Planning your first-ever trip to Europe can feel overwhelming. So many countries, so much history, and let’s be honest—so little time. But don’t worry. I’ve put together a simple, honest, and doable 15-day Europe tour itinerary for first-time travelers that covers the best bits without making you feel like you’re racing through an airport commercial.
This guide isn’t just a list of cities. It’s built like a story—your story—of discovering Europe for the first time. It’s not too fast, not too slow, and packed with iconic highlights, practical travel routes, and a few “wow, I didn’t expect that” moments. Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or planning a family vacation, this itinerary works as a flexible blueprint.
Let’s break the trip into three bite-sized sections so it’s easy to digest:
- Western Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam)
- Central Europe (Berlin, Prague, Vienna)
- Southern Europe (Venice, Florence, Rome)
Why This Itinerary Works for First-Time Travelers
If it’s your first visit to Europe, chances are you want:
- To see the “bucket list” places without getting burnt out
- A mix of history, culture, food, and chill time
- Trains or short flights that make sense
- Safe, English-friendly cities
- And… enough time in each place to actually enjoy it
That’s exactly what this plan is made for. And no, you don’t need to squeeze in 10+ countries. That’s a rookie mistake. You’ll just end up tired, hungry, and cranky in a McDonald’s near an airport you never wanted to be in. Trust me, slower is better.
Days 1–5: Kickstart Your Journey in Western Europe
London → Paris → Amsterdam
This part of the trip sets the tone. These cities are packed with world-famous landmarks, cultural variety, and easy transport connections—perfect for first-timers.
Days 1–2: London, England
Why start in London?
It’s English-speaking, well-connected, and gives you a soft landing into Europe. Plus, who doesn’t want to see Big Ben and ride a red double-decker bus?
Top Experiences:
- Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
- Take a walk along the River Thames, from Westminster to the Tower Bridge
- Explore the British Museum (it’s free!)
- Ride the London Eye at sunset for epic city views
- Try classic fish and chips or a curry on Brick Lane
Pro Tip:
Buy an Oyster Card for easy and cheap transport around the city. London’s subway (Tube) is fast, but the double-decker buses are more scenic if you’re not in a rush.
Where to stay:
Look for central neighborhoods like Southbank, Kensington, or King’s Cross for quick access to major sights.
Day 3–4: Paris, France
Getting There:
Take the Eurostar train from London to Paris. It only takes about 2 hours and drops you right in the city center. Book in advance for cheaper fares.
Must-See Highlights:
- Climb the Eiffel Tower or picnic beneath it
- Explore the art in the Louvre (yes, the Mona Lisa is tiny!)
- Stroll through Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur
- Grab a crêpe or croissant from a corner bakery
- Cruise along the Seine River at night
What to Expect:
Paris is romantic, yes, but also huge and busy. Make peace with not seeing everything. A slow morning in a sidewalk café can be just as memorable as the Louvre.
Where to stay:
Try the Latin Quarter or Le Marais—walkable, charming, and full of cafés.
Day 5: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting There:
From Paris, take a direct high-speed train (Thalys or Eurostar) to Amsterdam. It’s about 3.5 hours. Another easy and comfortable ride.
What to Do in a Day:
- Wander the canals in the Jordaan district
- Visit the Anne Frank House (book tickets early)
- Check out Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum
- Try stroopwafels or fries with mayo from a street vendor
- Rent a bike if you feel confident (watch out for the locals—they’re fast!)
Vibe Check:
Amsterdam is super chill, clean, and bike-friendly. It’s compact, so one full day gives you a solid taste. If you fall in love with it (many do), you can always stay an extra night.
Travel Tip:
All three cities are well-connected by train, so no need to worry about airport lines or luggage limits. Book trains early to save money.
Days 6–10: Explore the Heart of Central Europe
Berlin → Prague → Vienna
This section takes you deeper into Europe’s complex history, incredible architecture, and distinct cultural vibes. You’ll notice things get a little cheaper here too—which is always a bonus.
Days 6–7: Berlin, Germany
Why Berlin?
It’s a city where old meets new. You’ll see crumbling remains of the Cold War right next to buzzing street art and hipster cafés. History buffs will love it, but it’s also got great nightlife and modern energy.
Top Things to Do:
- Walk along the Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery)
- Visit the Berlin TV Tower or Reichstag Dome for panoramic views
- Explore the Holocaust Memorial and Brandenburg Gate
- Eat currywurst or döner kebab from a street stall
- Take a free walking tour to get your bearings and hear real stories
Need to Know:
Berlin is huge. Use public transport (U-Bahn and S-Bahn are easy to navigate). English is widely spoken, and the city has a laid-back, accepting atmosphere.
Where to stay:
Look for places in Mitte (central), Friedrichshain (edgy and cool), or Prenzlauer Berg (calm and stylish).
Days 8–9: Prague, Czech Republic
Getting There:
A 4.5-hour train from Berlin gets you to fairytale-land: Prague. Watch the landscape change as you roll into Central Europe’s most magical city.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Cross Charles Bridge at sunrise before the crowds
- Visit Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
- Watch the Astronomical Clock chime on the hour
- Try chimney cake (trdelník) or Czech goulash
- Chill by the river with a local beer—it’s cheaper than water!
Why It’s Great for First-Timers:
Prague is compact, walkable, and full of charm. It feels like a medieval movie set, but it’s also affordable and friendly.
Where to stay:
Stay in the Old Town or near Wenceslas Square for walkable access to major sights.
Day 10: Vienna, Austria
Getting There:
From Prague, take a direct train to Vienna (about 4 hours). It’s a scenic ride and an easy way to enter Austria.
Top Highlights:
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace (you’ll feel like royalty)
- Take a tram around the Ringstraße for a quick city overview
- Sip coffee and eat cake in a classic Viennese café
- Listen to live classical music or even catch an opera
- Stroll through the Museum Quarter or Belvedere Gardens
First-Time Tips:
Vienna feels more refined and formal than Prague or Berlin, but it’s still warm and welcoming. Take your time here—no need to rush.
Where to stay:
Try Innere Stadt (the historic city center) or Leopoldstadt for a quieter stay near the Danube.
Travel Note:
Trains in this region are efficient, clean, and scenic. No need to fly—just sit back and enjoy the ride. Central Europe’s transport is surprisingly easy to navigate for beginners.
Days 11–15: Fall in Love with Southern Europe
Venice → Florence → Rome
Italy is the grand finale of your 15-day Europe tour itinerary. It’s romantic, historical, chaotic in the best way—and an unforgettable experience for first-time travelers. This leg will give you a taste of Italian life, from gondolas to gelato to Roman ruins.
Days 11–12: Venice, Italy
Getting There:
Take a direct train from Vienna to Venice. It’s a longer ride (7–8 hours), so book an early morning ticket or consider a night train for maximum time in Venice.
What to See:
- Ride a gondola or vaporetto along the Grand Canal
- Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
- Get lost (on purpose!) in the winding alleys and canals
- Enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and espresso at a tiny bacaro
- Take a boat trip to Burano or Murano if you have extra time
Travel Tip:
Venice can feel crowded, but evenings and early mornings are magical and quiet. Stay on the main island if you want to soak in the full experience.
Where to stay:
Cannaregio is less touristy and still charming. San Marco is close to the action but more expensive.
Day 13: Florence, Italy
Getting There:
A high-speed train from Venice to Florence takes just over 2 hours. Easy and scenic.
Top Sights:
- See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia
- Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery (book ahead!)
- Walk the Ponte Vecchio and explore artisan shops
- Try Florentine steak or handmade pasta in a local trattoria
Why It’s Worth It:
Florence is small but packed with Renaissance art and soul. It’s a great place to slow down and just wander.
Where to stay:
Anywhere near the Duomo or Santa Croce puts you close to major sights.
Days 14–15: Rome, Italy
Getting There:
Take the train from Florence to Rome (about 1.5 hours). It’s the last leg of your tour—and the most epic.
Must-See Highlights:
- Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
- Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Enjoy gelato on the Spanish Steps
- Wander Trastevere for a cozy, authentic dinner
Final Thoughts
A 15-day Europe tour itinerary for first-time travelers isn’t just about ticking cities off a list. It’s about discovering new rhythms—walking cobblestone streets, tasting unfamiliar food, hearing languages you don’t speak (yet), and finding moments that surprise you. You’ll learn how to navigate train stations, how much to tip (or not), and which bakery has the best croissant even if it’s not on Google Maps.
This itinerary gives you a balanced mix: iconic sights, local charm, and time to breathe. Sure, it’s ambitious, but not rushed. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower light up, eat pizza in Rome, cruise canals in Amsterdam, and hear live music in Vienna—all without burning out.
And remember: nothing will go exactly as planned—and that’s part of the adventure. Be flexible. Talk to strangers. Try the dish you can’t pronounce. Europe has a way of changing you, even in just 15 days.
Pack light, travel smart, and enjoy every second.
