffic). Hence, it’s better to leave early in the morning to complete the journey.

Overnight at Oban.

Day 7: Oban – Glasgow

Oban serves as an excellent touring base for taking day trips like Inverness. The Western Highlands surrounding Oban makes a great exploration site for travelers to tour & explore some of its wonders.

Below are some of the suggested day trips you can take from Oban. Moreover, you can also relax and tour the town at your own pace.

Things to do in Oban –

Jacobite Steam Train

Jacobite Steam Train is one of the great highlights of Scotland. Deemed the world’s most extraordinary railway journey, the steam train travels 84-miles of roundtrip, taking you past some of the country’s extreme landscapes.

If you opt to ride on this steam train, you’ll pass through Scotland’s glorious villages – Arisaig, Morar, Lochailort, and Mallaig. On a clear sunny day, you’ll also spot the “Small Isles” of Rum and the southern end of Skye. Alternatively, you can also stop at Fort William to relax and soak in Oban’s atmosphere.

You’ll easily recognize the Jacobite Steam Train if you’re a massive Harry Potter fan. The train was referred to as the “Hogwarts Express” in the movie.

To book tickets for Jacobite Steam Train, visit this page.

Excursion to Mull, Iona & Staffa

You can even opt for a full-day excursion to Scotland’s three unique islands – Mull, Iona, and Staffa. The stunning scenery and the geological wonders make this one of the “must-visit” guided tours of Scotland. To take the time, you’ll need to depart from Oban Ferry Terminal – from where a ferry will take you across these islands.

To find more info, visit this page.

This marks the end of your 7 day Scotland road trip. To depart back home, you can either drive to Glasgow or Edinburgh (depending on your preference).

Planning Tips for Scotland Itinerary 7 Days

Now that you’ve gone through our itinerary, it’s time to understand a few essential planning tips required for our 7 days in Scotland.

How to Plan an Ideal Scotland Road Trip

The foremost thing to do for any Scotland road trip is book a rental car.

Since our itinerary is based on a self-drive journey across Scotland, you’d want to make sure to book a nice ride for the entire duration. Doing so will give you the freedom and the flexibility to tour the whole country at your own pace. It’s much better than an organized tour, where you’d have to follow a specific regime.

But before you book a rental car, ensure you go through our travel tips below –

1. Go for a smaller car. The majority of the roads in Scotland are single lanes (with passing places). So, eventually, it makes sense to book a smaller yet comfortable vehicle for your road trip.
2. Have an International Driving Permit. You’d want to have an International Driving License for any road trips. A standard driver’s license will also work in some cases, provided it has a license number, photograph, date, and Latin letters. You can read more about the license regulation here.
3. The official legal age to drive in Scotland is 17. However, most rental companies offer permits up to age 21 or 25.
4. Make sure you have travel insurance for the entire duration of your trip.
5. Try to book your rental car as early as possible. Rates can shoot up during the peak season in Scotland (June to August).

For a more detailed info on driving tips in Scotland, visit this page.

Driving Tips for Scotland Road Trip

A self-drive tour of Scotland may seem utterly gorgeous and flexible to you on paper. But, to have the best experience, you need to be careful about Scotland’s driving rules & conditions.

Driving in Scotland could get intimidating for most of us, as we are not adequately used to driving on the left. But, it’s not a big deal, especially when you’re just touring the country on a flexible routine.

Check out these few tips to help you have a smooth self-driving tour of Scotland –

1. Drive on the left. Yes, it might take a while to get used to this habit for 7 days. But, if you’re a well-experienced driver – you should be fine in a day or so.
2. Don’t drink & drive. Duh! We shouldn’t remind you of this, but be careful not to commit such a mistake. It is best to be responsible for our safety and protection.
3. Get a Transport Scotland leaflet. This is a handy document provided by Transport Scotland to ensure you’re well-versed with traffic rules, regulations, and Scottish sign languages. Get a copy for yourself as soon as you arrive in Scotland.
4. Drive slow. The best way to appreciate a self-drive tour in Scotland is to drive slower than the actual speed limits. Remember, you’re in Scotland to enjoy its experiences. Going slow will make you appreciate the landscape scenery passing by.
5. Time your schedule. When we curated our 7 day Scotland itinerary, we put thoughtful research on the actual road distances and duration. You need to manage your schedule well to explore other places. Avoid getting stuck in one place for too long, and follow the daily route plan accordingly.

Best Time to Visit Scotland

Being a year-round destination, Scotland attracts the majority of the crowd throughout its seasons. Especially during the summers (June to August), the country is at its peak – driving tourists worldwide. But, at the same time, it’s also one of the best seasons (barring crowds) to enjoy bright sunny weather, daylight hours, and plenty of activities and festivals.

What most people do, is visit Scotland during its shoulder seasons (before & after summer). It doesn’t guarantee fewer tourists, but it still provides an enjoyable experience with agreeable weather.

The best time to visit Scotland is from late March to early May. Temperatures may usually range between 6°C to 15°C, making it more remarkable to visit most Scottish attractions.

Here’s a small fact file to help you plan a perfect Scotland trip – 

1. Just like in other European countries, the weather in Scotland is unpredictable. You could experience blazing sunlight, stormy weather, and foggy conditions in a single day. So, ensure you pack all the essentials for your Scotland road trip.
2. July and August tend to be the hottest & busiest months in Scotland. Try to avoid them.
3. Mostly from April to October, you could spot midges (small flying insects) in some parts of the country. You won’t find them in areas like Inverness and Loch Ness. Read more on midges and how to avoid them here.

What to Pack for Scotland Itinerary 7 Days

Considering the unpredictable weather of Scotland, you’ll need to pack your bag smartly for your 7-day trip. We’ve provided a checklist of all essentials that you must pack for 7 days in Scotland in the list below.

• Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts –
• Warm jackets/ lightweight down jackets – Buy them here.
• 1/2 Thermal wear & socks – Buy it here.
• Winter Hats – we recommend these options.
• 1/2 Winter Coats
• 1/2 Warm Sweaters – cashmere or merino wool
• Touch screen gloves – Buy them here.
• Rain Trench
• Hiking shoes/sturdy boots
• Toiletries Pack
• Lonely Planet – Get Lonely Planet Scotland for destination knowledge & tips.
• Portable Travel Accessories – Memory Cards, Power Bank & Power Adapter.
• Moisturizer/ Lotion

Guided Tours for 7 Day Scotland Road Trip

These are some of the guided tours that you can add to our Scotland itinerary –

Further Readings & Resources

London Paris Amsterdam – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
London Paris Barcelona – London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe
Paris Itinerary – 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland

Other Classic Itineraries

Ireland – 7 Day Ireland Itinerary: Epic Road Trip Plan [2022]
Alaska – 7 Day Alaska Itinerary: How To Spend A Week in Alaska
California – 10 Day California Road Trip: One Epic California Itinerary

The post 7 Day Scotland Road Trip: How to Spend a Week in Scotland appeared first on Travel Realms.

Europe is a fascinating continent, harbouring multi-cultural countries. The diversity and uniqueness pull visitors to dive deeper into understanding each country’s history, art, culture, religion, and modernism.

But, not everyone who dreams of visiting Europe can cover all of its countries in a single go!

Yes, there are many who travel across Europe for a month to find their inner adventure. However, a typical visitor who merely has 10 days out of their workaholic life – will be able to spare time visiting Europe’s leading countries.

With 10 days in Europe, you can cover multi-city adventures, explore significant places, go on full-day excursions, and have a memorable vacation. So keeping this in mind, we curated a perfect London Paris Barcelona Itinerary for you.

In the below guide + itinerary, we give out the best ideas, day-trip suggestions, how to get around, an accommodation list, and many more resources.

Let’s get started!

Overview of the London Paris Barcelona Itinerary

Our London Paris Barcelona itinerary is designed for 10 days. You’ll visit some of its notable places and landmarks starting from the UK and then move to France and Spain to explore its icons and excursions.

The idea was to create a simple yet adventurous journey that could accommodate prominent tourist places, sights, local tours, and day trips. As you explore these cities (London, Paris, and Barcelona), you’ll be fascinated with their history, culture, art, museums, and culinary scenes.

Furthermore, we have recommended top-rated tours that complement this 10-day Europe itinerary.

Note: Although our London Paris Barcelona itinerary includes most of the known tourist places, we haven’t crammed the schedule to make it look hectic. There’s a lot to see and do in these three cities, but we can’t accommodate all of them. Thus, we’re keeping this open for you to customize it as per your requirement.

London Paris Barcelona Itinerary Schedule

Day 1: London: Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Bridge, London Eye
Day 2: London: Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market, London Bridge & Tower Bridge
Day 3: London to Paris by Train
Day 4: Paris: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre 
Day 5: Paris: Versailles Palace and Culinary Tour
Day 6: Paris to Barcelona
Day 7: Barcelona: Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, Casa Milá and Las Ramblas
Day 8: Barcelona: Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Catalonia Museum, and Gothic Quarter
Day 9: Barcelona: Optional Tours & Excursions

Lonely Planet for Europe

Lonely Planet is a leading pioneer in curating travel guides for various destinations. There’s nothing quite like using their own book, to get excellent travel tips & advice. I have used their guidebooks to sort all my travel-related essentials. Moreover, the book comes in handy to get some insider tips about the destination.

Map of London Paris Barcelona Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary for London Paris Barcelona

Day 1: London

Being one of the world’s best touristic cities, London offers thousands of opportunities to explore its museums, churches, royal palaces, gardens, historical sites, and other architectural marvels. With so much to see and do, it’s pretty overwhelming for us to put together everything in our London Paris Barcelona itinerary.

But, to ensure you visit the major highlights of London – we’ve put together a schedule that will help you see its most influential icons in our Europe itinerary.

Westminster Abbey

Constructed in 1245, Westminster Abbey is London’s quintessential attraction. The church has hosted many grand occasions and ceremonies of England’s monarchs, royal weddings, events, and the final rites of Princess Diana.

If you opt to tour the insides of the church, you’ll find many memorials of the famous British icons. It includes a list of individuals who contributed their share in science, astronomy, politics, and religion. Even Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin are buried at the Abbey.

Note: Ensure you leave early from your hotel to tour the Westminster Abbey. The sight is often overcrowded with tourists, making it difficult to explore its highlights. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the skip-the-line ticket to get direct entry into the church.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the UK’s most historic palaces. Even today, the Palace serves to be a residential home to the reigning sovereign of the United Kingdom. If you’re a first-time traveller to London, you shouldn’t miss out on exploring the Palace, as it is genuinely one of the most beautiful experiences you’ll have.

In 1703, the Palace was primarily built for the Duke of Buckingham. Later, after a few years, it got acquired and transformed by King George III. Since the transition, Buckingham Palace has become a permanent residential unit for notable British monarchs such as Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George IV, and many more.

The major highlight of Buckingham Palace is its “Changing of the Guards” ceremony. The event usually starts at 11 am and lasts for around 45-minutes. If you are keen on watching this ceremony, we advise you to check their operational timings. Most often, the event gets cancelled due to weather or security concerns.

Other than the Changing of the Guard ceremony, most visitors likely opt to tour the Palace. Especially if this is your first visit to Buckingham, we strongly advise the same. The Palace houses more than 775 royal rooms, including 20 staterooms, 188 bedrooms, staff, office spaces, a swimming pool, grand halls, a post office and even a police station. Most guided tours only include visiting the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace (August and September), for which tickets need to be booked in advance.

You can check the below tours for more info –

Westminster Bridge

After exploring Buckingham Palace, stroll across Parliament Square onto Westminster Bridge. It’s one of the oldest bridges in London, stretching expansive views of the River Thames. The original bridge was constructed in 1738 and began deteriorating after its completion. It was only then that a proposal for second construction came in. The current bridge we see today was built in the year 1862. It expands 252-metres long with over seven built arches.

Westminster Bridge is known for its charming atmosphere. A short walk will introduce you to London’s famous sights concisely. From the views of the Parliament building and Lambeth Bridge to the icons of Hungerford rail bridge and the London Eye – you get the best viewing experience of these sights.

Moreover, try visiting Westminster Bridge at night, and the illuminated lights of the surrounding landmarks make it worthwhile to stroll across this bridge.

London Eye

Are we tired of walking? Head to the London Eye to soak in panoramic views of the city in comfort.

Considered Europe’s giant observation wheel, the London Eye is an excellent place to relax and view the city’s striking vistas. Especially on a bright sunny day – you can almost see the horizon spanning out to the far ends of London. However, if you’re unlucky – given the bad weather – we recommend skipping this attraction to take another alternative.

You’ll need to book your London Eye tickets well in advance. Also, try to avoid purchasing the access via the ticket desk, as they tend to cost a little higher than the online price. For a refundable pass, purchase your fast-track tickets from GetYourGuide.

Optional Attractions

If you still have the energy to cover up to London’s other landmarks, add the suggestions below to your day one London schedule.

Churchill War Rooms – Dedicated to Winston Churchill, the Churchill War Rooms is a massive museum featuring secret bunkers and underground rooms. If history fascinates you, the museum’s artefacts and displays will grab your attention. To book tickets online, visit here.
St. Jame’s Park – St. James’s Park is one of London’s eight royal parks. You can visit this place before heading out to Buckingham Palace, and it’s a perfect family spot to picnic around.
Trafalgar Square – One of the most iconic squares in Europe – the Trafalgar Square boasts excellent shows, musical events, and contemporary art. During the night, the square gets lightened up with a vibrant atmosphere of the locals & tourists. Likewise, there are two museums to explore here – the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

Day 2: London

Tower of London

The first attraction to visit is the Tower of London. Initially, the tower was built to act like a defence tower, which later expanded to serve multiple purposes, including a prison, army base, defensive fortress, and Royal Mint. It even acted as an execution site for Lady Jane Grey and Queen Anne.

Today, the Tower of London has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gothic structure, history, and dark past make it enjoyable for tourists to explore the tower deeper.

To learn more about its timeline, opt for a guided tour. There are special sections within the Tower of London worth exploring, including Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Tower Green.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

After exploring the Tower of London, head to St. Paul’s Cathedral to witness another architectural masterpiece. The cathedral sits right in the middle of the city, boasting historical flair for all visitors.

St. Paul’s Cathedral has been an essential landmark in the history of the UK, and it still holds the same spiritual values for all the Christian communities to pray and worship. With regular Sunday masses, the cathedral has been an epicentre of the country’s royal events and occasions. It was known to host the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, the funeral rites of Winston Churchill, and other imposing services for Queen Elizabeth II.

Borough Market

Visit the oldest market ever known to find out the secrets and hidden gems located in the heart of London. The Borough Market has been in the city since 1014. Since its inception, the area has been known for its energetic vibes, giving you a pleasant experience of historic London.

As you wander through its alleys, you’ll meet locals selling all sorts of meats and produce, farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, artisans’ cheese, baked goods, wines, and other food-related stuff. To your surprise, there are many cute restaurants & cafes located here – that give out the vibe of the olden days.

London Bridge and Tower Bridge

The London Bridge and Tower Bridge are two pillars of the city’s incredible history, and both are active bridges used by vehicles and pedestrians to cross over.

The existence of the London Bridge came from the Roman Age; however, it was newly built in the year 1970. If you were to dive deeper into understanding the history, there’s The London Bridge Experience next to the bridge. If time permits, you can visit to get a visually interactive session of London’s past.

The next notable attraction is the Tower Bridge, which, although mistakenly referred to as the London Bridge. It was constructed between 1886 and 1894 and is an excellent spot to get photos of the London surroundings. To snap a capture of the Tower Bridge, you may need to head to one side of the Thames or across the Potters Fields Park adjacent to the south bank.

Optional Attractions

Sky Garden – The place has been a hotspot for all Instagram influencers to come by and snap amazing photos. Moreover, if you enjoy views – head to the Sky Garden’s open terraced area to soak in a splendid atmosphere.
Shakespeare’s Globe – If you were an admirer of Shakespeare’s plays, head to the open-air theatre where William Shakespeare articulated many of his iconic plays.

Day 3: London – Paris

Today, we will travel to Paris from London.

To reach Paris, you can either take a flight or a train. However, we recommend the latter option – as it’s the most direct and convenient mode. If this is the option you prefer, then travel via the Eurostar train, which will approximately take 2 hours and 25 minutes to cross the underground tunnel to enter France.

To date, it’s the longest underwater tunnel ever built (31 miles), taking Eurostar under 35minutes to complete the entire stretch.

We also recommend flights, as it’s the fastest way to reach Paris. During the peak season, flight rates are sky-rocketed, but you can check Skyscanner to get the best deals for yourself. You can also compare rates offered by different airlines, in order to book the cheapest one. Thus, to avoid such scenarios – take the Eurostar.

Here’s a complete timetable of the train arrivals and departures for you to take the Eurostar. Additionally, refer to this pricing sheet to get an approx cost idea. Usually, the trips start from €59 and can differ when booked on weekends.

Evening Seine River Cruise

Upon your arrival in Paris, check in to your hotel and get some rest. There’s no planned activity today; however, we suggest taking the evening Seine River Cruise. It’s the best introductory guide to famous Parisian landmarks and sights. Plus, the experience is simply charming!

Below are some of the tours for the Seine River Cruise –

Day 4: Paris

Eiffel Tower

There’s nothing more iconic than the Eiffel Tower itself to mark the start of your Parisian trip. Being the most influential icon of France, Eiffel Tower is an architectural masterpiece.

It doesn’t matter how often you’ve been to Paris; spotting the Eiffel Tower is on everyone’s schedule. Especially for first-time travellers – this may be a dream come true.

Yes, it’s a familiar tourist landmark to tour in Paris – but nothing can beat the experience of simply marvelling at the structure for hours and hours. When I visit Paris – I always make it a point to tour the Eiffel Tower. And surprisingly, it never fails to amaze me with its grandeur beauty.

To tour the Eiffel Tower, you will have to take the stairs or an elevator to reach the upper levels. If you plan to get onto an elevator, you’d need to book your tickets well in advance. Yes, I am talking at least 6-7 weeks in advance, and it’s challenging to reserve tickets if you’re late in grabbing them.

Alternatively, I recommend a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower. There’s no hassle of queuing up in long lines to wait for your turn. These guided tours grant you direct access, with a skip-the-line advantage. Moreover, this particular tour levels up your experience by giving you the entrance to the summit as well.

Champs-Elysees

After exploring the Eiffel Tower, cross the Pont d’Iéna bridge and head straight to visit Champs-Elysees.

The Avenue des Champs-Elysees is one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful streets. You’ll find boutique shops, luxurious fashion stores, and other prominent landmarks, starting from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle. Most branded retail stores like Montblanc, Guerlain, and Louis Vuitton have their setup here.

Champs-Elysees doesn’t only boasts high-end stores but also world-class French restaurants. If you were to indulge in classic Parisian cuisine, this is the time to get your culinary senses on!

Furthermore, many annual events such as the Tour de France cycle race and the 14th July military parade are held here. Come during the festive season, and you’ll find the entire stretch decorated with luminous Christmas lights. Overall, it’s a perfect place to unwind and appreciate the tranquillity of the Champs-Elysees atmosphere.

Arc de Triomphe

A 9-minute walk from Champs-Elysees will take you to another Parisian sight – Arc de Triomphe. It’s one of those attractions that serve the purpose of providing expansive views of the entire city.

Climb up the tower to soak in a 360-degree view of Paris, and marvel at the roads spanning various districts. Moreover, the views expand to other landmarks like Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees and the Louvre.

Note: Touring the interiors of Arc de Triomphe carries a small entry fee, and you’ll get a direct entry with a skip-the-line advantage if you’ve got your Paris Pass.

The Louvre Museum

Out of all the museums in the world, the Louvre stands uniquely to showcase its sheer scale of architectural beauty. It’s one of the top Parisian landmarks, which you can afford to miss out on exploring!

Honestly, I am not an art-lover, and it doesn’t excite me as it does to people who admire art. But, when I visited the Louvre Museum – I changed my mind. Indeed, I got fascinated by all the artworks, displays, magnificent paintings, and historical artefacts. But, it also made me admire & appreciate the work done by legendary artists.

So if you’re a history buff or one who applauds art, you’ll love the Louvre Museum.

Being one of the largest museums in the world, the place is massive. You could spend days browsing through each level of the artwork stored inside the museum. However, if this is your first time and you want to fizz pass through the Louvre’s highlights – we recommend checking out these marvels – Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, and the Venus de Milo. Of course, there are many more, and it depends on how you want to spare your time for the Louvre.

We recommend a maximum of 2 hours to tour the place so that you get to visit other Parisian surroundings as well.

Day 5: Paris

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a historic landmark in France. Also, one of the essential sights of Paris, Versailles, has been a royal chateau to many French greats, including Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. The place was known for its political power, which came into existence in 1682. It was, however, ended during the French Revolution – making the power shift to the city of Paris.

If you’re a person who gets fascinated by history, Versailles will leave you awe-struck by the end of the tour. It’s a place that profoundly showcases its immense beauty through its French-styled gardens and sprawling luxurious rooms. It houses more than 2,300 rooms, including some prominent locations such as Battles Gallery, Hall of Mirrors, Marie-Antoinette’s Bedrooms, and the King’s Apartments.

Likewise, its lush-green gardens and outer grounds will leave you stunned with elegance. If this is your first time exploring the Palace of Versailles, you’ll need to time your schedule well. The enormity of the place makes it time-consuming for a visitor to cover everything in a single day.

Moreover, we recommend a guided tour to Versailles to manage your day trip well. You’ll visit only the notable rooms and locations, thus ensuring you get the rest of the day exploring Paris.

Experiential Tour of Paris

Now that we’ve covered significant sightseeing in Paris, it’s time to get an experiential tour under our belt finally. Any trip to Paris is incomplete without indulging in its gastronomy zone, and the city is a paradisical place to try out artisan food, cheese, wine, pastries and much more.

This 3-hour guided tour takes you to the Montmarte region of Paris, where windmills and vineyards mark their base. Wander through the laneways of Montmarte and discover uncommon things which a local tourist is likely to do. During your guided excursion, you’ll be accompanied by an expert who will help you find out hidden gems of Montmarte village.

Venture deeper into its alleys to find markets filled with passionate food lovers. The stalls set up here provide the best of the Parisian food you’ll ever try. From a variety of cheeses to charcuterie and chocolates – relish your hunger at the shops.

For more details on this food tour, visit this page.

Day 6: Paris to Barcelona

Today, we depart Paris to make our way to Barcelona, Spain.

We recommend taking Renfe-SNCF trains for Paris to Barcelona journey. It is a slower option than a flight but much more scenic; you’ll be lucky enough to get splendid views of the French Alps, the Mediterranean coastline, lakes, rivers, and rivers on a clear sunny day.

The train journey from Paris to Barcelona approximately takes 9h 45min, covering a total distance of 516-miles. Generally, three trains depart from Paris to Barcelona every day, with a starting price of €25 (if booked in advance).

Note: During the peak season, the average train price varies between €100-€150. If that’s the case, and you’re budget travelling – check for the option that costs lower (flight or train).

Day 7: Barcelona

The first day of Barcelona primarily focuses on the city centre and its surroundings. From exploring the masterpieces of Anton Gaudí to covering the city’s iconic laneways – we discover the best of Barcelona on day one.

Casa Batlló

Start your tour by visiting the Casa Batlló – one of Gaudí’s famous architectural houses. The outer spiralling design of the house makes the structure look so intriguing, with balconies and façade reminiscing Venetian masks.

The interior is as beautiful as its exterior, making you awe at every step. A sizeable round-like staircase leads you to multiple rooms, which you can explore at your own pace. Around the corner, you’ll also come across a roof-top terrace built in the shape of a dragon.

Casa Batlló is a top-rated tourist attraction in Barcelona. That being said, it’s also the most crowded attraction of all. But, you can skip the line by purchasing your direct pass at GetYourGuide. They also offer a free cancellation policy for up to 24 hours, which is great if you tweak this itinerary.

Casa Amatller

Located right next to Casa Batlló is one of Gaudí’s other masterpieces, Casa Amatller. As you would expect, the structure is a fine example of neo-gothic architecture. It’s truly fascinating how Gaudí managed to pull off something like this by mixing various art styles and structural designs into one proper form.

Casa Amatller was designed for a famous chocolatier known as Antoni Amatller. Inside the building, you’ll find a store specializing in selling Amatller chocolate. There’s also a cafe, and we recommend trying out their melted hot chocolate to relish your taste buds. Also, don’t forget to get some chocolates to bring back home.

Casa Milá

Casa Milá, also known as La Pedrera, is minutes away from Amatller and Casa Batlló. It was Gaudí’s last civil work and is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just like other structures, you can tour the insides of Casa Milá for a small entry fee. The interior design done by Gaudí is at its best, featuring incredible detailing and intricate work. Most of the rooms located at each level are open to the public, making you explore the finest of details Gaudí worked upon.

The highlight remains its roof-top terrace, which houses many chimneys and stairways. Moreover, the deck is known to provide expansive views of Barcelona city.

Note: Casa Milá and Casa Batlló are included in the Go Barcelona Pass, granting you free entry and direct access to these sites. It also contains other city highlights and attractions.

Las Ramblas

One of the best things to do in Barcelona is to stroll down Las Ramblas street. Head past the central Plaça de Catalunya, and browse through the street stalls selling different items, souvenirs, and food-related products.

During the peak season, Las Ramblas is crowded with tourists from all over the world. But, since this is one of the “must-do’s” of Barcelona, you can’t afford to miss out on the experience of strolling the street.

There are plenty of dining options here, so ensure you stop by for a quick lunch.

Day 8: Barcelona

Today, we explore Barcelona’s classic highlights.

La Sagrada Familia

If there is anything in this world which you can marvel at for hours and hours – then that’s La Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí put his life’s work into designing this massive basilica. But his tragic death ultimately stopped the vision he was creating.

The main construction of Sagrada Familia started in 1882, and even at the time of Gaudí’s death – the basilica was only a quarter finished. Even today, the church is under construction and is slated for completion in 2026.

However, this doesn’t stop tourists like us, who want to venture inside the building. Most of the sections are open to the public, and their tickets will need to be booked in advance. The basic pass (€26) allows you to tour the insides without a guide. However, you can shell out a few extra bucks to book a proper guided tour of the Sagrada Familia.

Park Guell

Next to the stop is the Park Guell, one of Gaudí’s other art pieces. This, however, is not similar to the designs you’ve previously explored. Instead Park Guell is a large spaced park with art installations and displays.

It’s one of Barcelona’s most colourful and vibrant spots, featuring many gingerbread houses, collonaded pathways, tiled units, and a serpentine bench. There’s also a small museum, which you can visit for a small fee.

Park Guell was a free spot to visit until it became popular. Today, it is one of Barcelona’s most crowded tourist spots. Like any other attractions, you’ll need to book your tickets well in advance. The lines are ridiculously long, taking hours to get in an entry.

Moreover, Park Guell has a timed entrance – allowing 400 people every 30-minutes. This might seem like a lot, but tickets sell out rapidly. If you need to book tickets, you can visit the official website or GetYourGuide. Ensure that you arrive exactly 10-15 minutes before the time mentioned on the ticket.

Catalonia Museum or Barcelona Aquarium

There are a couple of attractions near the waterfront area of Barcelona to explore. Depending on your preference, you can opt to tour the Catalonia Museum of the Barcelona Aquarium. Both these sights offer a decent experience to families travelling with kids.

The Catalonia Museum offers a deeper dive into the region’s history, from prehistoric times to modern days. In contrast, the aquarium will keep your kids occupied with the fascinating marine life inside.

Both these attractions offer discounted rates with the Barcelona Card or City Pass.

Explore Gothic Quarter

Spend the rest of your day exploring the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter. Being the oldest portion of the city, you’ll find some of Barcelona’s unique attractions tucked in here.

Wandering through the cobblestoned streets of the Gothic Quarter will take you back in time. Many boutique shops, street-side vendors, and pretty cafes are lined up here, giving you the luxury to relax and unwind. Likewise, you can also visit the two famous churches here – Santa Maria del Mar and the Barcelona Cathedral.

We also recommend carrying a paper map when you explore the Gothic Quarter. The small alleys can confuse your GPS in finding particular spots.

Day 9: Barcelona

We want to keep this day open for you to explore Barcelona’s other remaining highlights leisurely. However, our suggestions won’t stop – as we recommend two popular day trips below. If time permits, you can do both on the same day (depending on the excursion’s schedule). However, it’s best to opt for one and then spend time in the city.

Catamaran Cruise

We thought of adding a catamaran cruise to our London Paris Barcelona itinerary to give you the time to loosen up a bit. Of course, a 10-day Europe trip seems tiring, especially when you hop off across multiple cities.

It doesn’t matter if you’re solo or with a group of friends. Family – climb aboard the catamaran cruise in Barcelona to get the party started. Meet new people, make friends with locals, and familiarize yourself with the Barcelonian culture as you enjoy your time. As you soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere, indulge in the BBQ meal to treat yourself to a sound feast. This tour also includes two complimentary beers/sangria.

For more details on this experience, view this page.

Excursion to Montserrat & Monastery

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Catalonia’s dramatic mountain range – Montserrat. It’s one of the best day trips from Barcelona to soak in admiring views, rolling landscape, and medieval culture.

After reaching the region, board the cogwheel train taking you to Montserrat. Admire the spectacular views and get a guided tour of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. It’s an 11th-century monastery, which still functions with over 70 monks. If you book this guided tour, the entry fee to the sanctuary will be included in the price. Furthermore, you will have enough time to visit other attractions of Montserrat, including the Black Madonna and Montserrat Museum.

If you stretch this tour as a full-day excursion, you will have to option to visit the boutique winery of Montserrat. Extend your experience by having a multi-course lunch to indulge in the Barcelonian gastronomy.

For more details, explore this page.

Day 10: Fly Back Home

This marks the end of your 10 day trip to Europe.

Accommodation for London Paris Barcelona 10 Days

Accommodation is one of the crucial stages of planning a trip to Europe, and it plays a vital role as you need to smartly handpick hotels that suit your budget, style, and preference. Although Europe has a wide range of accommodation options, it tends to get overwhelming for a first-time traveller to select the right hotel.

Refer to the below links to find an ideal stay in London, Paris, and Barcelona –

Hotels in London: Explore this page to find budgeted stays and hotels in London.
Hotels in Paris: Explore the best hotels in Paris here.
Hotels in Barcelona – Find hotels, rental apartments, and homes here.

Further Readings & Resources

London Paris Amsterdam – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
Paris Itinerary – 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland
Paris Packing List – What to Wear in Paris in Winter: A Complete Clothing Guide & Packing List
Winter in Paris – Exploring the Best Parisian Activities [2022]

Other Classic Itineraries

Ireland – 7 Day Ireland Itinerary: Epic Road Trip Plan [2022]
Alaska – 7 Day Alaska Itinerary : How To Spend A Week in Alaska
California – 10 Day California Road Trip: One Epic California Itinerary

The post London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe appeared first on Travel Realms.

Iceland, the land of geothermal wonders, is a year-round destination. It’s one of those European countries that you should bucket-list right away – by making it a priority to visit at least once. Although it seems like a tiny country, Iceland has much more to offer than you’d ever imagine!

Personally speaking, Iceland is my favorite European destination. Not only because of the attractions it boasts, but also the experiences you feel while touring the country. Be it self-drive tours, ring road adventures, geothermal spas, or northern lights aura – Iceland is blessed with natural & manufactured resources.

With so much to do and places to see – you might be wondering when the best time to visit Iceland is?

Well, there are many answers to this question. But I’d care to venture one saying – October.

The season of October itself brings many charms. As the days are shorter, the nights will be longer – giving you enough opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. Moreover, October is a transitional month. You get to see Iceland’s changing atmosphere (or season) in its most climatic way. Thus, to make the most out of your first Iceland trip and explore the country’s iconic gems, we highly recommend you visit Iceland in October.

But, before we get started – you’d surely be interested in knowing the temperatures, climate conditions, best things to do, attraction list, packing resources, and many more.

Hence in this guide, we answer all the possible questions about touring Iceland in October.

Why Visit Iceland in October?

Visiting Iceland in October has its own perks. It’s a different period to experience the country while enjoying the same touch – other seasons ought to give.

The major highlight of exploring Iceland in October is its cross-over seasons. Since the summer season runs from June to August, and winter runs from November to February – the month of October acts as a middle period to experience the best of both worlds.

If you’re planning to stay a few weeks in October, then you’re likely to witness a seasonal change throughout the trip. Moreover, many visitors have claimed to experience – sun, rain, and snow on the same day itself.

Sounds interesting, right?

In the later sections of this guide, you will learn all the advantages of visiting Iceland in October, its benefits, things to do, and much more. We also list down multiple reasons why October is the best affordable month to tour Iceland.

Reasons to Visit Iceland in October

We have done a fair bit of research on why October is the best period to travel to Iceland. And we listed down some of the top reasons why October in Iceland should be your bucket-list thing –

October in Iceland is Off-Season

Not to our surprise, Iceland is one of the busiest tourist countries in Europe. Especially in summers, when visitors crowd all of the country’s geothermal spas, attractions, and hotels.

If you’re a person who enjoys a peaceful atmosphere, October is the month for you. Most of the summer rush is gone, making October a quieter period to enjoy Icelandic gems.

When we visited Iceland during the summers, we were surprised to see so many visitors in Reykjavik. We didn’t get time to explore its markets and stalls – as the street was crammed mainly with tourists.

On the contrary, when we made a trip to Iceland in October, Reykjavik’s entire streets were empty. Yes, there were tourists but not as you expect to get them in summer.

The off-season of October makes it ideal for you to enjoy significant attractions across Iceland. Moreover, you’re likely to enjoy your ring road trip more with no substantial traffic!

Deals on Flights, Hotels, and Cheap Transfers

Now, since we know, October is an off-season period in Iceland – get ready to score amazing deals on flights, hotels, rental cars, transfers, and entry tickets. Yes, they all get cheap in October – luring tourists to travel to Iceland.

When we planned our trip for October, we saw good deals on flights & hotels. To get decent discounts – you may need to club them to receive combo deals. We did that, booked our flights & hotels altogether, and found out it’s relatively cheap compared to other seasonal rates in Iceland.

We stayed in downtown Reykjavik, with easy access to the local markets, restaurants, and other sightseeing points. During October, the average price of a hotel in Iceland is around $90-$135. This depends on the type of hotel you book, its category, amenities, services, and other add-ons.

Consider the average price as a ball-park figure, and plan your hotel stays based on the indicated budget for your stay in October. We also recommend checking this fantastic room-with-view hotel options. If you prefer high-end pr luxury ones, here’s the list.

Guided Tours of Iceland in October

Being an off-season period, many classic tours & adventure excursions still operate in October. Popular day-trips like the Golden Circle Route and Southern Iceland Tours generally depart as they would do in summers.

Moreover, if you compare the rates found in October to the seasonal ones – you’d find a drastic drop. Most tour operators lower their package costs to entice tourists to book their day trips. This, however, is a perfect time to enjoy most of Iceland’s guided tour excursions at discounted prices.

We took our guided excursion to explore the South Coast of Iceland, where we witnessed the black sand beaches of Rejnisfjara, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. The roads weren’t blocked, the weather was kind, and it was an enjoyable trip. We stopped for an overnight stay at Vik village and continued our way up to Jökulsárlón and Vatnajökull National Park.

You can also take the multi-day tours covering the Golden Circle Route, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and Akureyri. These attractions lie in the northern parts of Iceland. Hence, you’re likely to see a weather change during your exploration.

If you’re only planning to stay in Reykjavik for a couple of days, we recommend taking city tours. You can actually cover the town on foot. We had managed to explore a few parts of Reykjavik before going on to our further adventure. The fewer tourists on the streets of Reykjavik made it simpler for us to discover the city’s unique attractions.

It does drizzle in Reykjavik, so it’s better to carry a waterproof jacket. Also, get your comfortable walking shoes to tour around the city. In the later section of this guide, we will list essential things to carry for Iceland in October.

Below is a list of the tours we recommend taking in October –

Exploring the Golden Circle – This top-rated tour is one of the best excursions to the Golden Circle. It covers three prime attractions – Geysir Hot Springs, Gulfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Book this tour here.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Embark on a full-day trip to experience the South Coast of Iceland. Explore places like Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Diamond Beach, Vik village, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. View this tour here.

Northern Lights Tour – Discover the natural phenomena of Northern Lights in this 4-hour bus tour. Most of these tours regularly depart from Reykjavik. View this tour here.

Marine Adventure – Discover Iceland’s big whale and puffins in this amazing guided tour. Read more here.

Festivals of Iceland in October

Iceland is a bustling year-round country. And there’s no shortage of bustle in October, with various events & festivals popping up across the country. During your trip to Iceland, you can explore a few of them –

Attend the Reykjavik International Film Festival – If you’re a movie lover (of any genre), RFF is the event to attend. Located in downtown Reykjavik, the event opens its door during the first week of October (check the website for exact dates). Last year, It showcased more than 40+ films & series at the event.

Attend a music concert – Love musical shows? Head to the Harpa Concert Hall in October to experience Iceland’s vibrant event of music fests. The performances at this festival happen for an entire month. Its memorable showdown – Air Waves – is expected to go grand this year in 2022. Do check it out!

Visit the Imagine Peace Tower – One of the unique things to do in Iceland is to watch the beaming light of the Imagine Peace Tower. The tower is lit from October 09 to December 09, honoring the journey of John Lennon. The word “imagine peace” is curated in 24 different languages below. At the same time, the light continues to shine bright in the sky.

Icelandic Experiences – Best Things to Do in Iceland in October

Experience the Northern Lights in Iceland in October

Iceland is known to provide some of the best viewing experiences of the dazzling Northern Lights. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this fantastic phenomenon. When you start planning a trip to Iceland, Northern Lights are the foremost thing you look forward to. And why not? It’s an experience that stays with you forever.

Northern Lights in Iceland can only be seen when the nights are darker. Moreover, the skies need to be precise to get a good visual look at these dancing rays. With these two ticked off, you get the perfect display of the aurora borealis.

It’s impossible to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland from May through September. By the time October arrives, the probability of spotting the same increases. From the mid-week of October to April, the chances of experiencing the Northern Lights are at their best. So if you’ve planned your trip to Iceland in October, you’re sorted to witness this phenomenon.

Now that you know which months to aim for, we will also recommend a few places to get the best experience of the Northern Lights.

The first thing to do – is to be away from the city. This is because significant city centers of Iceland tend to have mild pollution making it difficult (or not so clear) to spot the Northern Lights. Suppose you’re getting a perfect view right from your hotel’s window – kudos to you. But, if not, then Grotta Lighthouse, Laugardalur and Klambratun are the best viewing spots in the country.

It’s much recommended to book a guided tour of the Northern Lights. Most of these tours depart from Reykjavik, taking you to unique locations within a region to spot the dancing skies. If you’re not able to get a clear view, the tour guides will help you with other alternative options. If there’s bad weather on a particular day, the team will even manage an optional schedule.

Driving Iceland’s Ring Road during October

The Ring Road is Iceland’s major tourist draw. It’s a circle that loops over the entire island, allowing you to experience Iceland’s beauty flow in motion.

Many visitors who come to Iceland often book their Ring Road trip for summers in advance. It’s usually crowded, and the hotel rates & rental prices shoot up like anything. By the time October arrives, the prices relatively go down – making it easy for tourists to book their services.

When it comes to driving in October, we will list our views on what to do and avoid in this guide. Since October is the cross-over month for seasons, there’s unpredictability in determining weather patterns. Most roads across the country should be accessible unless an avalanche blocks a section of the road.

While the experience of taking a road trip across Iceland is unbeatable, we also recommend you to look at two options – guided excursions & 4×4 drive. It’s certainly not a bad idea to self-drive the island. Still, due to fluctuations in weather – we might as well recommend tours that provide 100% safety. Conditions in certain areas, like the Westfjiords region, can change quickly. Hence, it’s better to plan something safe and memorable to have the best driving experience.

Exploring the Golden Circle of Iceland

When planning a trip to Iceland in October, the Goldern Circle route should be high on your priority things. It’s one of Iceland’s most unique places to visit.

The Golden Circle route in Iceland covers three significant attractions – Gulfoss Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and Geysir Hot Spring. These locations boast dramatic scenery, beautiful waterfalls, epic hiking trails, and excellent photogenic spots.

Most tours depart from Reykjavik to circle the entire loop. The first attraction you’ll come across is the Thingvellir National Park. It’s one of the three national parks Iceland proudly boasts of having. There are many guided tours within the park, from where you can explore specific waterfall zone, mountains, and volcanoes. There’s also a natural lake called Silfra where you can opt to snorkel or dive. You can check out more activities here.

The next on the route is the famous Geysir Hot Springs. As the name suggests, the area of Geysir is full of geothermal wonders, geysers, and boiling mud pits. Currently, there are two active geysers – Strokkur and the Great Geysir. The most active one in the region is the Strokkur which erupts every 10 minutes.

The last on the Golden Circle route is the spectacular Gulfoss. You may see hundreds of waterfalls in Iceland, but there’s nothing quite like the Gulfoss Falls. The water streams down the Langjökull glacier and cascades into Gulfoss 32 meters down. It’s an incredible sight to watch the natural force of the water running downwards with its full power.

Recommended: Looking for an Iceland Itinerary? We cover these attractions in more detail in our epic 3 days in Iceland itinerary. It includes a planned schedule, accommodation ideas, and other valuable resources.

Enjoy Iceland’s Geothermal Wonders in October

Iceland is blessed with geothermal wonders. Out of the many things you do in the country, experiencing its lagoons, volcanoes, mountains, geysers & boiling mud pits never goes out of fashion.

The best part about these geothermal resources is that – you don’t need to plan a schedule to watch them. If you’re driving around Iceland, you ought to come across geysers and hot pools. Additionally, October in Iceland is the best time to enjoy the country’s numerous swimming pools, spas, and incredible geothermal locations. Especially with fewer visitors in October – you’ll have a good time experiencing the geothermal resources of Iceland.

Iceland is known to have 100+ swimming pools, with 17 in its capital city Reykjavik. The vast abundance of these pools makes it easier for tourists to relax and unwind after their sightseeing. Most of these spots are geothermal heated, making it comfy to beat the cold weather.

If you’re on a hunt to explore Iceland’s central hot spring locations, check out this tour.

Visit the Blue Lagoon Iceland in October

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s prime tourist destination. It’s the most famous geothermal spa in Europe, known to attract millions of tourists every year.

With easy access, the Blue Lagoon is unique in its proximity to Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport. Most people book their tickets for the lagoon right after they arrive in Iceland. However, few visitors (like me) prefer keeping the Blue Lagoon at the end of the trip.

The Blue Lagoon spa is a year-round spa resort, so it’s possible to explore it in October. Moreover, it’s the best time to experience the charm of the lagoon with fewer tourists around. October sees the minimal crowd, and often, you may require no booking to get an entry in. But, that’s the last thing we want to advise – as it’s recommended to block your seat months before your Iceland trip.

Check this ultimate guide if you want to know more about the Blue Lagoon spa, its experience, things to do, costs, and accommodation options. It will come in handy when you plan to make a trip to the lagoon.

Recommended: Want to get the most out of your time in Iceland? Read our most popular guide on – ‘12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October‘

Essential Things to Know Before Your Trip to Iceland in October

These helpful planning tips will help you have a safe & sound travel experience in Iceland.

Iceland Weather in October

Iceland makes a smooth transition of weather in October. Since it’s the cross-over month, weather can be highly unpredictable. Temperatures usually shift with every passing day. However, the average temperature in Iceland in October is around 41 F (4.8 C). On some occasional days in October, the temperatures can go as low as 36 F (2 C).

If you’re planning to spend a few weeks in October, you’ll notice the daylight getting shorter and shorter. At the start of the month (the first four or five days), sunrise will begin at 7.30 am. But, as you move further towards the end of October, sunrises between 8.30 am to 9.30 am.

Similarly, sunsets happen early in October. During the start of the week, expect evenings around 7.00 pm and further down the month at around 5.00 pm.

Europe receives quite a rainfall during September and October. So does Iceland and its many sub-regions. If you’re only staying in Reykjavik, expect a heavy shower for the rest of the month. But, as you move around to the southern & eastern parts of Iceland – there will be only occasional drizzles.

Refer to our Iceland October Weather Info

1. Expect average sunlight of 12 hours in October.
2. Short daylight hours mean more Northern Lights. Iceland October provides the best scenes to witness the dazzling Aurora Borealis.
3. Average temperature in Reykjavik in October ranges from 19 F (-7.2 C) to 59 F (15 C).
4. Temperatures can even drop in certain areas like the Westfjords and the Highlands.
5. October in Iceland receives constant rainfall. It’s more of a drizzle than the heavy shower you’d typically expect.

Note: Because of the constant rainfall & daylight being shorter, most visitors often believe that Iceland’s weather in October is dark and gloomy. However, that’s not the case. Throughout your trip during the season, you’ll find bright sunny days, especially when visiting the Southern Iceland portion.

Is it Safe to Drive in Iceland in October?

Iceland is known for its fantastic road trips. Its popularity has grown over the years, and you see visitors traveling to the country to explore its ring road. We’ve separate Iceland itineraries curated in this guide as an additional resource for you. Do give it a read if you’re planning for an Iceland road trip.

When it comes to driving in October, you need to be cautious. In some parts (mostly Westfjords), the weather can get awful with frequent temperature drops and heavy rain. This causes the roads to get slippery, making it challenging to drive the routes.

There’s also a possibility of strong winds and soft snow to trouble you with your driving tour in Iceland. Thus, it’s better to stay away from self-drive tours considering your safety unless you’re a pro-driver who can handle slippery roads and harsh conditions.

The best alternative to self-drive tours in Iceland is guided tours. Indeed, you won’t have to drive across Iceland, but you’ll have an expert guide to manage your entire trip. Moreover, this option is much preferable during the winter season too.

Car Renting Options in Iceland

Renting a car in Iceland will give you maximum freedom to explore the country at leisure. It’s a popular option, considering the wide expansive roads and epic viewpoints. Check this article to find a detailed guide on renting a car in Iceland.

Suppose you still prefer self-driving Iceland, given the weather conditions (we listed above). In that case, we recommend booking a rental car service for your trip. There are many operators in Iceland from where you can manage a rental unit – but we still recommend booking your car in advance. Road trips are popular year-round in Iceland. There’s a high chance a particular rental car service gets fully booked.

These valuable tips will help you plan your road trip well – 

1. As mentioned, many operators in Iceland provide rental services. We recommend checking out Rentalcars.com, which does a great job offering cars at affordable rates.
2. Always go for a four-wheel vehicle for your road trips in Iceland. There are patchy spots off the main road, which can cause trouble, especially in harsh weather. Thus, a four-wheel drive is a must.
3. Always check the weather forecast. Check the local forecast before you step out (rain, snow, strong winds, and visibility). It will give you a brief understanding of what to expect before your journey.
4. Pre-book your car insurance. This is not only recommended for Iceland, but for any road trips, you take across the globe. Car insurance is a safety gear to protect you from unforeseen situations (collision, damage, or vehicle malfunction)
5. Ensure that you always carry some food, water, and a first-aid kit in your car. Also, check if there is enough gas to continue the journey.

What to Pack for Iceland in October

One of the common questions many visitors have – is what to pack for Iceland? Especially in October, you need to pack your bags smartly, considering the varied temperatures and climate.

The first thing to pack – is a waterproof jacket. Iceland can get windy, with strong winds blowing out regularly in Westfjords and the Highlands. Get a good quality jacket for yourself, which can be used for multiple trips.

Next comes the waterproof clothes. As we mentioned earlier, Iceland receives regular rainfall throughout October. It’s the wettest period of the year, so you’ll need to be prepared with waterproof clothes. Carry items like a poncho, waterproof shoes, and waterproof packs/backpacks. Also, get good protective gear for your cameras and lenses.

Furthermore, refer to our below suggestions – which you will need to pack for Iceland in October –

• Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts –
• Warm jackets/ lightweight down jackets – Buy them here.
• 1/2 Thermal wear & socks – Buy it here.
• Winter Hats – we recommend these options.
• 1/2 Winter Coats
• 1/2 Warm Sweaters – cashmere or merino wool
• Touch screen gloves – Buy them here.
• Rain Trench
• Hiking shoes/sturdy boots
• Toiletries Pack
• Lonely Planet – Get Lonely Planet Iceland for destination knowledge & tips.
• Portable Travel Accessories – Memory Cards, Power Bank & Power Adapter.
• Moisturizer/ Lotion

Recommendation of Iceland October Tours

Check out these fantastic guided excursions from GetYourGuide. These tours will complement your Iceland trip in October.

FAQs for Iceland October Tour

Does it snow in Iceland in October?
You usually don’t get to see heavy snowfall in Iceland in October. For places like Reykjavik and the Southern coast, snow is rare. If you’re planning to explore the Highlands or the Westfjords, you might encounter ice and snow.

Where to stay in Iceland in October?
Try booking hotels from Iceland’s Airbnb to get cheap accommodation in Iceland. The hotels are decent, and you get plenty of amenities to access. For budgeted & luxurious stays, check this page.

How many hours of sunlight do you get in October in Iceland?
You can expect average sunlight of 12 hours in October. At the start of the month, sunlight stands at an average of 9 hours. As winter approaches, daylight hours will be further reduced to 5 hours.

Do you need a 4×4 in Iceland in October?
Typically, a small car is acceptable to deal with Iceland’s Ring Road, and however, we recommend getting a 4×4 in October. Due to Iceland’s unpredictable weather, roads can get slippery, challenging the driver to tour across the circuit.

Further Readings & Resources

I hope you found this helpful post. We have many other resources & related blogs to help you plan a smooth trip to Iceland. Feel free to explore the links –

Explore Iceland’s Itineraries – 5 Epic Road Trips (+ Iceland Ring Road Itineraries)
Experiences in Iceland – 12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October
Discover Iceland – Guide To Iceland’s Amazing Attractions
Iceland Diaries – Guide To 3 Days In Iceland
The Blue Lagoon – The Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

You may also like our European guides & itineraries:

Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland
Magical Europe – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
Costwolds – The Ultimate Guide To Cotswolds In The UK

The post Iceland in October | What to Expect & Why it is the Best Time to Visit appeared first on Travel Realms.

This 10 day Europe trip is ideal for those who want to venture multi-European countries. And with cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam – there’s a lot to see and do in 10 days.

In our below-curated itinerary, we give out the best ideas, day-trip suggestions, how to get around, an accommodation list and many more resources.

So without any further ado, let’s get started!

Overview of London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary 10 Days

Our London, Paris, and Amsterdam trip itinerary is designed for 10 days. The aim is to keep it simple but uniquely crafted to include top-rated experiences & sights.

As you explore each of the cities throughout the tour, you’ll discover its famous landmarks, popular attractions, local markets, culinary experiences, and off-beaten detours.

Moreover, you can also customize this itinerary to change the order of the cities. In the later section of this guide, you’ll learn how to do it, modify it, and make changes without tampering with the travel time/mode required for this itinerary.

Travel Tip: There’s a lot to see and do in London, Paris, and Amsterdam. While it’s not possible to include each of them in this itinerary, we leave it up to you to alter/modify attractions as per your preference. Furthermore, we have linked enough resources and blog posts to help you plan a smooth 10-day European trip.

London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary 10 Days

Day 1: London: Westminster Abbey, St. Jame’s Park, Buckingham Palace, London Eye and more.
Day 2: London: Tower of London, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market, London Bridge & Tower Bridge
Day 3: London: Excursion to Cotswolds
Day 4: Travel to Paris
Day 5: Paris: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, and Arc de Triomphe
Day 6: Paris: Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee d’Orsay, Montmarte
Day 7: Paris: Versailles Palace and the Louvre
Day 8: Travel to Amsterdam
Day 9: Amsterdam: Walking Tour
Day 10: Depart from Amsterdam

Detailed London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary 10 days

Day 1: London – Historical Landmarks

If you choose to follow the order of this itinerary, then London is going to be your starting point. Before you head straight to the main attractions of London, we recommend taking a brief sightseeing tour via hop on hop off bus. This gives you a complete orientation tour of London following major attractions like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, and London Bridge.

If you plan on taking a guided sightseeing bus or walking tour, we’d recommend doing it on the first day of your London trip.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most influential churches. This gothic structure dates back to 1245, housing grand coronation ceremonies of England’s many monarchs, royal weddings, events, and the final rites of Princess Diana. As you tour the insides of Westminster Abbey, you’ll find hundreds of tombs and memorials of the famous people of Britain. This list of names includes people from different streams of mastery, such as scientists, artists, politicians, and royalty. Even Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin are buried at the Abbey.

To visit Westminster Abbey, you’ll need to leave early from your hotel. As the site is popular, it’s often crowded with tourists exploring the landmark. If you’re self-guiding, an audiobook is handed to you to make the most of your time spent in Westminster. Alternatively, this guided tour will allow you to skip the line to get fast track entry into the church.

Currently, the site has opened its main section of the Abbey for the tour. It approx costs £5/person. You can get more details on their official website here.

St. James’s Park

Before we head out to Buckingham Palace, we recommend taking a short stroll through one of London’s most evergreen spots – St. James’s Park.

Known for its lush greenery, the 50-acre land of St. James’s Park is one of London’s eight royal parks. It’s often a hangout place for most youth, college students, and senior citizens. If you need to take a break, there’s a small cafe within the park to sip tea or coffee.

Around the park, you’ll come across the Guards Museum, showcasing the story of the five British regiments who have protected the royal palaces to date. The museum houses many artefacts which belonged to the regiment unit of British Foot Guards. If you’re interested, you may need to pay a small fee of £8/person to enter.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the UK’s most historical landmarks. If you’re a first-time traveller to London, you shouldn’t miss out on exploring the Palace, as it is genuinely one of the most beautiful experiences you’ll have.
Buckingham Palace has been an epicentre of royal London, serving as both a residential and administrative headquarters.

Back in 1703, the Palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham as a small townhouse, but later it got acquired and transformed by King George III. Since then, Buckingham has become a residential palace for British monarchs, including notable names – Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George IV, and many more.

With the help of a guided tour, you’ll briefly understand the importance of the royal heritage in London and the family’s descendants who came into power. The eventful stories, consequential past and significant moments get enlightened as you tour the Buckingham Palace.

But, it’s not only the history that will excite you, it’s the grand tour of the Palace that will enrich your experience. Buckingham Palace is home to around 775 royal rooms, including 20 staterooms, 188 bedrooms, staff, office spaces, a swimming pool, grand halls, a post office and even a police station. The Grand Hall and The State Dining Room are the most famous out of all these rooms. Most likely, you’ll tour these sections in addition to massive outer gardens, tennis courts, and lakes.

Even if you aren’t doing a Buckingham Palace tour, make sure not to miss their Changing of the Guard ceremony. It happens at 11 am on the forecourt of the PalacePalace on most days. Moreover, the event can also get cancelled due to weather or security concerns.

London Eye

There isn’t a better viewing spot than the London Eye to soak in the city’s striking vistas.

Deemed Europe’s giant observation wheel, the London Eye is a perfect place to get panoramic views. You may explore London all you want and go on sightseeing and walking tours – but nothing can beat the experience of taking a ride on this wheel. They even have private pods served with complimentary champagne to make your visit special.

The London Eye usually opens late, making it ideal for tourists to come and enjoy their evening. On a fantastic sunny day, the sunset views from the eye get even better. But, if you’re unlucky – given the bad weather – I’d rather skip the ride to take another alternative.

Tickets prices for the London Eye can be found here. Try to avoid purchasing the tickets via the ticket desk, as they tend to cost a little higher than the online price. For a refundable pass, purchase your fast track tickets from GetYourGuide.

Recommended: Looking for a different Europe Itinerary? Read our London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe

Day 2: London – Exploring the City & Southwark

Today, we explore some of London’s oldest and most modern buildings set right in the heart of its financial center. Moreover, we also take a tour to the London Borough of Southwark, where you’ll find numerous unique attractions like HMS Belfast, the Imperial War Museum, The Shard, and Southwark Cathedral.

Tower of London

The first sight to explore on day two of the London city tour is the iconic Tower of London. Initially, in 1078 the tower was built in the name of a royal castle to act as a defense tower. But, over a few centuries, its purposes expanded – acting more like a prison, army base, defensive fortress, and Royal Mint.

Today, in this modern world, the Tower of London has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site – popularly known for its history and as an execution site of Lady Jane Grey and Queen Anne.

The Tower of London isn’t the prettiest of all structures in London, but if you marvel at Gothic architecture – it will be a splendid site visit for you. Nonetheless, its historical importance and surrounding attractions make the Tower of London a must-visit place in the city.

Once you’re here, opt for a guided tour to learn about the site’s past development. Ensure you visit all its highlights, including the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Tower Green. Alternatively, the tickets will be free if you’ve got your London City Card.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral has been an essential landmark in the history of the UK. It’s a gorgeous piece of architecture, standing right in the middle of the city, boasting historical flair to all visitors who travel.

The cathedral’s dome is its main distinguishable feature, and the church has been an important spiritual place for all communities to pray and worship. It was seen as the symbol of spirit back in World War II.

Along with regular prayer services and Sunday masses, the church has actively been a place of royal events. This includes the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, the funeral rites of Winston Churchill, and other royal services for Queen Elizabeth II.

If you self-guide St. Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll have access to the audio guidebook to learn about its development. Alternatively, you can take this guided tour of the cathedral to explore the crypt and the dome. You also get access to visit the Whispering Gallery and the Stone and Garden Galleries.

Borough Market

If you want to visit the oldest market ever known, then Borough Market is your place. It’s believed that the entire stretch of Borough has been in the area since 1014.

Though the market is the oldest in the UK, it’s as modern as you’d typically imagine. The energetic vibes of the locals, the hustle-bustle of street vendors, and the chirping of local tourists bargaining for the price – always make you feel lively.

As you explore the Borough Market, you’ll find vendors selling various meats and produce, farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, artisans’ cheese, baked goods, wines, and other food-related stuff. Many restaurants, cafes, and kitchens are a part of the Borough Market, and small stalls sell packed foods of all street type cuisine.

If you’re interested in taking a slight detour from Borough Market, we recommend this top-rated tour to make your day two more exciting. This is optional and can be added to the itinerary as per your preference.

Note: The Borough Market is mainly closed on Sundays, and during the rest of the week, the market is open from 10 am to 5 pm.

London Bridge and Tower Bridge

The London Bridge and Tower Bridge are two famous icons of London, and both represent the history of London and have been recognizable landmarks since their inception.

London Bridge has been standing tall since the Roman days. However, most of the restoration work and its pillars were newly built in the 1970s. Next to the bridge is the London Bridge Experience, a visually interactive session taking you across the darker times of London’s history.

Tower Bridge is one of London’s other landmarks standing tall next to the London Bridge, and it’s a suspension bridge built somewhere between 1886 and 1894. To get an excellent photo of the Tower Bridge, you may need to head to one side of the Thames or across the Potters Fields Park adjacent to the south bank.

Free Time to Explore

The rest of your day in London is free for leisure activities. Check our below recommendations to add it your itinerary.

Travel Tip: We recommend getting the London City Card which is valid for 1,2,3,6 or 10 days. Most of the London attractions listed in this itinerary are included in the city pass, granting you fast track access to tour the place. Additionally, you’ll save a lot more than you would paying for individual sights.

Day 3: London – Day Trip to Cotswolds

With its fairy-tale villages, green rolling hills, and honey-hued cottages, Cotswolds is one dreamy land that takes you through a sublime English countryside. It has been a favorite getaway destination for tourists landing in London to visit and explore its charming atmosphere.

In this day-trip excursion from London, we visit Cotswold’s famous villages – Cheltenham and Chipping Camden. If you need a detailed itinerary for Cotswolds, we have a separate guide detailing towns to visit, things to do, accommodation, and a planning checklist.

Cheltenham Village

Cheltenham is popularly known as the ‘Western Gateway of Cotswolds.’ This vibrant town is filled with spirited people, local markets, beautiful gardens, and pristine parks. Stroll across the thatched roof cottages of Cheltenham and get your photography skills honed to snap amazing shots.

After your exploration, stop by Cheltenham Art Gallery to discover numerous ancient artifacts & intriguing objects celebrating local pioneers. Later, wander off to tour the Imperial Square and Gardens that houses beautiful Georgian homes.

Chipping Camden

Before reaching Chipping Camden, take a short detour to stop at Snowshill. The place is popularly known for its Broadway Tower, which you climb to grab 360-degree views of the villages spanning around.

Upon your arrival at Chipping Camden, tour its famous sites – St. James’ Church, Ancient Market Hall, and Alms Houses. You can also drive to Dover’s Hill, which is only 10-minutes away from the main market square.

Spend your evening at the town of Dover’s Hill and then bid farewell to Cotswolds for your trip back to London.

Alternative: If you don’t prefer a day-trip to Cotswolds, feel free to exclude this from your itinerary. As alternatives – we can recommend taking day-trips to Stonehenge, WB Harry Potter Studio or Oxford.

Where to stay in London? The capital city has tons of accommodation options to choose from, including some of the most budgeted yet decent ones. In the later section of this guide, you will get a comprehensive idea of the hotel part.

Day 4: Train to Paris

Today, we will depart for Paris from London.

You will need to take Eurostar, the direct and most convenient transport mode to reach Paris from the UK. It approx takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to travel across the underground tunnel to enter France. It’s the longest underwater tunnel ever built (31 miles long), and it only takes Eurostar 35 minutes to complete the stretch of the tunnel.

Here’s a complete timetable of the train arrivals and departures for you to take the Eurostar. Additionally, refer to this pricing sheet to get an approx cost idea. Usually, the trips start from €59 and can differ when booked on weekends.

Upon your arrival in Paris, the rest of the day is free for leisure.

Alternatively, you can plan a free walking tour of Paris to get briefly acquainted with the city’s landmarks & sights. We also recommend taking on the Seine River Cruise to spend your evening comfortably.

Day 5: Paris – Exploring Parisian Landmarks

Today, we explore Parisian Icons.

Eiffel Tower

There’s no better place than the Eiffel Tower to start your Paris trip!

Being the most common tourist landmark of all, Eiffel Tower still holds its charm and elegance to attract visitors worldwide. Especially for first-time travellers – visiting Eiffel Tower is a dream.

Upon your arrival at the site, you’ll have multiple options to explore the Eiffel Tower. If you want to admire its architecture, head to Trocadero Gardens or Champ de Mars gardens to get the best angle. You even picnic here, spending quality time with your family and friends.

Moreover, if you want to tour the insides, you can take the stairs or an elevator to reach the upper floors. Tickets for an elevator ride will need to be booked well in advance to avoid hassles. They often get sold out fast, and you may want to reserve them for the best experience.

The third option is to book a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower. This is probably the easiest and most convenient method since the tour operator will already manage your tickets. Additionally, you’ll get the skip-the-line advantage clubbed with the ‘summit floor’ exploration. For more details, view this catalogue.

Champs-Elysees

Post your sight-seeing at the Eiffel Tower, and go further down the street to stroll Champs-Elysees.

Starting from Place de la Concorde, the Avenue des Champs-Elysees is one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful streets. It’s a great exploration place to tour some of the typical Parisian sights, landmarks, and, more importantly, Paris ” s shopping culture. As you stroll up the Champs-Elysees, you’ll discover famous luxury boutiques such as Montblanc, Guerlain, Louis Vuitton, and world-class French restaurants.

Champs-Elysees is also a place for hosting grand events such as the Tour de France cycle race, the 14th July military parade and other Christmas festivities and enchanting markets. Ultimately, it’s a perfect place to unwind and appreciate the tranquillity of the Champs-Elysees atmosphere.

Arc de Triomphe

A short 9-minute walk from Champs-Elysees will take you across one of Paris’s beloved attractions – Arc de Triomphe.

It’s one of the best places in the city to soak in fantastic views of the roads spanning out to various districts. Moreover, the views stretch out to Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees and the Louvre. There’s also a museum on top of the Arc de Triomphe dedicated to an unnamed soldier.

Note: Exploring the interiors of Arc de Triomphe carries a small fee, and you will get free access with skip-the-line advantage if you’ve got your Paris Pass.

Day 6: Paris – Museums & Historical Monuments

Get ready to witness the charm of Parisian museums & top historical sites.

Sainte Chapelle

Saint Chapelle is a small, royal chapel located on the Île de la Cité boasting gothic-style architecture.

The highlight of visiting this chapel is its gorgeous display of stained glass units lined from floor to ceiling. Though the chapel is small in size, and you wouldn’t expect something so beautiful to see – the intricate designs these glasses hold are remarkable.

Like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, Saint Chapelle can get crowded. Hence, we wanted to keep this place as a starting point of your day trip to Paris to avoid crowds. Moreover, the Museum Pass will provide the skip-the-line advantage on your arrival.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Located 10-minutes from Sainte Chapelle is one of Paris’s notable attractions – Notre Dame Cathedral.

The site’s construction took the longest, nearly 200 years to build and was finally inaugurated in 1345. Currently, you can only tour the outer grounds of Notre Dame Cathedral because of its restoration work.

An unfortunate fire broke out in 2019, causing heavy damage to its pillars and many structures. However, don’tdon’t be disappointed – as you can still access the cathedral’s parvis and outer facade.

Furthermore, you can also visit nearby landmarks like Conciergerie and Au Vieux d’Arcoled’Arcole (the prettiest cafe).

Musee d’Orsay

Visiting Musee d’Orsay is a different experience altogether, and it does stand out differently when you compare it with other museums within Paris.

The first notable highlight of Musee d’Orsay is its location. The same place where you see all events, exhibitions, and displays set up was once Paris’sParis’s central train station. The upper rooftop design and its pillars are intact in their original state with a touch of heavy restoration work.

The second feature Musee d’Orsay boasts is the artwork. The museum is home to the world’s most significant Impressionist art, showcasing the fine work of Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Gaugin. It’sIt’s paradisal

Montmarte

Day 7: Paris – Versailles & The Louvre

Today, we hit the two major attractions of Paris – Versailles & The Louvre.

Palace of Versailles

Nestled on the outskirts of Paris, Versailles is an important historical site in France. This royal chateau has been home to great names of the French Royalty, including Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. The Palace is also known for its French political power that came into existence in 1682. It was, however, ended during the French Revolution – making the power shift to the city of Paris.

History buffs will indeed find the Palace an exciting place, and so a regular visitor who admires beautiful architecture. Moreover, the Palace of Versailles boasts 2,300 rooms inside and prominent locations such as Battles Gallery, Hall of Mirrors, Marie-Antoinette’s Bedrooms, and the King’s Apartments.

Furthermore, the French-styled gardens and their outer grounds will mesmerize anyone with their adoring beauty.
If it’s your first-time visit to the Versailles, you need to plan your schedule well. Since the Palace is massive enough to be explored, it could take hours and hours for you to explore all of its grand rooms. However, time your exploration well, and you’ll be good to tour the Palace smoothly.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the places you can’t miss to include in your itinerary. It’s my favourite museum in Europe, and it certainly is worth visiting.

Like the Palace of Versailles, the Lourve is a place for all art lovers and history buffs. Even if you don’t admire art or don’t get much fascinated by history – the museum’s sheer scale of architectural beauty will leave you spellbound.

The Louvre is one of the world’s largest museums, and it can take days for you to explore its legendary artwork, magnificent paintings, and other historical displays. But, don’t bother much about the time – as you’ll love every minute spent.

Famous paintings of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, and the Venus de Milo are displayed here, and it certainly is the “most-watched” painting of all. The only downside is the crowd, as the Louvre tends to be busy during the peak season, and you’ll often find tourists jamming up at a certain point, which isn’t a pleasant experience to witness.

To avoid crowds at the Louvre, ensure you make an early visit. Please arrive during the opening hours, or probably late in the evening. The museum is open until 9.45 pm on Wednesday and Friday, which is relatively a quieter time to explore.

You can also purchase this timed-ticket which guarantees an entry within 30 minutes.

Recommended: Want to plan a shorter trip to Paris? Check our popular guide on 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Time Traveler.

Day 8: Train to Amsterdam

Taking the Thalys high-speed train from Paris to Amsterdam is one of the fastest and most convenient modes of travelling. It’s modern, luxurious, and a feasible option – making you reach your destination within 3 hours and 20 minutes. The fare starts from €35, and you will need to book your tickets well in advance to make a reservation (upto 120 days in advance).

To embark on the train, you’ll need to arrive at the Gare du Nord station in Paris. The train runs through Brussels, but you won’t have to change your train to arrive in Amsterdam.

For more details, check their offical website.

Note: Try to make your reservations to reach Amsterdam early in the day. This way, you’ll have the rest of your afternoon & evening for your half-day trips & sight-seeing tours.

Anne Frank House

Undoubtedly, a visit to Amsterdam is incomplete without exploring the Anne Frank House.

You may have already heard the story of Anne Frank and her family, who hid in the basement of her house for almost two and a half years. The world war scenes outside made the situation worse for all the family members in the area, especially for the Franks’ who had to save themselves from the brutal concentration camps.

Today, the family’s home is a tourist attraction to recount their life exploring leftovers & displays. During your tour, you’ll see many of its rooms, photos, artifacts, and the basement where they hid.

Travel Tip: Book your tickets two months (60 days before your trip). Anne Frank is one of the major tourist attractions in Amsterdam, and the tickets get sold lightning fast. You can check the official website for more details on tickets and pricing.

Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum

With 2 days in Amsterdam, you can be sure to visit at least two of its world-class museums – Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum.

It doesn’t matter if you admire art or not, visiting these two museums in Amsterdam has to be your top-most priority. Apart from being Netherland’s most popular sites, they are fantastic in displaying artistic paintings, contemporary art, and historical displays.

Visiting Van Gogh is an experience altogether. The museum is dedicated to the famous Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, who has 200 of his paintings stored in the museum. Van Gogh Museum is comparatively much more petite than Rijksmuseum and will only take an hour to explore.

Rijksmuseum is massive. Exploration at this museum can take 3-4 hours, depending on the time you take to browse through all the objects. It houses around 8,000 Dutch art and history displays created by famed artists like Frans Hals and Rembrandt.

Evening Canal Cruise

Nothing can be more perfect than an evening canal cruise to end your day in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is home to beautiful canals, narrowing across Dutch houses and cute little bridges. An evening boat ride can level up your experience to witness the charm and tranquility of the city’s pleasing aura.

There are many cruises to choose from, and it entirely depends on your choice, duration, and budget. We’ve listed a few options for you to browse through –

Day 9: Amsterdam – City Exploration

Your day two in Amsterdam takes you around some of the city’s influential highlights and unique attractions.

Exploring the Dam Square and the Royal Palace

Start your exploration of Amsterdam by hitting the main square. It’s a 10-minute walk from the primary central station via Nieuwendijk. Once you reach, you’ll come across these significant landmarks – the National Monument, Nieuwe Kerk Church, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

You can take a guided tour of all the main square’s attractions in one bundle. Ensure you tour the Royal Palace of Amsterdam to marvel at the wealth and sculptures stored inside. It was formerly a town hall, which later got converted into a residential unit for the royal family.

The Amsterdam Dungeon

Next on your stop is the Amsterdam Dungeon, known for the dark history related to Netherland’s past.

It’s an interactive based tour where you’ll watch staged actors performing several acts depicted in the history of the Netherlands. Moreover, the stage performances happen in different phases or timelines of the record, showcasing the Spanish inquisition trail and an act of torture.

The entry fee to the Amsterdam Dungeon is free if you’ve got your I Amsterdam City Card. It’s best to acquire one to get access to numerous tourist places & sites within Amsterdam. You’ll save much more than you’d pay individually for each of the attractions mentioned in our 2 days of Amsterdam section.

The Flower Market

The Flower Market, or Bloemenmarkt (as known in the local language), is a unique tourist spot in Amsterdam.

If you’re not aware, the Netherlands is known to house the iconic flower – the tulip. Separate tours are departing, especially to see the tulip season in the country. It’s a magical experience, and we would surely recommend taking a trip (between March and May) to see 7 million tulips blooming in action.

Visitors who are not traveling during the tulip season can head to the Flower Market. You’ll see hundreds of varieties of these tulips in different colors getting sold, and most of them even sell as bulbs, which you store at home.

It’s also a good gifting item to surprise your loved one!

Zuiderkerk and Nieuwmarkt

Stroll around the Kloveniersburgwal canal, and you’ll soon spot Zuiderkerk church. Climb up the bell tower to soak in panoramic views of the entire Amsterdam city. Please note that you’ll only be able to do a climb with a tour guide. Also, there are specific timings that allow you to climb up.

As you continue further down the canal, you’ll come across at Nieuwmarkt market. It looks like a castle straight out of a fairy-tale book, but in reality, it’s a small local market housing excellent cafes & restaurants.

Pick your Ending

You have the choice of giving a fitting finale to your 10 day London, Paris Amsterdam itinerary.

The first option is to explore the famous church of Amsterdam – Oude Kerk. Being the oldest church in the city, the elegance and gloriousness remain modern. The exterior is built with red bricks, and its windows have massive stained glass units.

The second alternative is to bike around across the canals of Amsterdam. Pace your ride at your leisure and wander off the narrow streets, markets, and local attractions to briefly sight-see places you might’ve missed. Also, an evening bike ride is one of the cool things to do in Amsterdam.

The third option is to spend time in Harlem. It’s a 15-minute train ride from the main central station of Amsterdam. If it’s late in the evening, you won’t have much time to tour the surroundings, but you can grab a dinner and a few drinks to spend your last night of this Europe trip.

Day 10: Fly Home

Your London Paris Amsterdam itinerary for 10 days ends here.

Recommended: Liked our London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary for 10 Days? You’ll also love a different version of our 10 Days in Europe covering Germany, Belgium, France & Ireland. Read this guide to discover an adventurous Europe trip.

Accommodation for 10 Days in Europe

While planning an itinerary, it’s important to shortlist a handful of hotels that provide good services & amenities throughout your stay. Luckily, cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam are never short of boasting a wide range of accommodation.

No matter your style, preference, or budget – you’ll find the right hotel suited for this 10 day Europe itinerary. In each section below, we’ve categorized our handpicked hotels by price & service. Check them out, and feel free to explore the links redirecting to those particular stays.

For more info on any of the below hotels, you can check this page.

Where to Stay in London

This is what we recommend for choosing a stay in London –

Budget: Premier Inn London Euston Hotel – We recommend this hotel because of its proximity to London’s must-see sights. Moreover, you’re minutes away from the central King’s Cross and St Pancras because of its central location.

Mid-range: The Darlington Hyde Park – With easy access to London’s comprehensive transport links and other sight-seeing places, the Darlington Hyde Park hotel tops our mid-range category. The rooms within the hotel are clean and spacious, with ample amenities at your service.

Luxury: The Waldorf Hilton London – There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in the capital city. You’ll find all sorts of stays ranging from 3-star to 5-star, accommodating all your needs. For this category, we recommend the Waldorf Hilton Hotel. Under the brand of Hilton, you can be sure of experiencing world-class amenities during your stay.

Visit this page for more hotels, apartments, rental houses, and shared accommodations in London.

Where to Stay in Paris

This is what we recommend for choosing a stay in Paris –

Budget: Ibis Budget Paris Porte de Vincennes – This hotel is best suited for families looking to get accommodated at a budgeted price. With complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and other inclusive amenities, you can have a perfect experience throughout your stay.

Mid-range: Hotel Eiffel Seine – This hotel’s proximity to Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe makes it super convenient for visitors like you to book their stay. The rooms offered for the standard category are excellent at an affordable price.

Luxury: Shangri-La Paris – Luxury in Paris is defined by its fashion, restaurants, and hotels. Shangri-La Paris is known to redefine your staying experience, as it openly provides sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and Seine River. Moreover, its rooms and interior decor speak for themselves – as you witness the ultimate Parisian elegance.

Explore this catalogue to find more budget, mid-range, and luxurious stays in Paris.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Jordaan and 9 Little Streets are the best neighbourhoods in Amsterdam to stay in. Moreover, any hotel that conveniently sits next to the canals is perfect.

Budget: Hotel Hegra by Stanley Collection – Located on the Herengracht (Canal), the rooms and services offered by Hotel Hegra is far better than any budgeted price range. Attractions like Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and Museumphoto are just 6-minutes away from the hotel.

Mid-range and Luxury: Mr Jordaan Hotel – Most of Amsterdam’s tourist attractions are conveniently located off the Mr Jordaan property. Their amenities are excellent, with a good selection of in-house restaurants available for lunch & dinner.

Luxury: The Dylan Amsterdam – It’s one of the most luxurious hotels in Amsterdam. Because of its prime location at the Keizersgracht canal, you have easy access to prominent landmarks and restaurants in Amsterdam. Moreover, the rooms offered for each of the available categories is top-notch.

You can find more hotels in Amsterdam here.

How to Customize 10 Day London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary

You can totally customize this itinerary matching your needs, travel requirements, preference and of course budget!

Let’s say you want to change the order of these cities, making your travel route look like – London – Amsterdam – Paris or Paris – London – Amsterdam. This is possible.

While you can play changing the order of these cities, you may also have to note the travel time to reach each of these cities. Additionally, you’ll also have to consider the travel modes. For journey’s between London and Paris, or London and Amsterdam – we recommend Eurorail. It’s the fastest, most feasible option to travel across.

Further Readings & Important Resources

Through our partnership programs with various tour companies/operators, we make it easy for you to follow a checklist of all essential resources. We also have other blog posts on Europe to make your travel plans easy.

Furthermore, below provided links will come in handy when planning a trip to Europe –

Travel Realms Europe – You can find many related guides & itineraries on our website catering different streams of travel. Check our Europe category to discover more travel experiences.

Lonely Planet Europe – There’s nothing more useful than getting a Lonely Planet guidebook for yourself. While we may recommend things to help you plan a smooth travel, Lonely Planet extends more help to offer you end-to-end destination knowledge. This catalogue of European guidebooks will help you more.

Day-trips & Excursions – If you ever feel to extend this itinerary by adding a couple of days – we recommend GetYourGuide to find unique excursions & amazing day-trips. Moreover, you can also book skip-the-line, Paris Pass, and Museum Pass from their site at affordable rates.

The post London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe appeared first on Travel Realms.

Paris, a beloved European destination, captivates visitors with its charm. Its glistening boutique shops, iconic landmarks, vibrant markets, and fantastic nightlife are irresistible. However, Paris can easily overwhelm you with its myriad experiences, making itinerary planning a challenge.

When it comes to travelling to this lovely city, a 3-day trip can offer an impressive range of experiences. In this relatively short span, you can truly appreciate the city’s distinctive attractions.

This includes iconic visits to the Eiffel Tower and the renowned Louvre Museum, as well as indulging in delectable street food crepes and strolling through the enchanting neighbourhoods of Paris. In just three days, you can make the most of your visit and explore some of the city’s finest highlights.

Yes, a 3 day trip to Paris will be enough for you to admire its unique attractions most pleasantly. From touring the famous Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to eating street food crepes and exploring Parisian neighborhoods – you can cover most of the best attractions in Paris.

Considering the time & budget, we’ve put together a perfect 3 day Paris itinerary. It’s made for all age groups, especially first-time travelers seeking to find the best experiences on their Paris trip.

Overview of your 3 Days in Paris

In most of the Europe itineraries you book, Paris is either included for a day or two – making you hurry to switch between other European countries. While it seems that three days in Paris is less, it’s the other way round.

This Paris itinerary is designed to ensure you make the most of your visit by focusing on the city’s top sights and landmarks. The suggested schedule below provides a solid framework, allowing you to seamlessly incorporate optional tours to elevate your overall Parisian experience.

But, since Paris is a famous city to visit – you’ll often find long queues around its famous attractions. And, that’s the last you want to do – spending your vacation standing in long lines.

Following extensive research, we’ve compiled valuable tips to help you bypass long queues at Paris’s iconic landmarks. It’s crucial to secure your tickets well in advance, long before your actual trip, and within this post, you’ll find helpful links and resources to facilitate this process.

Additionally, please keep in mind that the timeframes outlined in the itinerary below are approximate, as your actual timings will vary based on the activities and experiences you choose, as well as the amount of time you decide to dedicate to each attraction.

That’s not all; along with your itinerary for 3 days, we’ve also put suggestions on where to stay in Paris, how to get around, the best time to visit, and budget travel tips.

Paris 3 Day Itinerary Schedule

Day 1: Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Paris Walking Tour, Arc de Triomphe, Seine River Cruise
Day 2: Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee D’Orsay & Wine Tasting Tour
Day 3: Versailles & Montmarte

Detailed 3 Days in Paris Itinerary

Paris Itinerary: Day 1

Eiffel Tower

There’s hardly a better way to kick off your Parisian adventure than by beginning with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Yes, it’s undoubtedly one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Paris, but no experience quite compares to basking in its enchanting ambience when you’re actually in the City of Light. For first-time travellers, setting foot on the Eiffel Tower may feel like the realization of a dream.

The Eiffel Tower stands as not only one of France’s but also one of the world’s most historic landmarks. It’s an absolute must-see, deserving to be explored and appreciated in its fullest glory. Whenever I find myself in Paris, I always prioritize a trip to the Eiffel Tower, and its sheer grandeur and beauty never cease to leave me awestruck.

There are different ways to experience the charm of the Eiffel Tower. If you plan on admiring its tower views, I recommend heading to either the Trocadero Gardens or the Champ de Mars Gardens to capture the best angles. These spots not only provide unparalleled vistas of the tower but also offer a delightful setting for a picnic with your friends and family

Alternatively, if you want to enjoy the Eiffel Tower from the inside, there are two options for ascending its heights. You can opt to climb the stairs for a more leisurely ascent or take the elevator for a quicker journey.

However, it’s crucial to note that if you intend to take the elevator, booking your tickets well in advance is a must. I’m talking about reserving them at least 6-7 weeks ahead of your planned visit. Some of my friends attempted to purchase tickets for a July visit at the end of May, only to find that all the tickets had already been snapped up.

Once you get to know your travel dates, make a note of booking your tickets immediately to avoid hassles.

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower. It’s probably the best option to tour the insides and get the skip-to-line option to avoid long queues. Moreover, you’ll also have the advantage of an expert guide leading your way across the tower sections. Most tours include only visiting the tower up to the second floor, but few like these can get you to the summit as well.

Note: If you don’t get a skip-to-line ticket for yourself, the long queues will be a nightmare. On the busiest summer day, the waiting can get up to 2-3 hours. Try to arrive early at the Eiffel Tower before its opening time or book your tickets in advance to avoid this frustration.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre holds a special place in my heart as one of my favourite destinations in Paris. What truly captivates me about this place isn’t solely its remarkable art or rich history, but the sheer scale of its architectural beauty that beckons me to return time and time again.

As one of the world’s largest museums, the Louvre stands as an awe-inspiring attraction that appeals to art enthusiasts and history aficionados alike. Visiting this iconic museum is an absolute must, offering a chance to immerse oneself in a treasure trove of legendary artworks, magnificent paintings, and an array of historical displays that truly bring history and art to life.

The Louvre is undeniably vast, and you could easily spend days exploring its extensive collections. To make the most of your visit, I recommend prioritizing the renowned paintings housed within this magnificent museum. This list includes masterpieces like Da Vinci’s iconic “Mona Lisa,” Michelangelo’s powerful “Dying Slave,” and the timeless “Venus de Milo.”

While there are countless other treasures to discover (which I’ll let you explore at your leisure), be sure to start with these main attractions to ensure an unforgettable experience.

The only drawback when visiting the Louvre Museum is the crowds. It’s a place that consistently draws throngs of tourists throughout the day. Sometimes, the serenity of appreciating art can be disrupted by the hustle and bustle of fellow visitors.

To enjoy a more tranquil experience, consider planning your museum visit during quieter times, specifically on Wednesday and Friday evenings. On these days, the museum extends its hours until 9:45 pm, allowing you to explore its treasures in the late evening when the crowds tend to thin out.

How to Skip the Lines at the Louvre?

These three ways can help you beat the long queues.

Get a Museum Pass: Purchasing a museum pass has many added benefits. Firstly, your entry fee to prominent sightseeing places gets covered, and secondly, you get the skip-the-line advantage. You can skip the ticket counter line for the Louver Museum but will mandatorily have to wait for the security queue. Visit this page to learn more.

Book your tickets: You can reserve your tickets on the official website. These usually cost €17 and need to be booked well in advance to block your slot. Sometimes, the website might show tickets being sold out. The other alternative to use is GetYourGuide. They often have the Louver Museum’s best tours and include skip-the-line access in the tour.

Arrive early morning or late evening: Arrive before the museum’s opening time can help you to beat the crowd. In the same way, on Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre is open until 9.45 pm. A late evening tour can also help you avoid significant tourists.

Sip Hot Chocolate at Angelina’s

A typical Parisian experience is treating yourself to the delectable hot chocolate at Angelina’s. Conveniently, it’s just a short, pleasant stroll from the Louvre, passing through the charming Tuileries Gardens. Angelina’s is renowned for its diverse range of hot chocolate recipes and scrumptious French pastries.

Paris Walking Tour

One of the best ways to admire the beautiful City of Lights is by taking leisurely strolls through its streets. While it may not be the quickest means to cover Parisian landmarks, exploring on foot offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to see the city’s sights from a different perspective and fully soak in its beauty.

I highly recommend considering a guided walking tour when exploring Paris. Don’t hesitate to engage with your knowledgeable guide, as they can provide invaluable local insights, recommend hidden gems, and share their favourite places to enhance your walking tour experience.

This personalized approach allows you to discover aspects of the city that often go unnoticed in guidebooks, making it one of the most enriching ways to travel and uncover the true essence of Paris.

While numerous tour operators offer guided walking tours in Paris, I would like to recommend considering Context Travel and Localers. These providers offer subject-based tours that delve into literary, art, history, and cultural themes, providing a unique lens through which to explore the city’s attractions.

These specialized tours can offer a deeper and more enriching experience for travellers who are passionate about these topics and wish to discover Paris from a unique perspective.

Moreover, if you prefer free walking tours around Paris, check this page.

Travel Tip: To save money on this 3-day Paris trip, get yourself a Paris Pass. With access to over 75+ attractions and tours including hop-on hop-off, Seine River cruise, museums and multi-combo trips. You can even choose from the 2,3,4 or 6-day city pass.

Arc de Triomphe

Following your walking tour, the next stop on your Parisian adventure should be to savour the breathtaking panoramic views from the Arc de Triomphe. This iconic monument offers one of the finest vantage points in the city, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning vistas of the roads stretching out towards the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, and the Louvre.

As you ascend the monument, take the opportunity to explore the museum nestled within the Arc de Triomphe. Here, you can delve into the rich history and significance of this iconic landmark. Beneath the museum, you’ll discover the tomb of an unnamed soldier, a poignant tribute to the sacrifices made throughout French history.

When you finally reach the top, be sure to gaze downward, and you’ll be treated to a remarkable sight—the sprawling expanse of one of the world’s largest roundabouts, where all the avenues of Paris converge.

Note: Exploring the interiors of Arc de Triomphe carries a small fee, and you will get free access with skip-the-line advantage if you’ve got your Paris Pass.

Seine River Cruise

Embarking on a Seine River Cruise is an absolute must when visiting Paris. It’s not only one of the city’s most popular activities but also a highlight of any Parisian itinerary, with multiple departures available throughout the day.

Cruising along the Seine River offers an unparalleled perspective for marvelling at the iconic landmarks featured in our 3-day Paris itinerary. The experience becomes even more enchanting when you opt for an evening cruise.

Witnessing the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Hotel de Ville, and other historical monuments illuminated against the night sky is nothing short of extraordinary, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Paris’s timeless beauty.

Paris Itinerary: Day 2

Our second day of 3 days in Paris takes you around historic monuments, churches and iconic museums. Feel free to edit this day as per your pace, interest and requirements.

Sainte Chapelle

Our first stop today is the beautiful Sainte Chapelle. While it may be a relatively small chapel, it boasts a breathtaking display of stained glass windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. The intricate craftsmanship on these glass panels is truly awe-inspiring, making it one of the absolute highlights of your 3 days in Paris.

Because of Sainte Chapelle’s popularity, the line to get inside can be extended. Like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, you’ll need to arrive early in the morning before its opening time. Moreover, the Museum Pass will provide a skip-the-line advantage on your arrival.

You’ll need to pay a fee to enter Saint Chapelle. You can book your tickets here or combine them with another attraction within Paris to bundle up a combo price.

Notre Dame Cathedral

A mere 10-minute stroll from Sainte Chapelle brings you to another of Paris’s iconic landmarks—Notre Dame Cathedral. This magnificent structure took nearly two centuries to complete and was finally inaugurated in 1345.

While a devastating fire in 2019 temporarily closed the doors of Notre Dame to the public, the cathedral is set to reopen in 2024 after an extensive renovation. However, there’s no need for disappointment, as you can still explore the cathedral’s parvis and outer facade, which in itself offers a striking and historic experience.

Moreover, it would be best to visit other nearby attractions like Conciergerie and Au Vieux d’Arcole (the prettiest cafe).

Musee d’Orsay

Paris boasts an astounding array of renowned museums, and exploring them all could indeed require a separate itinerary. However, one museum that truly distinguishes itself is the Musee d’Orsay.

Before you even reach this institution, I recommend taking a leisurely stroll along the Seine River. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming bookstands offering an array of books, covers, magazines, and posters.

Notably, you’ll also come across the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookstore, a celebrated literary haven in Paris. After this delightful exploration, make your way to the Musee d’Orsay for a memorable art experience.

I don’t get much fascinated by art, but the experience of visiting Musee d’Orsay was simply remarkable. The museum is home to the world’s most significant Impressionist art. If you love such a category, this place will be a paradisal site to visit. Famed artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Gaugin have their works displayed inside the museum to explore.

The museum’s location was once Paris’s central train station. Thus, the olden French look sets Musee d’Orsay stand as unique from other museums. There’s a small fee to get inside, but if you’ve your Paris Pass then its free.

Wine Tasting Tour

When you think of France, its rich wine culture naturally comes to mind. Indeed, the country is renowned for its exceptional wines and classic French vintages. So, why not take a break from your sightseeing agenda and savor some wine-tasting?

Near the Louvre Museum, you’ll discover Caves du Louvre, one of Paris’s premier destinations for experiencing the art of winemaking. Knowledgeable tour guides at this establishment will lead you through the essential steps of crafting a traditional French wine, allowing you to gain insights into the process. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of culinary wines, making it a delightful and educational experience for wine enthusiasts.

What adds a unique charm to this wine tour is its historical location. Set within an 18th-century wine cellar, which once served as the original wine collection spot for the French King, the setting itself is steeped in history and regal significance.

When you visit, you have the option to explore the cellar at your own pace using an interactive app. Alternatively, you can choose to be guided through the cellar by an expert narrator, gaining deeper insights into the wine-making process and the cellar’s historical importance.

Recommended: Want to explore Europe in 10 Days? We got you covered! Read our popular guide on London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary to discover amazing landmarks, top-rated attractions, planning tips, and other useful resources.

Paris Itinerary: Day 3

Ready for your final day in Paris? Today, we are heading out of the city to explore one of the lavish, most stunning venues – the Palace of Versailles. Along with it, we will also explore other sights.

Exploring the Palace of Versailles

Nestled just beyond the city limits of Paris, Versailles holds a significant place in France’s history. This royal chateau has been the residence of illustrious figures from French royalty, including Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. Beyond its regal associations, the palace also played a pivotal role in the consolidation of French political power, which was centralized at Versailles in 1682.

However, the era of Versailles as the epicenter of political power came to a close during the turbulence of the French Revolution, with political authority shifting back to the city of Paris, marking a momentous historical transition.

Versailles is undoubtedly a must-visit attraction in Paris, and it’s not just its historical significance that makes it so compelling. The sheer vastness of the estate, the meticulously manicured French-style gardens, and the opulent, sprawling rooms within the palace all add gloriousness to your visit.

The main palace alone boasts an astounding 2,300 rooms, with some of the most famous highlights including the Battles Gallery, the Hall of Mirrors, Marie-Antoinette’s Bedrooms, and the King’s Apartments.

Undoubtedly, your first-ever visit to Versailles might be a little overwhelming – as you would want to tour every room, corner, and outer grounds. But, do allow yourself the time to experience its beauty.

Recommended | Looking for a stay near Versailles? Book Appartements – Le Logis Versaillais – on your next visit to experience the best of comfort & luxury.

How long should you spend in Versailles?
If you’re looking to cover the palace’s highlights and a specific section of the gardens, budgeting 3 to 4 hours is reasonable.

However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Versailles experience, plan for an entire day. In this case, I recommend dedicating around two to three hours to the Château de Versailles, an additional hour for exploring the outer gardens, and an optional one to two hours for delving into the Domaine de Marie-Antoinette.

Operational Timings: The Palace of Versailles is closed on Mondays. If your day three supposedly happens to come on a Monday, you might need to change the order of this itinerary. The usual timings are from 9 am to 5.30 pm.

How much does Versailles cost? A ticket to the palace costs 18€, a musical garden pass costs 8,50€, and the Estate of Trianon and Fountains Night Show costs 33€ and 29€ respectively. For more details, check this page.

How to reach Versailles? Since the Palace of Versailles is located outside of the city, your travel card (t+ ticket) won’t be valid. You will need to purchase a full roundtrip ticket from the metro station to travel to Versailles. The RER C from Paris usually costs 7,3€. Other routes include travelling from train line L (Saint Lazare) and train line N (Montparnasse).

If you don’t spend your entire day in Versailles, here’s what you can do in the afternoon period.

Visit the Montmarte Region

Return to the city and make your way to the neighbourhood of Montmartre. This area is renowned for hosting another one of Paris’s iconic landmarks, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

If you’re considering a visit to Montmartre, I recommend planning it for late afternoon. During this time, the neighbourhood comes alive with the presence of locals, charming cafes, and unique shops that add to the area’s allure. If you arrive in time, you might also want to explore the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

You have the option to climb its tower for an even more breathtaking view, but please be aware that there is a small fee for this experience.

Montmartre is renowned for offering some of the most stunning sunset views in Paris. This historic neighbourhood was once a favoured haunt of legendary artists such as Picasso and Hemingway, who either lived in or frequented the area. To this day, Montmartre remains a gathering place for artists who come to set up their easels and capture the essence of the neighbourhood and its visitors.

Recommended | You should definitely consider booking Hôtel des Arts Montmartre on your trip to the Montmartre region. This hotel has been a preferred choice by most visitors travelling to Paris.

Itinerary Map of 3 Days in Paris

To help you give a visual representation of your 3-day trip to Paris, we’ve put together a map jotting all the attractions day-wise. You can view this on Google Maps here.

How to Customize 3 Days in Paris Itinerary

This 3-day trip to Paris can completely be modified or altered as per your travel schedule & timings. If you’re arriving in Paris on the exact same (day one) of your tour, then you’re likely to be tired/exhausted to carry on with the schedule.

One effective approach is to move the main attractions originally planned for day one, including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Seine River Cruise, to the second day of your itinerary. This adjustment can help you avoid exertion and ensure you have a more enjoyable and relaxed start to your Paris adventure.

In the same way, if you wish to extend your Paris trip to more days – feel free to explore these other Paris itineraries. Moreover, these optional full-day excursions will help you plan a perfect trip outside of Paris.

Planning Tips for 3 Day Paris Itinerary

These are some of the essential tips you need to follow during your 3-day trip to Paris.

What to Pack for 3 Days in Paris

The question of “What to pack for Paris?” is indeed a common concern for many visitors, and it’s an essential aspect of trip planning. My recommendation is to prioritize travelling light. Regardless of your travel destination, opt for a minimalist packing approach.

By packing efficiently and carrying only what you truly need, you can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Focus on versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched, and consider the weather conditions during your visit to ensure you have appropriate attire. Additionally, don’t forget to pack essential items like travel documents, chargers, and personal necessities.

I’ve written a separate detailed guide to help you with your Paris packing list. You’ll get a brief idea of what you need to pack, what you need to wear, and some other tips to help you travel smoothly.

Recommended: What to Wear in Paris – A Complete Clothing Guide & Packing List.

Get a Guidebook

Having a guidebook on tour comes in really handy to know insider tips, secret locations, and undiscovered pathways. I personally recommend using Lonely Planet or Fodor guidebooks for any of your trips. These two are the pioneers in curating books that provide useful resources. You can check some of my suggestions below:

Learn French Language

English is widely spoken across France. Especially in Paris – most locals are well-versed in English. But there’s no harm in prepping yourself with some French.

Personally, French sounds very elegant to me, and the language seems so charming that you can please anyone with a few local words.

Try to learn a few words or lines which you can use to interact with the locals in Paris. Saying ‘bonjour‘ or ‘Bonsoir‘ to greet can please the opposite person. Even if you make a mistake, nobody will judge you, and the Parisians will much appreciate your efforts.

I am sure there are many resources on the internet to improve your French skills. But here’s a helpful page to memorize fancy French words quickly.

Protect your Belongings

If this is your first time visiting Paris, you might not be aware, but pickpocketing has been a common issue.

There have been many incidents of pickpocketing, especially in crowded places like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. I even read an article on this issue, and it certainly gave me a good idea of how to avoid or protect your belongings from pickpockets.

Other than this issue, Paris is a safe city overall. Violent crimes are very low, so don’t get much bothered by them.

Museum Operational Timings

One of the things you need to consider is the timings of particular museums. Many museums in Paris do have varying schedules and may close on specific days, often Mondays or Tuesdays. It’s advisable to consult their official websites or calendars in advance to ensure you are well-informed about their operating hours during your visit.

If you find that a museum you planned to visit is closed on the day you intended, it’s a good practice to have alternative attractions or activities in mind. This flexibility in your itinerary allows you to make the most of your time in Paris and ensures that you’re well-prepared to adapt to any unforeseen situations

Museums that are closed on Monday:

• Musee Rodin
• Versailles Palace
• Musee d’Orsay

Museums that are closed on Tuesday:

• The Louvre Museum
• Pompidou Centre
• Musee de l’Orangerie

Note: If a museum is closed, the place will likely to receive a larger crowd than normal the following day. This is something you need to be aware of.

Where to Stay in Paris for 3 Days

Like any other European capital city, Paris is home to tons of accommodation options. From budgeted stays and luxurious hotels to homestays and apartments – you’ll find an ideal place to stay for your 3-day Paris itinerary.

Ideally, I would recommend you locate somewhere central to make it convenient to explore Parisian landmarks. This will help you will save you a lot of time.

Furthermore, have a look at these hotels listed on Booking.com. It’s my favourite booking platform to check out excellent hotels and deals, and my suggestion is to go through their categories to find and locate hotels that will be ideal for your trip.

Best Time to Visit Paris

The curated Paris itinerary provided above is versatile and suitable for travel in all seasons. Paris offers something unique in each season, making it a year-round destination.

Summer in Paris, from June to August, brings warmth and sunshine, making it a delightful time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions. Conversely, winter has its own charm with the allure of Christmas markets and festive stalls.

For a well-rounded experience with pleasant weather, many travelers prefer visiting Paris in September and October. During this period, the weather tends to be more moderate, making it ideal for exploring the city’s numerous attractions comfortably.

However, it’s important to note that summer does come with the downside of crowds. Popular landmarks, museums, shops, and markets can be heavily crowded, often leading to long queues. Additionally, the summer season tends to be the most expensive in terms of airfare, hotels, and ticket prices. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of each season and plan your visit accordingly based on your preferences and priorities.

If you need to budget travel to Paris, I recommend visiting in the winter. Lesser people travel during this time, cutting off most of your travel expenses. Here’s my detailed guide if you need to experience the Parisian winter activities.

Ultimately, I think Paris is a year-round destination, and it all depends on your budget, travel style, preference, and experience.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris boasts an exceptional public transport network, and the Paris Metro system is a prime example of this. Designed to provide convenient and cost-effective travel options, the metro system efficiently connects major parts of the city.

This means that travellers can easily navigate Paris without worrying about high transportation expenses, making it an affordable and accessible way to explore the many delights of the French capital.

In addition to the extensive metro network, Paris offers excellent connectivity through buses and local trains, providing travellers with a comprehensive public transport system.

For one-off travel within Paris, I recommend using t+ tickets. These tickets start at a reasonable price of 1.90€ and can be used interchangeably on buses, metros, and RER trains within the city. You can conveniently purchase these tickets at metro stations or through ticket vending machines, making it a cost-effective and flexible option for getting around Paris.

Further details and information can be found on the official transportation website for Paris.

The one-off t+ticket can only be used for a journey of up to 2 hours (metros) and 90 minutes (bus transfers). You can check their official page for more details. Moreover, I recommend purchasing a pack of 10 tickets which is much more cost-effective than a single pass.

Alternatively, you can get a Navigo Easy Card for yourself. This rechargeable card can get you a pack of 10 tickets more cheaper than the cardboard versions, and it’s also convenient to use for other transport modes within Paris.

Experiential Walking Tours of Paris

Walking tours are simply the best if you feel like exploring Paris more deeply. While the itinerary will take you to significant attractions of Paris, a walking tour will make your venture more about the city’s hidden gems and unexplored places.

Note: If you feel like taking a walking tour, you’ll need to adjust your 3 day Paris itinerary accordingly. You can even extend the itinerary to include these excursions.

I recommend two operators who are best at providing these walking trips around Paris. One is the City Free Tour, which offers small group tours around Paris, exploring its vibrant communities. This tour focuses on discovering neighbourhoods and getting to know their history & culture. For example, their Montmartre tour only focuses on showcasing the life and reality of the bohemian community.

The other one I recommend is the Localers. They specialize in unique walking tours, that are niche and context-based. For example, if you are interested in literary, food, heritage, and historical excursions – then Localers take you around places focusing on these particular subjects.

There are, of course, plenty of other walking tour operators that take you around Paris showcasing the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and Seine River cruises in rather a unique way. So definitely check out to explore the ideal one for you.

Further Readings

Paris Packing Guide – What to Wear in Paris in Winter: A Complete Clothing Guide & Packing List

Paris Winter Guide – Exploring the Best Parisian Activities in Winter

The post The Ultimate Paris Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Paris appeared first on Travel Realms.

Paris is a beautiful city to explore any time of the year. But in the winter, it’s even a magical experience to see its timeless beauty flow in motion.

If you’re planning to visit Paris in winter, you’ve already made a great choice! It’s a delightful season to tour iconic landmarks, famous Christmas markets, boutique stores, and fashionable shopping streets. Yes, it’s cold and windy – but don’t let that scare you off from the experience you will have during the winter season.

There are many reasons why you need to visit Paris in winter.

Winter brings a different perspective of the charming Paris we know of, from low hotel rates and cheap airlines to avoiding huge crowds at attractions!

But as you plan to have a perfect trip to Paris, you’ll want to ensure that you only pack essential items. And exactly what this guide is all about!

Below, you will find details on what to wear in Paris in winter and a complete packing checklist. This will help you note the things to pack, clothes to wear, and how to look chic and fashionable in Paris.

What is the Weather Like in Paris in Winter

Before deciding on what to wear in Paris, it’s essential to know the weather conditions. This will give you a brief understanding of what to expect when traveling to Paris during the winter months.

To sum up the weather in Paris – it’s cold, windy, and quite rainy. Generally, winter in Paris starts from late November through early March, and it is known to have gloomy, dark weather throughout. With random showers throughout the day, it’s better to keep track of the weather before traveling anywhere.

Paris’s winter isn’t as cold as you might think. With temperatures ranging from 7°C (44°F) to lows of 3°C (37°F), the weather is still pretty average. However, it still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Occasionally, the winters in Paris can be harsh and can vary the moment you step out to explore.

Hence, I recommend you always check for the weather forecast, and it is as vital as planning other stages of your travel. Once you know the weather for a particular day, focus on the clothing attire you’ll be wearing, which can easily complement your travel suitcase.

Though snow in Paris is very unlikely, you still can’t be sure of the weather pattern. It varies a lot – some months having no snow, while others, piling up anything. It was only back in 2010 when Paris faced 14 snowstorms in December. But, since then, the weather convention has wholly changed.

Note: If it snows in Paris, some sites or attractions might close. You might want to check this in advance to plan an alternative for your daily schedule.

When it comes to packing for Paris, it’s better to be prepared for worse. It’s okay to carry a few extra pairs of clothes, just to be overprepared for your Paris trip. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend most of your time impulsively buying things to accommodate your clothing needs.

And since there’s so much to explore in Paris, you instead spend quality time visiting its attractions than shopping for perfect attires.

What Do People Wear in France: Paris Winter Outfits

Paris is a fashionable city, and the locals have a real sense of fashion when choosing the perfect attire. The typical French-looking outfit never goes out of style to mark its presence, be it any occasion or event, and it’s sharp, simple, and distinct.

The motto for women in Paris is ‘Less is More. They only wear attires that make them look versatile without adding extra layers. For Parisians, comfort is more important than following a particular trend. They want to look good in clothes that flatter them and make them look confident. The dress or combination of clothing they wear is effortless, and it’s like throwing an outfit onto a bed and just wearing them to go off for an event. But, in reality, they do spend minimal time curating their wardrobe to match their needs.

Parisians make a genuine effort to look chic and straightforward. They admire casual and easy looks, giving their outfits an aesthetic look. They take their approach to fashion vividly, to combine a signature look of their own. Hence, when you visit Paris – you’ll often find people wearing attires with a pleasing palette of colors. It’s not bold enough to make you stare but rather elegant to appreciate it.

When you look at a French wardrobe, there’s nothing fancy to be bemused. They generally contain basic clothing apparel with mixed fetching colors. Most locals in Paris will wear outfits that you may already have in your wardrobe.

Parisians don’t go on to buy tons of different items to remain fashionable. Instead of trying out other trends, they re-imagine or re-style their wardrobe materials. With their immense sense of creativity, they might ace a perfect Parisian look with an essential mix of garments. They always re-wear and style to remain looking modifiable in their outdoor travels.

And if you want to know what these “basic garments” are that give a typical Parisian look, then here’s a shortlist –

• Stripped T-shirt/ White Tee
• Perfect pair of blue jeans
• Classic Trench Coat
• Ballet Flats
• Tailored Blazer
• Black Dress
• A perfect side bag

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Parisian Style

What to Wear in Paris in Winter: Outfit Ideas

Best Winter Coats

Winter coats are like a protective shell guarding your body while exploring Paris in winter. It’s one of the essential packing items to go in your bag and all the other accessories. When you decide on selecting a coat for yourself, get something fashionable that will look chic in Paris. I would suggest going for this classic winter-styled coat or this fleece-lined jacket for your winter wear.

No matter which one you select, ensure that you get a coat that will keep you warm during the long nights in Paris.

Warm Sweaters

In terms of tops, I like to wear classic yet straightforward warm sweaters that can keep me warm. Well, in markets, there are so many types of sweaters to choose from that it’s tough to select the right one.

I highly recommend buying travel-friendly fabric sweaters such as cashmere or merino wool for a Paris trip. Other cotton materials can keep you warm, but the ones mentioned are lightweight and super convenient for a long duration. Usually, these sweaters are a little pricey, but it’s a long-term investment if you’re planning to get one.

I’ve had a few merino wool sweaters, which surprisingly lasted longer than I thought. So, it’s worth stocking up a few during seasonal sales.

Waterproof Rain Jacket

I would recommend a waterproof rain jacket over any regular winter coat to wear in Paris in winter, and it’s an absolute must-wear essential in Paris.

You would usually find locals in Paris wearing regular coats like these, but they aren’t going places for sightseeing like you’re going to do on your trip. Some of the landmarks in Paris have long-standing queues making you wait for hours and hours. I stood in a line to get inside the Louvre Museum, and it almost took me 45-minutes. And sadly, it was raining cats and dogs that late evening. But thanks to my waterproof jacket that kept me warm during the waiting period.

I’ve used many jackets before, but I recommend these options for a convenient fashion look. If the price is tinkering with you, you can lower your budget for non-branded jackets. Nonetheless, keeping yourself warm matters more than looking subtle.

Shoes to Wear in Paris Winter

There will be a lot of walking during your exploration of Paris, so you’d want to ensure that you get the best pair of shoes to wear. Even if it’s not leather boots (waterproof ones), you can go for something casual and sleek-looking wear. If your trip involves walking tours, heels may not be an excellent idea for women. This may get problematic during your sightseeing, so I recommend you avoid it. It’s alright to carry a pair for any outdoor event or a party.

For some inspiration, take a look at this catalog of shoes.

Get a Winter Hat

A hat is one of the cool winter accessories you should pack for a Paris trip. Travelers commonly avoid it, but it does make a huge difference in keeping yourself warm.

I prefer a soft hat, tightly knit, which can fit my head properly. Plus, whichever hat you might be wearing should cover your ears completely. Brownie points – if it’s lined up with fleece!

Many would like to go for colorful hats to adorn their Paris winter outfits, so I recommend these options to you.

Touch Screen Winter Gloves

For what to pack in Paris in winter, a pair of warm gloves are a must. Not just any regular gloves, but touch-sensitive ones. This will prevent you from having to remove the gloves to use your phone.

Don’t go for something fancy or high-tech, just get a normal pair like these ones.

What to Pack for Paris in Winter: Essential Checklist

Now that you’re aware of what to wear in Paris, it’s time to note the items to pack for your trip. This list will give you a brief idea of all the Paris winter essentials.

Backpack or Suitcase

You’ll need a good sturdy bag for all the accessories and clothing items. Depending on what you prefer – a backpack or travel suitcase – you need to ensure the one you’re purchasing is excellent and reliable. Check out these great super light, convenient, and durable items for backpackers. For travelers who prefer a suitcase, this highly-rated bag is for you.

If you’re getting an excellent travel bag from a store, go for it! But ensure that it lasts for a good period.

Winter Accessories

You’ll need all the essential winter items for your Paris trip right from carrying gloves, woolen socks, and a hat. Even if your clothing game isn’t the strongest, these accessories will beat the Paris weather.

When packing for Paris, ensure you get your scarf or a clothing material to wrap around your neck. These inexpensive scarfs made, which typically give a cashmere look, might help. Also, it’s better to carry an extra pair of long sleeve t-shirts for your journey. Wearing inside your jacket will bring an extra bit of warmth to your body.

Thermal Wear

When deciding what to pack for Paris in winter, you can’t leave thermal wear behind. They are absolute life saviors to beat the cold in Paris. When the temperatures dip below 6°C (42°F), you’ll need merino wool thermal inside your clothing attire. These merino typed materials are the best fabric for warm thermals.

It’s also good to carry silk thermal pants to stay warm in cold weather. If you’re traveling daily for sightseeing in Paris, the rain and wind can kick in hard. So, it’s best to wear warm clothes to protect yourself.

Dark Denim Jeans

These types of jeans are particular great clothing essential for outdoor travel. Because of their thickness, they usually keep your legs warm. Moreover, their dark denim color makes it easy for you to use it for an entire course of travel repeatedly.

And if you’re confused about whether to opt for light or dark denim, then go for the latter one. It’s classic and quite fashionable in Paris, especially in winter. They can easily cover the dirt and need not necessarily be washed during your entire trip.

Ankle Boots

Leather boots are a must when planning what to wear in Paris in winter. Often visitors ignore this essential item, but it’s good to carry them for your trip. You’ll often find Parisians wearing ankle-length boots to keep themselves warm. But, it’s even better if you get taller boots like these to wear in Paris winter.

When you shop for any particular shoe, lookout for the ones tagged ‘waterproof.’ These materials are usually an excellent alternative for snow boots and hiking shoes.

Anti-theft Bag

As you go through your packing list of what to wear in Paris in winter, carrying an anti-theft bag might not be a must-buy accessory. However, handbag thefts are common in Paris. Especially, in busy tourist areas like the Louvre and the Eiffel – thefts happen occasionally.

The benefit of having an anti-theft bag is that you can keep it hanging securely in front of your body. Ensure that you hold it properly while traveling in Paris. I usually recommend carrying the Fur Jaden Anti-Theft Bag for travel purposes. Also, these other crossbody bags will comfort your daily to and fro travel.

First-Aid Kit

Having a first-aid kit on your Paris packing list is a must. As a traveler, you shouldn’t explore tourist places without a small first-aid kit in your bag. I recommended this item to fulfill your medical items needed to attend to unforeseen injuries during your trip. It’s a small bag and won’t take up much backpack space.

Travel Insurance

One of the essential things to have when planning a trip to any country is travel insurance. It’s not just Paris, but ensure that you have your travel insurance sorted anywhere you go.

If you’ve planned your trip via a tour operator, then a basic plan is usually covered in the package. But, if you’re solo-tripping Paris, make sure to get coverage for yourself. There are many companies out there where you can purchase travel insurance – but I recommend World Nomads. They are the best in the service, and their claim support is far better than any other operator.

Toiletries Pack

Before you sort your toiletries for your Paris trip, get this TSA-approved toiled bag for yourself. You can check this toilet hanging bag if that’s what you prefer.

Other essential toiletries you can carry include lip balm, body cream, hair shampoo, body lotion, prescription medicine (if needed), toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, perfume, razors, and a makeup kit.

Lonely Planet Paris

Lonely Planet is a leading pioneer in crafting high-quality guidebooks and travel suggestions. There’s nothing like using their book to explore the gems of Paris, and I use all their guidebooks for touring around any country. Hence, I recommend you carry a copy of Lonely Planet’s Paris book. You’ll get everything you need in this, along with excellent travel suggestions and ideas.

Portable Travel Accessories

Power Bank: Cold weather conditions in Paris can cause your phone battery to drain quickly. Ensure that you carry a portable power bank handy to keep your phone charged while traveling. Moreover, choose a high-powered battery pack that can sustain the charge almost daily.

Universal Travel Adapter: If you’re traveling to Paris from continents like North America, Central America, and most of Asia – you’ll need an international portable adapter. The converters used in Paris differ from what you might be used at home. So consider buying a universal adaptor/ voltage converter for your electronic items.

Memory Cards for Cameras: With all the photos you’ll be taking in Paris, you’re likely to run out of storage sooner than later. And nothing’s more annoying than not having a memory card in your backpack. You can choose this SanDisk or Samsung memory card to backup your camera storage for more photos.

Important Tips for Paris Packing List

These are some important tips to help you travel smart and look more fashionable –

Make the right investment: You’ll need to invest smartly in the clothes you will buy for the Paris trip. Just because you need to look fashionable doesn’t mean you’ll go out of your allocated budget. Shortlist the items you want to buy, compare prices on different platforms, and buy them. Some winter outfits like cashmere coats and merino wool can cost you a lot, so ensure you make the right investment.

Go for an aesthetic look: Simple-looking colors define Paris winter outfits. So, instead of going for bold colors – choose those that give a stylish, classic appeal. Take inspiration from these chic outfits.

Travel Light: Packing light for Paris must be your top priority. Once you’ve planned your itinerary for Paris, choose the number of clothes you’ll need and then decide the number of bags you need to carry. Ensure to carry a side-arm bag during your exploration to keep important things handy.

Don’t forget small accessories: Scarfs, gloves and a hat are as important as your other winter outfits. Make sure to get a pair of these items ready to be packed in your bags.

Wrapping Up on What to Wear In Paris in Winter

And that was our final list of what you need to wear, plus what to pack for Paris in winter.

With this post, we hope your travel plans for Paris will be much smoother and seamless. And if there’s anything you’ll like to add, feel free to comment down below. I’ll be updating this post frequently to bring out fresh new ideas.

The post What to Wear in Paris in Winter: A Complete Clothing Guide & Packing List appeared first on Travel Realms.

When you dream of Ireland, you often picture green rolling hills, expansive coastline, gloomy weather, historic castles and pubs & cafes. While all of these truly exist in the country, Ireland is so much more than you can ever imagine!

Ireland isn’t just a place where you go and discover a few locations, hop on some tours, and get back home. It’s a destination that needs to be experienced with every day you spend in the country.

You can do much more than simply touring around, and that’s precisely what we want to show you on this fantastic Ireland itinerary for 7 days.

Ireland boasts beautiful parks, admirable castles, medieval splendours, gorgeous cliffs and lakes, and roads that take you on a magical journey. The best way to tick off all the bucket-list experiences is to self-drive around Ireland. Rent a car, map your route, list down the places you want to cover – and boom, you already have a perfect itinerary ready!

But, it isn’t as easy as it sounds because we want to make sure you nail every planning checklist for your Ireland trip. Right from hitting the best corners of the city to road-tripping ideas and accommodation, we cover everything you need to know in this epic 7 day road trip around Ireland.

This guide will come in handy when you start planning for your Ireland trip – so make sure you keep it bookmarked somewhere, or skip to the guide’s important section to grab some notes quickly.
So without any further ado, let’s get started!

Overview of the Ireland itinerary for 7 days

The itinerary designed for your 7 days in Ireland is one of the most thoughtful and well-researched road trip layouts. Considering that you only have a week to spend in Ireland – we want to bring out the best of the highlights and landmarks you could see while driving around.

This includes exploring Ireland’s famous attractions, visiting popular cities, discovering Irish cafes & pubs, and getting to know more of the country’s backstory. It thus gives you a perfect chance to witness Ireland’s beauty in just 7 days.

Moreover, this isn’t only about exploring certain places or iconic locations within each city. As you take this 7 day road trip around Ireland, you’ll be treated to panoramic lookouts, coastal cliffs, and county villages. In the end, it’s all about experiencing and admiring Ireland’s extraordinary beauty.

Road Trip Layout for Ireland Itinerary 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin
Day 2: Cork
Day 3: Blarney, Cahir & Rock of Cashel
Day 4: Ring of Kerry Experience
Day 5: Galway
Day 6: The Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands
Day 7: Fly Home

Note: This itinerary can be undertaken by any age group. All the activities & optional tours suggested below compliments our 7 day driving tour of Ireland.

Detailed Ireland Itinerary for 7 days

Day 1: Dublin

Dubin, the capital of Ireland, is blessed with incredible Georgian architecture, award-winning restaurants, world-class museums, libraries, high-end stores, and beautiful public parks. It’s a small city packed with Ireland’s most charming gems.

Dublin is known for its history. While the influence of Vikings has washed away, its traits and cultural influence remain at the heart of this capital city. The whole of Dublin is a living museum, celebrating heritage and hedonism in the best possible way. The medieval-style castles, the old building structures, and its beautifully carved alleyways – are standing examples of architectural splendours Dublin boasts.

But it isn’t history that only brings out the charm of Dublin. The Irish pubs and cafes popularize the modern setting of this teensy city, and the local’s relationship with Ireland’s bars and restaurants is quite a story. At night, these social meeting places become a perfect social lubricant of what Dublin’s energy is. You meet new people, hear fascinating stories, and get to know the city’s most iconic tales in a rather funny way.

So while you’re here, we want to showcase the best of Dublin in this fantastic Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Below are some of the suggested things to do in Dublin –

Drink like the Irish

The best way to indulge in a country’s authentic experience is to try out what the locals love. And there’s nothing like visiting one of Ireland’s most iconic bars – the Temple Bar. Tourists love this place as much as the residents do, and you’ll find all sorts of travellers jumping on their drinking game and enjoying their life to the fullest.

The Temple Bar’s history dates back to the 1300s. It is one of the oldest bars in Dublin but has modernized well enough to attract tourists worldwide. Its typical red exterior is as famous as its history, and you’ll find fantastic nightlife scenes on weekends.

If you want to get started on your bar-hopping experience in Ireland, then the Temple Bar is where to get started.

Visit Trinity College 

An example of architectural wonder and a place most readers would dream of exploring, Trinity College is a must-visit attraction in Ireland.

Founded in 1592, the place has become a tourist hub to attract all bibliophiles and architectural lovers. The college has many corridors, rooms, and seating areas to discover. Mainly, its famous section – the Long Room – is home to over 200,000 books, which have also been featured in Star Wars and Harry Potter films.

Trinity College also houses the Book of Kells – a richly illustrated, well-manuscript document featuring the word of all four Gospels present in the New Testament. It is Ireland’s most important cultural treasure, widely popular globally.

Day 2: Cork

Fringed by lush green mountains and evergreen plantations, Cork is Ireland’s largest county. The beauty of Cork lies in the diversity it presents – boasting a dramatic coastline, unspoiled beaches, harbour areas, and a lively urban atmosphere.

Along with the things to see in Cork, there are plenty of magical activities to do. Right from exploring its restaurants, cafes, and lively food markets – the city sets itself a high culinary mode for the tourists and residents to keep up. Its shopping centres and exciting music scenes lit up the nightlife every day!

Check out our recommended things to do in Cork below – 

Drive the Ring of Beara 

You might’ve already heard about the famous Ring of Kerry (which we have included in our itinerary), but not many visitors make it a point to explore the Ring of Beara.

This is one of the hidden, most stunning places to explore, with absolutely gorgeous views and narrow minor roads alongside the cliffs. The place is wild, unexplored, and less-ventured – thus making it an excellent spot to detour.

If you’ve rented your car at the start of this tour, perhaps you can even think of camping overnight near Beara Peninsula.

Explore the English Market 

Exploring markets in Ireland is one thing, but visiting the English Market is one of the best things in Cork. Being one of the world’s oldest municipal markets, the site has gained popularity for over a decade with its overall culinary speciality.

Sellers/resellers come from different parts of the country to sell their share of unique products to travellers. Artisan loaves of bread, fresh fruits & vegetables, local meat produce, and other dairy items are just a few things you’ll commonly find in the English Market.

In addition to the products you get, tourists can sample Irish coffee in one of the cafes or sample local cuisine at Farmgate Restaurant. Other stalls regularly sell farm produce goods and snacks (with local flavours).

Visit the town of Cobh 

A 30-minute drive from Cork will introduce you to the cute little town of Cobh. It’s nothing fancy, and it isn’t on the top things to do – but what makes Cobh a great place is its Titanic Ticket Office.

Yes, Cobh was where Titanic last left before the tragedy struck. It was this very official ticket counter where passengers booked their pass to journey across the Atlantic via the famous Titanic.

When you visit Cobh, you can book a guided tour to experience all of Titanic’s story and background. You get to know the passengers who boarded, what was it like on the ship and how the whole event occurred. Moreover, there are some interesting stories to hear from the expert guides (which I won’t spoil for you). These tours take 1 hour and can cost you between 10-and 15 euros per person.

Excursion to Ballycotton Cliff 

Cork’s beauty isn’t only restricted to its nearby towns and villages and places located within some distance. A 40-minute drive from Cork will take you to one of the stunning fishing villages of Ireland – Ballycotton. Known for its beaches and excellent sea-food restaurants, visiting this lovely town has to be included in your Ireland itinerary for 7 days.

One of the best ways to admire Ballycotton’s beauty is to walk the five-mile trail. Staring from the town itself, the trail leads you to unimaginable hideouts and scenic viewpoints till you reach Ballyandreen beach. You don’t necessarily have to walk the entire course, but gather some strength to hike a specific portion to enjoy East Cork’s countryside and beaches.

Day 3: Blarney, Cahir & Rock of Cashel

It’s time to take this Ireland itinerary to its authentic experience – by visiting some of the country’s finest castles. Today, opt to take a guided experiential tour of Ireland’s three popular attractions – Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, and Rock of Cashel.

Start your day by visiting Blarney Castle first. It’s one of the most visited places in Ireland, housing the iconic ‘Blarney Stone’. Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney still holds the charm of its old-appealing fortress – pleasing tourists with its massive area to explore. Once inside the castle, climb up the tower to kiss the Blarney Stone for a “gift of the gab”. Soak in the splendid views of the surroundings, and then explore the castle’s historic dungeons, stone structures, and powerfully built pillars.

You also explore Blarney Castle’s lush green surrounds and gardens – the Witch’s Kitchen, Badger’s Cave, and the Wishing Steps. If you want to purchase souvenirs, head to Blarney Woollen Mills.

Post your exploration at the Blarney, and get your private vehicle ready to journey north of Cork. Arrive at County Tipperary, and explore one of Ireland’s seven wonders – the Rock of Cashel. The site has played a significant role in shaping the history and religion of the country. It’s also associated with legendary names, such as St. Patrick and King Aengus.

Exploring the Rock of Cashel is a must-do activity in Ireland. Aside from the history, the locations within the castle are stunning. Ensure to visit the Hall of Vicars, the Round Tower, the Celtic Cathedral, and the surrounds bordering the court. Inside, Ireland’s oldest wall painting is inspired by Romanesque architecture.

Finally, head your way to the last stop of the day – Cahir Castle. Amongst the many remarkable castles Ireland already boasts, Cahir is one of my personal favourites to visit. The authorities have beautifully preserved it to date, with many structures and spaces inside the walls still intact.

Overnight at Cork.

Day 4: Killarney

Get ready for another exciting adventure as you drive along with one of Ireland’s most famous routes.

So far, the places we discovered, the cities we visited, and our experiences were just an introduction to what Ireland boasts. Your 7 day road trip around Ireland gets even better by taking the scenic route of the Ring of Kerry.

Whilst driving the admirable roads of the county, you’ll witness the timeless beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula flow in motion. The entire stretch is filled with picturesque villages, weather-worn cliffs, medieval castles, and historic churches. It’s a surreal experience for those visiting Ireland for the first time.

Start your journey from Killarney, home to the country’s first national park and other important landmarks. Continue driving down the peninsula, and make stops at intervals to soak in splendid views of the surroundings. Head south of Killarney to explore the quirky towns of Kenmare and Sneem before driving further into the coastal towns of Waterville and Caherdaniel. This was the place where Charlie Chaplin loved to spend holidays.

Explore the shops, stalls, and evergreen markets that line up these charming towns. You’ll also find a good collection of bars and cafes across the region, where you can relax and spend some time.

After your exploration, continue your journey exploring the Ring of Kerry. Some of the prominent stops you need to see & visit include Ross Castle (15th-century castle), Torc Waterfall, Cahersiveen (known for panoramic views), Cahergal Stone Fort, and Skellig Rocks.

Read this article to find a detailed version guide on what to see along the Ring of Kerry.

Day 5: Galway

Galway is known to house some of Ireland’s bold attractions – the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the astonishing Wild Atlantic Way route, and the charming Aran Islands. The rugged beauty of Galway is everything you need when you explore its surroundings.

Many visitors who travel to Galway use the city as their base to travel to other notable locations. Some of the best Ireland tours indeed depart from the city – making other attractions accessible and convenient.

However, Galway isn’t just known for the opportunities it presents for full-day excursions. The activities are brims with upscaled energy of nightlife, pubs, theatres, and musical shows within the city. There’s never a day where you don’t see an event buzzing across the street. Be it any time of the day, Galway won’t disappoint you with the abundance of things to discover.

And while we’re here, we would recommend taking up the below-guided tour – 

Excursion to Connemara & Cong 

This full-day tour of Connemara and Cong is a perfect chance for you to witness Galway’s unique attractions in action. This is ideal for all travellers who only stay up in the city for a day.

As you venture into a typical Irish countryside, you’ll be dazzled with plenty of stops you will experience. The first on the list is the famous Cong Abbey, known for its striking ecclesiastical architecture. The surrounding area is just as beautiful as the Abbey itself, so make sure you get many photos.

Walk inside the village, and explore the lush green gardens that hem the wooden blockhouses. Interestingly, Cong Abbey has been featured in many classic films, especially in ‘The Quiet Man’ back in the 1950s. Continue your exploration of the village, stroll around, and marvel at Ireland’s largest lake – Lough Corrib.

Enter the Lough Nafooey route, and discover some of Connemara’s hidden valleys. The more you venture inside these pathways, the more you’ll feel lost admiring the views. Later, take a well-deserved break and grab a lunch to re-energize.

Suppose you wish to continue more, head to Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Please note that you’ll need to purchase tickets for this particular entry in advance. Post your tour, take a scenic circuit tour of Lough Corrib by visiting Oughterard, Inagh Valley, and Maam Cross.

Overnight at Galway.

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands

On the final day of your 7 days in Ireland, we experience two of the country’s most iconic gems – Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands.

No visit to Ireland is complete without visiting the attractions of the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a dream for many tourists to at least explore these blockbuster places once in their lifetime. And we made sure that we included these towards the end of our itinerary as a cherry on top.

The Cliffs of Moher are truly dramatic and imposing in every way. The beauty of the rugged coastline makes this place deeply appreciated by travellers. But it isn’t only the Cliffs of Moher that takes the big slice of your experience, but also its expansive views that steal the game.

The primary viewing experience comes during sunset when the sun takes a dip across the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s again a surreal moment, having to witness such a beautiful glimpse. The views extend up to Aran Islands and the Dingle Peninsula on a bright sunny day. Moreover, you’ll spot Twelve Pins mountain and the coastline of Galway Bay from the cliffs themselves.

With over 600 metres of exploration trails and scenic platforms, Cliffs of Moher expands your discovery to multiple places within its location. Many of these platforms are spread across the Main, North and South arenas. If that’s not enough, you can head to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre. You get a few choices to select your viewing platform, all offering 360-degree panoramas. You also do not want to miss out the O’Brien’s Tower to catch the Cliffs of Moher from a new angle.

The ideal experience of touring the Cliffs of Moher isn’t only limited to these platforms and visitor centres and the exploration trails you discover at your leisure. While you admire the coastline, you also want to make sure to grab a binocular to spot different species of birds. The cliffs are home to the mainland seabird colony, housing more than 20 unique species of nesting birds.

While we want you to stay at the Cliffs of Moher for as long as you can, you also do not want to miss out on a short detour to the Aran Islands. You can board a 30-minute ferry ride to the islands to spot marine life in action. Bottlenose dolphins often dock near the island shore, making them relatively easy to spot.

This boat ride also allows you to grab a glimpse of the Cliffs of Moher from below. Make sure to allow yourself some time to relax at both these attractions.

Day 7: Dublin

Depart from Dublin.

Recommended: Want to get the best of Europe in 10 Days? Read our popular guide on – the 10 Day Europe Itinerary.

Essential Planning Tips for 7 Days in Ireland

Below are some of the useful planning tips for the Ireland trip itinerary.

How to Plan a Road Trip Around Ireland

Ireland’s transportation is vast and pretty efficient. Also being relatively affordable, the transport network in and around the major cities makes it convenient for travellers to visit across. But, let’s list down all the possible ways of exploring Ireland:

Rent a Car – Since our itinerary for Ireland is a pure road trip based experience, renting a car is the option to look out for. This mode gives you the maximum freedom to travel across Ireland’s gorgeous countryside by yourself. Surprisingly, renting a car in Ireland isn’t that expensive.

Travel Tip: If you’re looking to rent a car for an Ireland road trip, then Rentalcars is the best in the service. You can compare different prices offered by tour operators and then snag the best deal.

Travel by Train: Traveling by train to Ireland is one of the most affordable transport modes. The connectivity isn’t excellent, especially when you want to visit idyllic villages in the county, but it still makes a great choice to save some money on tour.

Travel by Bus: The bus is the option to go for for the places where the train connectivity is an issue. There’s a decent network of these buses that operate regularly between major cities and small towns.

Useful Drivings Tips for Ireland Road Trip

Here are some handy driving tips to help you travel safe and smooth:

1. People in Ireland drive on the left side of the road. You’ll need to get used to this transition, especially if you’re not habitual to driving on the left.
2. Some roads in Ireland can be very narrow. Driving down these beautiful roads seems beautiful and romantic, but you need to take it slow in certain places.
3. Go for a small rental car. There’s no need for a large-spaced vehicle if you aren’t travelling with a group. Get a smaller car for yourself, saving money on gas and rental duration.
4. Take your time. Ireland’s countryside and coastal highways are meant to be appreciated, so make sure you give them the time to really admire the views.
5. Make sure you have travel insurance for the entire duration of your trip.

For more driving tips in Ireland, check out this amazing guide.

Book your Flights

One of the most crucial stages of planning any trip is booking cheap flights. Yes, we all look for the cheapest to & fro flights when it comes to arranging our holiday. Often, we check multiple platforms and flight operators for rates and get disappointed with the rates they offer. However, with Skyscanner, you can be assured of booking the cheapest flight to your holiday destination.

It’s one of my favorite engines to search flights, compare rates from different airlines, and find the lowest fare for a travel destination. The detailed comparison of the rates gives you a comprehensive idea of what to expect, how to budget your trip, and how to fly with the correct airline.

Lonely Planet for Ireland

Lonely Planet is a leading pioneer in curating travel guides for various destinations. There’s nothing quite like using their own book, to get excellent travel tips & advice. I have been using their guidebooks for all my travel-related essentials, and it has helped me to a great extent. I recommend buying one of these guidebooks to smoothen out your Ireland road trip itinerary –

Best Time to Visit Ireland

Most travellers aim to travel to Ireland between June and August (summer months), but for me, the best time to visit Ireland is around late May. The temperatures are mild, the city attractions aren’t much crowded, and the green countryside and rolling hills bloom with bright colours.

Travelling during the summer also provides you with a pleasing experience of less traffic during your road trip. Alternatively, you can also plan a trip to Ireland from September to November.

Accommodation for Ireland Itinerary 7 Days

Accommodation is plenty when you travel to Ireland. Right from luxury hotels, to budget rooms, and hostels – Ireland does cater to all sorts of travellers staying in the country.

Since there are so many hotels and budgeted stays in each of Ireland’s cities – it’s difficult for us to post the entire list here. However, these below links will help you select the right hotel at the right price.

Note: You will need to filter down your selection criteria by the cities drafted in our Ireland itinerary. Doing so will ensure that the hotels you select will complement the layout of our road trip.

Budget Hotels in Ireland – Check out a catalogue of pocket-friendly hotels in Ireland. While cities like Dublin and Galway are a bit expensive to stay in, especially within the city centre – you can still find some decent properties for a good budget.

Mid-range Hotels in Ireland – Need to find hotels with a good set of amenities and services? Here’s our recommended list for the mid-range category hotels.

Luxury Hotels in Ireland – Want to book a luxurious stay in Ireland? Check out these fancy hotels.

Guided Tours for 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

Apart from the activities, we suggested in the itinerary above – we also want to recommend some guided tours. These full-day trips & excursions give you great flexibility to explore Ireland’s main attractions in a timely manner. With the help of experts & tour guides, you can be sure of spending some quality experience.

Further Readings & Resources

London Paris Amsterdam – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
London Paris Barcelona – London Paris Barcelona Itinerary: Ultimate 10 Days in Europe
Paris Itinerary – 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland

Other Classic Itineraries

Scotland – Scotland Itinerary 7 Days: How to Spend a Week in Scotland
Alaska – 7 Day Alaska Itinerary: How To Spend A Week in Alaska
California – 10 Day California Road Trip: One Epic California Itinerary

The post Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days | 2023 Edition (Road Trip Guide) appeared first on Travel Realms.

Want to discover Greece in a short span of time? Then buckle up for a new adventure, as you travel down to some of the quaintest towns of Greece in this short Greek vacation.

Greece, the Mediterranean bliss, is one of Europe’s perfect getaways to relax and experience coastal life. As we all rightly know, Greece is all about exploring the famous locations of Santorini, Mykonos, Hydra, and Para. But why not break the cycle? And gain a whole new discovery?

This guide is curated considering a new possibility, niche way of exploring the Greek Isles and its mainland. The itinerary designed, will take you through some of the gorgeous, under-rated towns and scenic areas. At the same time we ensure, the activities & experiences you do in your Greek vacation remain blockbuster.

Overview of 5 Day Greece Itinerary

This 5-day Greek itinerary is designed considering leisure excursions and activities you could do in a short span of time. Often, travelers look for itineraries that take less time to travel, but more opportunities to seek. Exactly what this Ancient Greek vacation offers.

Highlights of 5 Days in Greece –

1. Explore the Corfu Old Town
2. Excursion to Agni Bay and Cape Drastis
3. Discover monasteries & monoliths at Meteora
4. Visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi
5. Journey to Athens highlights

The below itinerary boasts excellent touristic moments for visitors who want to travel to off-beaten places of Greece. You’ll start your tour from Corfu – one of the stunning most locations of Greece – and will then end it in the capital city – Athens.

All the activities & attractions mentioned in our 5-day Greece itinerary can be done in a simple, relaxed way. However, if you feel to explore more out of a certain place– then feel free to customize this itinerary. You can chip in additional days, discover optional tours and venture beyond the off-beaten path.

If you wish to book the exact same tour, then you could do so – by visiting the G Adventures website. You will even find other best Greece trip itineraries, uniquely designed tours, and add-on experiences for purchase, along with this itinerary.

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Greece

Before moving to the itinerary part, it’s important to understand a few essential planning points prior to booking any Greece vacation. This is just a high-overview of certain travel tips – but I’ll ensure to link you through some additional resources & helpful guides.

Best time to visit Greece: The islands of Greece and its mainland, is known for their glorious summer weather. Temperatures are blazing around the mid-30s, with mild sunshine and clear blue skies. So ideally, May to September is the best time to visit Greece. It’s also the peak season of travel, so expect crowded tourist centers and bustling attractions. If you prefer a peaceful Greek vacation, then I would suggest booking a Greece tour between April and June. The weather might be a little chillier, especially in the island areas. Try and avoid the Easter week the best you can, as it’s the peak season for domestic travel.

Visa & Documentation: Visa requirements will differ from country to country. But, all countries will require a valid passport (6 months of minimum validity) & a Schengen Visa to enter Greece. For more details, visit the website.

How much does a Greek vacation cost: If you’re specifically traveling to Greece during the peak season, then the entry fee for all attractions will reach its high point. All of them need to be booked well in advance to avoid any hassles. An average weeks’ vacation to Greece can cost you approx. $800-$900. This is just an indication considering previous traveling data. Your tour price will heavily depend on the choices you make for your trip. Factors like accommodation, inter-travel, meal expenses, and optional activities should be considered when planning.

Note: Our 5 days in Greece itinerary will cost you approx. $700. You can book a similar tour around this price range through the G Adventures website. The price indicated can change depending on the dates/season you travel, and also on the optional activities you choose.

5 Days in Greece Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 | Corfu

There are literally hundreds of places across Europe, that seem little under-rated, or under-appreciated. Corfu Island is one of those.

Coming from my own travel experience, Corfu is one of the best Greek Islands you can visit. It has got everything you need, right from a range of classic activities to unbeatable experiences.

Since the itinerary is only for 5-days, I had to keep Corfu for only an overnight stay. However, there are plenty of things you can still do while exploring this island.

Things to do in Corfu, Greece –

Visit the Corfu Old Town – The Old town is loaded with walkable streets and narrow alleyways, making you venture between the stunning Venetian and Neoclassical houses. It’s probably one of the best ways to discover the highlights of the island’s main tourist attractions. Do check out both the fortresses – the New to the west and the Old to the east. Later, discover some canal bridges and visit other popular places like the Church of St George and the 19th-century British barracks. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the Corfu Old Town.

Explore Agni Bay – A 45-minute drive from the main town will take you to a pretty-little gem – Agni Bay. This will be a wonderful experience if you love interacting with locals and indulging in their day-to-day activities. This historic fishing village boasts excellent coastline views, seafront tavernas, and great viewpoints. You can simply dip in the warm waters or treat yourself to a nice local Greek seafood.

Excursion to Cape Drastis – An hour’s drive from Agni Bay will take you to the northernmost points of Corfu Island – Cape Drastis. It’s commonly said, that if you’re in Corfu – never miss a visit to Cape Drastis. It’s rightly said so because this dramatic cliff is one of the fantastic places to visit in Greece. It kind of reminds you of the ‘Jurassic Coast’ in the UK, which shares similar features. Well, good for you, that you can see the same in Greece. My favorite time to visit Cape Drastis was during a bright sunny day. This is how you can truly appreciate the sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

The above-mentioned ones are the must-visit places in Corfu. Make sure you plan your day accordingly. Moreover, if this doesn’t suit you – then you can also check out Vlacherna Monastery, St. George’s Church, Loggas Beach, and Porto Timoni.

Practically, it’s impossible to cover all of them in just one day. However, if you want you can extend your 5 days in Greece itinerary to make sure you visit other popular places as well.

Explore: Find out more about Corfu’s top accommodation, restaurants, and things to do.

Day 2 | Corfu – Meteora

Make an early checkout from your hotel, and get ready to embark on a scenic journey to Meteora. The total time to reach your next location will be approx. 5 hours. You’ll need to take a ferry from Corfu to Igoumenítsa, then drive to reach Meteora.

If you thought Greece was all about island hopping, then you’re slightly wrong! Meteora looks like a different world altogether. The dramatic landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and perched atop monasteries – are just some of the many highlights of Meteora.

There were once 24 monasteries at Meteora, but that number is now all gone with passing time. Today, you can still see six monasteries nestled on those high rocks, almost being like a picture-perfect postcard.

In Meteora, you get a complete full day to visit some top highlights. You can discover the ones suggested below or opt for guided excursions for self-exploration.

Visit the Great Meteoron Monastery – If there’s one monastery at Meteora you should visit, then it’s the Great Meteoron Monastery. It is the biggest built structure, set across the stunning landscape of Meteora. Along with a visit to this monastery, you can also explore the in-built museum which displays religious icons and traditional books. Furthermore, you can visit the tombs of both Athanasios and Ioasaph. If you need to explore other monasteries along with the Great Meteoron, then this half-day guided tour from Kalabaka will help.

Hike the Monasteries and Monoliths – Driving to the popular monasteries of Meteora is a common activity, but hiking between the hills through rugged lands and lush-green mountains is a real pleasure. One of my favorite things to do was to explore the abandoned monasteries and lesser-known sights by taking an early-morning hike. You can surely take on these trails late in the afternoon, and ensure you pay a good visit to this gorgeous landscape.

Sample wines – Your Greek trip is incomplete without relishing some of the finest, most classic wines. Make a visit to the Theopetra vineyard, located near the prehistoric cave of Theopatra, and discover how wines are cultivated in this region. Ensure that you try the famous Tsipouro – a strong Greek spirit. For bookings & prices, visit the tour operator site.

Live the local life – The best way to truly appreciate Greek culture is to live the local life. Kalabaka, the main city of Meteora, is a perfect way to indulge in local-life experiences. Savor some gastronomical delights at Meteoron Panorama Restaurant and dance the Greek way to soothing instrumental music. Meet and greet locals around the market area, and learn inspiring stories from them.

Overnight at Meteora.

Day 3 | Meteora – Delphi

It’s time to travel to southern Greece and pay a visit to one of Greece’s iconic locations – Delphi. The journey from Meteora to Delphi will be 4-5 hours.

Delphi – one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world – is truly a fascinating place one should visit. Delphi, in all its mightiness, is a lifetime experience. This UNESCO Heritage site is home to the ancient naval, the legendary Oracle of Apollo, and the Pythian Games. If you are unfamiliar with the importance of these sites, touring Delphi will ensure you’re occupied with enough knowledge.

There are plenty of things to do in Delphi. Honestly, I won’t do any justice shoving everything in a single day. Since the itinerary is customizable, I’d urge you to extend your stay at Delphi to explore all of its historical sites. However, for now, these are my top recommendations to do on a full-day trip to Delphi.

Things to do in Delphi, Greece –

Visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia – The first sanctuary any visitor would see at Delphi is the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. You’ll see many buildings and structures at this historic sanctuary, but Tholos is the most photographed spot. It’s usually crowded with visitors, however, you can avoid the crowd by making an early visit.

The Treasury of Athens – As you ascend the Sacred Valley, you’ll come across a small temple-like structure, which houses dedications and votive offerings to the sanctuary of Apollo. Being a symbol of Athenian Democracy, it’s worth stopping by and paying a visit.

The Archaeological site of Delphi – Follow the same path of the Sacred Valley and soon you’ll enter the ancient site of Delphi housing historical sites and buildings. The most visible attraction of all is the ancient theatre of Delphi, which once hosted 5,000 people for the Pythian Games. The theatre also hosted other musical concerts, which were quite famous back in the Greek era. Another notable site is the Siphnian Treasury – the oldest religious structure, dating back to the 6^th century BC. You’ll also be visiting the Doric Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Stadium near the main site.

Visit the Castalia Spring – The sacred waters of Castalia Spring are nestled between two steep rocky cliffs of Parnassus, the Phaedriades. Even today, the water runs from the mountain spring. You can cleanse yourself at Castalia Spring before you enter the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other prominent locations at Delphi such as – the Temple of Apollo, Archaeological Museum of Delphi, Museum of Delphic Festivals, and scenic villages of Chrissó and Aráchova.

To save time during your Delphi visit, consider booking a full-day guided tour. Alternatively, these half-day trips & other optional excursions of Delphi will complement this itinerary well.

Day 4 | Delphi – Athens

You will depart from Delphi to reach the capital of Greece – Athens.

Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities houses an incredible amount of archaeological treasures. This ancient-dwelt, bustling modern city is spoiled with Doric and Ionic temples, statues, monuments, and other Greek ruins.

Just like Delphi, there are a plethora of attractions to visit in Athens. A single day isn’t enough to justify your true Athens discovery. However, it will ensure that you visit some of the best highlights in this 5-day Greece itinerary. Moreover, this is the last destination of your itinerary. So you get great flexibility to maximize your stay in Athens or travel to other Greek Isles.

Things to do in Athens, Greece –

Visit the Acropolis – Rising from the abrupt rocky outcrop, is a fortified limestone plateau – the Acropolis. This ancient site gave philosophers freedom of speech to discuss politics, democracy, and religious matters. This also gave rise to building temples across Greece to honor and worship the gods. Along with the Acropolis, there are other prominent historical landmarks as well. The Parthenon (famous of all), the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Theatre of Dionysus.

Visit the Acropolis Museum – An archaeological museum, housing some significant pieces of work and artifacts found on the foothills of the Acropolis. Interestingly, the museum is built over the ancient ruin and the floor beneath is made up of glass panels – showcasing the foundational site below. There could be a huge queue to visit the museum, so make sure you book your tickets online. Alternatively, you can purchase this skip-the-line ticket to get direct entry to the museum.

Explore Hadrian’s Library – Built in 132 AD, the library was constructed under the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It once used to contain the house rolls of papyrus books. It won’t take you much time to explore this site, and will only require an hour.

Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus – The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built to honor the Greek God Zeus. Even before construction began, this was the most ambitious project to build the greatest temple. And today, we see this temple being one of the largest ever of the ancient temples being constructed. Originally the temple held 104 columns, but now you can see only 15 still standing.

In addition to the ones recommended above, explore other famous landmarks of Athens – Kerameikos, Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus, the Roman Agora, and the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea.

If you wish to extend your stay in Athens, then visit the museums of National Archaeological and Cycladic Art. For a perfect full-day excursion from Athens, check this amazing Saronic Islands tour. If willing to discover traditional Athens, then this 4-hour cooking class tour is recommended.

Day 5 | Athens

Depart from Athens anytime. If it doesn’t seem right to end your short Greek trip, then extend for a few more days to visit some of the famous Greek Isles.

Travel Tip: To explore any other vacation on Greek Islands, visit the G Adventures website. They offer a wide range of ‘Sail Greece Tours’ according to your travel preference, style, and duration.

Blog – Read our popular blog-post ‘15 Amazing Things To Do On The Greek Island Of Santorini‘

What to Pack for 5 Day Greece Itinerary

For any Greek vacation, 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
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

EXPLORE OTHER CLASSIC ITINERARIES

Costa Rica – Discover the Land of Costa Rica: A 7 Days Costa Rica Itinerary

Colombia – Colombia Itinerary: A 9 Day Vacation in Colombia

Canada – Canadian Rockies Mountain: 8 Day Itinerary to the Mountains

Europe – 10 Day Europe Itinerary: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland

The post How to Spend 5 Days in Greece: The Best Greece Trip Itinerary appeared first on Travel Realms.