Every traveller, at some point in their life, will have dreamt of making a trip to Europe. The vibrant culture, the many-hued artistic delights, the plethora of gastronomic delights on offer – indeed Europe seems to have it all. Castles and amphitheatres, rolling vales and galleries full of exquisite works by the masters of old – hundreds, no, thousands, of things will be vying for your attention once you set foot in this land.
So, as the holidays roll in and the air of festivity around you starts teasing your senses and calling you to delight in the pleasures distant lands have to offer, it is perhaps finally time to fulfil that dream of travelling to Europe. But, for a beginner, planning such a trip can be a bit intimidating. After all, there is so much to see, do and stuff your face with. Is it really possible to get a taste of this thriving land with its bubbling and diverse culture within the span of a week? Well, if you plan well, it definitely is. But, since that is easier said than done, here is a list of pointers than can guide you along the journey that will lead you to the banks of the Seine, arm in arm with your lover, or, better yet, on a solo soul-searching trip from Vienna to Munich that you will not be able to stop talking about any time soon:
- Plan ahead of time
Unless this soul-searching trip of yours was a spur of the moment kind of decision, we suggest that you plan ahead and make all your bookings early, especially the hotels. Booking good Trip Packages can help you through most of the initial confusion. Impromptu trips cost a lot of money for a reason, especially if you are looking to visit Europe during the summer. The summer months in Europe welcome crowds of thousands of tourists as they battle the sweltering heat to catch a glimpse of the delights and oddities on offer. This means that prices, be it for hotels, restaurants and simple cab services, skyrocket. A good time to visit Europe would, thus, be right before or after the tourist season. The winter chill will not have set in quite yet and the crowds will be thin so you can do your exploring in peace.
- Pack wisely
While this is true for any trip, it’s especially true for Europe. Remember to pack clothes according to the season but, since European weather is known to be moody, don’t forget to bring your umbrella and at least one heavy coat. You will not regret it.
- Design your itinerary well
Seven days is not a lot of time, especially when you are faced with the challenge of conquering a huge and diverse realm such as Europe. So, planning your itinerary well is of the utmost importance. Make a list of places you definitely want to go to and chart a route out based on the distance, local transport, etc. But, in case you have no idea how to start, here is a list that might help you cover all the best experiences that Europe has on offer:
- London
The land of phone booths, rain and the Big Ben – London is a perfect place to start your tour of Europe. The thriving capital of England has much to offer, from museums to walks down the banks of Thames. Everything here is pretty much iconic. Explore the city of a double decker bus, click a selfie near a signal red phone booth, find your way to the museum of the great detective, aka Sherlock Holmes, and feast your eyes on the Westminster Abbey, the London Bridge and your heart on the gastronomic delights before returning to your hotel.
- Paris
For many of us, true love has ever meant midnights, tea and walks down the Seine as the rain draped the city of Paris in water-blurred hues. So, after a hearty breakfast in London, you can take the Eurostar to the centre of Paris, the city of lovers and tortured artists. There is no shortage of things to do and see in Paris, especially if you are a romantic and a culture buff. The architecture of the city should itself be enough to take your breath away. Find your way amongst the French cuisine and artistry, watch the sun set slowly over a cup of delicious caffeine before slowly heading back to the hotel and preparing for the next day.
- Brussels
The heart of Belgium throbs loud and pleasant in this historic city. A delightful train ride should take you from Paris to the land of frites, beers and chocolate. The romantic reader in you will delight in exploring the city through iconic comic book’s route, as if you are Tintin himself, off to find adventure and solve a case of your own.
- Amsterdam
This is where the tulips bloom. Let your steps, or the turning wheels of a rented red bicycle, take you to Anne Frank’s house. Explore the many mysterious canals and greet the locals with a smile. End the day coffee in hand at one of Amsterdam’s many delightful cafes.
- Berlin
A long train journey will take you from the city of canals and tulips to one of bratwurst and beers. A walk down the train station will introduce you to the glory of the Reichstag Building. The night life of Berlin is thriving and vibrant. But, before you lose yourself to one too many beers and bars hopping, remember to pay your respects at the Berlin Wall line, letting its vivid history send a slow chill down your spine.
- Prague
Another beautiful train ride away is Prague, the land where you can discuss the works of Milan Kundera over a glass of chilled Czech beer. Prague is a city that lives and breathes history. Explore some of it as you head to the Jewish cemetery, the Astronomical Clock and the Prague castle. And do not forget to catch a play at the Black light either. Watching the actors in lit up costumes in a deep, dark theatre is an experience that should not be missed.
- Vienna
As your whirlwind adventure comes to an end, it is perhaps time to celebrate. Take a train from Prague to Vienna and spend the day exploring the cities delights while sitting on a tram. Let the Bermuda Triangle, the opera and the looming churches take your breath away, only to sit in Prater’s Ferris wheel and watching the breathlessly beautiful land unfold below you. And, as the city sinks slowly in orange and purple hues of the night, head slowly back to your hotel for some good old sleep or to a thriving bar to be a part of the glorious night scene. Either way, you will have earned it.
- Oslo
Perched on the top of Southern region of the magnificent Norway, Oslo is a perfect getaway location to slide into this elaborate trip plan should you have some time left. The best thing about visiting this city is that for a quick trip, it doesn’t require any planning. You can easily opt for any Trip Packages – tourstonorway.com/tour-type/private-tours once you’ve made your way into the city and you’ll be equally awestruck as you were visiting the before mentioned locations. Forested hills, Royal Palace, fortresses, lush-green valleys, and much more await you. Oslo is the perfect way to end your trip to Europe on a high note, and make some more everlasting memories.