Best Europe Winter Itineraries: Short to Long Trips

Dreaming of a winter getaway in Europe away from all the summer crowds? Whether you have just a few days or an entire month to explore, this guide will help you craft the perfect itinerary. From snowy mountains to captivating Christmas markets, Europe transforms into a winter wonderland unlike any other.

Europe Winter Itinerary – 3 to 4 Days

If you only have a long weekend to spare or are traveling for work, we recommend focusing on one city or a nearby region to make the most of your time.

Option 1: Paris, France

• Visit the Eiffel Tower, illuminated with a Christmas lights display that sparkles every 5 minutes at the start of every hour after sunset.
• Explore the Louvre and warm up with a traditional French onion soup.
• Stroll through the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market (if visiting in December).
• Take a Seine River cruise to see Paris from the luxury of a boat.

Option 2: Vienna, Austria

• Explore Schönbrunn Palace in its winter glory.
• Indulge in Sachertorte and a hot chocolate in a cozy café.
• Enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Vienna Christmas markets.
• Attend a classical music concert at the Vienna State Opera.
  
  

Europe Winter Itinerary – 7 Days

A week in Europe allows you to explore a couple of destinations. We recommend these options:

Option 1: Germany & Austria

• Days 1-2: Munich – Visit Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Christmas markets.
• Days 3-4: Salzburg – Explore Mozart’s birthplace and enjoy the Sound of Music tour.
• Days 5-7: Vienna – See the Belvedere Palace, attend a concert, and sip on mulled wine.

Option 2: Switzerland & France

• Days 1-2: Zurich – Explore Old Town and take a day trip to Lucerne.
• Days 3-4: Interlaken – Go skiing or take the Jungfraujoch train.
• Days 5-7: Paris – Explore the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre.

Option 3: Amsterdam & Belgium

• Days 1-3: Amsterdam – Explore the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and scenic canals.
• Days 4-5: Bruges – Cruise along picturesque canals and visit the historic Markt Square.
• Days 6-7: Brussels – Visit the Grand Place, Atomium, and enjoy a chocolate tour.

Option 4: London & Edinburgh

• Days 1-3: London – Visit Buckingham Palace, explore the British Museum, and stroll through Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
• Days 4-7: Edinburgh – Discover Edinburgh Castle, take a whisky-tasting tour, and hike up Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views.
  This route is ideal for those who love history, cozy pubs, and a mix of city and nature.
  
  
  

Europe Winter Itinerary – 10 Days

This itinerary allows for a balance of iconic cities and winter landscapes.

Option 1: Italy & Switzerland

• Days 1-3: Rome – Explore the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain.
• Days 4-5: Florence – Visit the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, with a half-day trip to the Tower of Pisa.
• Days 6-7: Milan – See the Duomo and go shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Days 8-10: Zermatt – Ski near the Matterhorn or take the Glacier Express.

Option 2: Scandinavia Adventure

• Days 1-3: Copenhagen – Visit Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and Rosenborg Castle.
• Days 4-6: Stockholm – Explore Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, and enjoy a fika.
• Days 7-10: Tromsø, Norway – Chase the Northern Lights and try dog sledding.

Option 3: Eastern Europe

• Days 1-3: Budapest – Enjoy the thermal baths, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle.
• Days 4-6: Krakow – Visit Wawel Castle and take a day trip to Auschwitz.
• Days 7-10: Prague – Discover the fairytale Old Town, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge.
  
  
  
  

Europe Winter Itinerary – 2 to 3 Weeks

For a longer adventure, combine several regions for a mix of culture, nature, and festive experiences.

Option 1: Classic Europe (21 Days)

• Days 1-4: London – Visit Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and Hyde Park.
• Days 5-7: Paris – Discover the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles.
• Days 8-10: Amsterdam – Cruise the canals and explore the Rijksmuseum.
• Days 11-14: Berlin & Prague – See the Brandenburg Gate and Prague Castle.
• Days 15-18: Vienna & Budapest – Explore palaces and thermal baths.
• Days 19-21: Salzburg & Munich – Wrap up with Christmas markets and Bavarian charm.

Option 2: Winter Wonderland (14 Days)

• Days 1-3: Zurich & Lucerne – Explore charming Swiss cities.
• Days 4-6: Interlaken & Zermatt – Enjoy skiing and scenic train rides.
• Days 7-9: Munich & Salzburg – Experience Bavarian and Austrian traditions.
• Days 10-12: Prague – Wander the fairytale Old Town.
• Days 13-14: Vienna – End with stunning architecture and music.

Option 3: The Best of the Alps (21 Days)

• Days 1-3: Geneva – Visit Lake Geneva and explore the Old Town.
• Days 4-6: Chamonix – Ski in Mont Blanc’s shadow.
• Days 7-9: Zermatt – Experience the Matterhorn’s stunning views.
• Days 10-12: Innsbruck – Enjoy Austrian Alpine culture and winter sports.
• Days 13-15: Salzburg – Visit Mozart’s birthplace and take a Sound of Music tour.
• Days 16-18: Munich – Explore Bavarian castles and Christmas markets.
• Days 19-21: Vienna – Enjoy a grand finale with palaces and festive charm.
  
  
  

Europe Winter Itinerary – 4 Weeks

For those seeking a truly immersive European winter experience, a month-long adventure offers ample time to explore iconic cities, scenic landscapes, and hidden gems across the continent.

Option 1: Grand Tour of Europe (28 Days)

• Days 1-5: London – Visit Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and Hyde Park.
• Days 6-10: Paris – Discover the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Versailles.
• Days 11-13: Amsterdam – Cruise the canals and explore the Rijksmuseum.
• Days 14-16: Munich – Explore Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Christmas markets.
• Days 17-20: Salzburg & Vienna – Immerse yourself in Austrian culture, from Mozart’s birthplace to grand palaces.
• Days 21-23: Prague – Visit Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square.
• Days 24-28: Switzerland – Ski in Zermatt, enjoy the charm of Lucerne, and explore Zurich.

Option 2: Northern and Eastern Europe (28 Days)

• Days 1-5: Copenhagen – Visit Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and Rosenborg Castle.
• Days 6-10: Stockholm & Oslo – Explore Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, and the fjords.
• Days 11-14: Helsinki – Discover Suomenlinna and explore the Finnish archipelago.
• Days 15-18: St. Petersburg – Visit the Hermitage Museum and Catherine Palace.
• Days 19-22: Krakow & Warsaw – Visit Wawel Castle, take a day trip to Auschwitz, and explore Old Town.
• Days 23-28: Budapest, Prague, & Vienna – Visit iconic spots like Buda Castle, Prague Castle, and Fisherman's Bastion.
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

Winter in Europe is a magical experience filled with festive markets, snowy landscapes, and cozy cafés. Whether you have a few days or 4 weeks, there's an itinerary to suit every traveler. While all of this is practically possible, it really depends on the person or people traveling. Pack your warmest coat, embrace the winter charm, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

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