Europe in 12 Days: 4 Recommended 12-day Itineraries to Europe

Whether you are cruising through picturesque villages or savoring local cuisine, a well-thought-out travel plan will help you make the most of your trip to Europe. Check out these itinerary ideas for spending 12 days in Europe.

This 12-day trip of Portugal and Spain offers many historical wonders and scenic delights. Begin your adventure in Lisbon, Portugal, with a comprehensive city tour. Next, immerse yourself in Southern Portugal’s charm, exploring Lagos’ historic center, the dramatic cliffs of Cape St.Vincent, and Albufeira’s beautiful coastline. Journey through the Alentejo region and marvel at Mertola’s medieval streets, Beja’s ancient fortress, and Evora’s eerie Chapel of Bones. In Porto, go on a tour of its historic sites and famous wine cellars. Then, experience Braga 's Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Entering Spain, start from the Galicia region, sailing through picturesque Rias Baixas and exploring Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. Travel the Way of St. James, visiting Lugo’s Roman walls, León’s impressive Gothic cathedral, and Oviedo’s charming old town. Discover the natural beauty of the Peaks of Europe, including Covadonga’s sacred caves and Santillana del Mar’s streets, and enjoy local cuisine in Bilbao before concluding your trip with a sightseeing tour of Madrid.

If you're looking to dive into some of the top highlights of Europe, this itinerary is your golden ticket. Kick off your adventure in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain, where you’ll marvel at Gaudí’s architectural wonders and soak up the lively atmosphere. Next, travel through time in historic Girona and the medieval splendor of Carcassonne in Southern France. Next, discover the Roman grandeur of Nimes and the Pont du Gard, then be charmed by Avignon’s medieval majesty and the iconic Pont d’Avignon. Sip on world-renowned wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and savor its culinary delights. Glide along the glamorous Côte d’Azur to admire the stunning Cathedral and the famed La Scala Opera House before heading to Milan, Italy. Embrace the beauty of Lake Garda, fall in love with Verona’s romantic streets, and lose yourself in Venice’s unique allure. Finish your journey with a delightful city tour and a magical gondola ride through Venice's enchanting canals.

This 12-day Europe itinerary is your ticket to exploring the best of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. Begin your adventure in the stunning Dubrovnik, Croatia, where ancient city walls and azure seas set the scene. Venture to the lush island of Lokrum for some beachside relaxation and botanical exploration. Next, travel to Split and soak in the historic charm before heading to Zadar. Day four whisks you away to Montenegro, where you’ll marvel at the scenic beauty of Perast and the Unesco-listed Kotor, with its stunning bay views. Enjoy a free day exploring Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, before jetting off to Corfu, Greece. Unwind on Corfu’s golden beaches and explore its charming town, then journey to Meteora, where ancient monasteries perched on rocky cliffs will take your breath away. Delve into the mythical world of Delphi and visit the sacred Temple of Apollo before wrapping up your adventure in Athens, where iconic landmarks await.

Wondering where to go in Europe for 12 days? Here’s a 12-day Scandinavian adventure that’s perfect for you. Start in Copenhagen, where you’ll explore the iconic Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn harbor, and Amalienborg Palace. Then, travel to Oslo for a guided tour of the stunning Opera House, the historic Akershus Fortress, and the picturesque Vigeland Park. Next, dive into Norway’s breathtaking fjords and explore Bergen’s historic Bryggen Wharf and the WWII Resistance Museum. Experience the majestic Sognefjord and ride the scenic Flam Railway. Then, drive through the mountains to Lillehammer, and journey through Sweden’s picturesque countryside to Lake Vänern and the charming town of Karlstad. Finish your trip with a city tour of Stockholm, with highlights such as the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (Old Town), and the Vasa Museum. Check out our tours of Scandinavia.

A 12-day tour of Europe offers a range of options including nature exploration, cultural immersion, city sightseeing, wildlife encounters and more. Book one of our pre-packaged tours or connect with our travel experts, who can craft a tailored trip to Europe. For more tips on planning your journey, check out our Europe travel guide. Our guide on the best places to visit in Europe will also be helpful.