Europe in 5 Days: 4 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Europe
Europe 5-day Itinerary Options
Looking for Europe 5-day itinerary ideas. Get inspired by some of our best five-day itineraries below to plan your next trip to Europe.
Itinerary #1: Highlights of Madrid and Lisbon
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Madrid. | Arrival | Madrid |
| Day 2 | Discover Madrid’s iconic landmarks. | Exploration | Madrid |
| Day 3 | Explore ancient Merida and historic Evora on your journey to Lisbon. | Historical exploration | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Take a sightseeing tour of Lisbon. | Sightseeing | Lisbon |
| Day 5 | Depart from Lisbon. | Departure |
From vibrant cityscapes to historic ruins, immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Spain and Portugal in this 5-day European itinerary. Start your trip in Madrid, Spain, where you will marvel at the majestic Royal Palace and wander through the lively Plaza Mayor. Journey to Merida next to explore its remarkable Roman heritage, including the ancient amphitheater. Continue your journey to the charming city of Evora, Portugal, home to the striking Roman Temple and picturesque medieval streets. Conclude your trip in Lisbon, where you will be captivated by iconic landmarks such as Belem Tower and the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery. This short itinerary perfectly blends Spain and Portugal’s most treasured sights. Check out our tours of Spain and Portugal.
Itinerary #2: Essential Scandinavia
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Copenhagen. | Arrival | Copenhagen |
| Day 2 | Discover Copenhagen highlights from Tivoli Gardens to the Little Mermaid. | Exploration | Copenhagen |
| Day 3 | Take a trip to Stockholm and explore Kronborg Castle and Lakeside Jonkoping. | Exploration | Stockholm |
| Day 4 | Discover Stockholm’s islands and historical heart with Gamla Stan and Fjallgatan views. | Island exploration | Stockholm |
| Day 5 | Depart from Stockholm. | Departure |
Wondering where to go in Europe for 5 days? This itinerary, showcasing the best of Scandinavia, is your answer. Begin your trip in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, where you will wander through the enchanting Tivoli Gardens and admire the iconic Little Mermaid statue, capturing the essence of Danish charm. Next, take a trip to Sweden's capital, Stockholm, where you will step back in time on the tour of Kronborg Castle and enjoy the picturesque lakeside beauty of Jonkoping. Immerse yourself in Stockholm’s historic heart by exploring Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval old town, and soak in breathtaking views of the archipelago from Fjallgatan. This trip offers a delightful blend of cultural landmarks and scenic splendor, perfect for a short European escape. Check out our tours to Scandinavia.
Itinerary #3: Eastern Capitals
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Budapest. | Arrival | Budapest |
| Day 2 | Cruise the Danube and explore Budapest’s vibrant Vaci Utca. | Cruise tour | Budapest |
| Day 3 | Journey from Budapest to Bratislava and explore Prague’s old town. | Exploration | Prague |
| Day 4 | Discover Prague’s Baroque beauty and scenic Vltava river cruise. | River cruise | Prague |
| Day 5 | Departure from Prague. | Departure |
Embark on a five-day journey through Central Europe, starting your trip in Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. Begin by cruising along the scenic Danube River, viewing the Buda Castle and the elegant Parliament Building. Wander through the vibrant Vaci Utca, where lively markets and historic cafes await. Next, travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, where you will explore the charming old town with its quaint streets and the impressive Bratislava Castle. Continue your trip to Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, where you will immerse yourself in the historic beauty of Old Town Square, marvel at the stunning Baroque architecture of St. Nicholas Church, and enjoy a scenic cruise on the Vltava River, offering picturesque views of the iconic Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Conclude your adventure soaking up the cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere of Prague. Check out our tours of Hungary and Czech Republic.
Itinerary #4: Paris to Bruges and Beyond
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris. | Arrival | Paris |
| Day 2 | Explore the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Luxembourg Gardens. | Museum visits | Paris |
| Day 3 | Take a trip to Brussels, visit the Grand Place, see the Manneken Pis statue, and explore the Old Town's beautiful architecture. | Historical exploration | Brussels |
| Day 4 | Take a day trip to Bruges and a boat tour along the canals. | Boat tour | Brussels |
| Day 5 | Travel to Ghent and explore the city before departure. | Departure |
This 5 days in Europe itinerary offers a captivating blend of some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks and cities. Begin in Paris, where you will ascend the Eiffel Tower, wander along the Seine River, and explore the artistic Montmartre neighborhood with a classical French dinner. Spend the next day marveling at the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Luxembourg Gardens before enjoying the tour of Musee d’Orsay and the historic Marais district. Journey to Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, to admire the Grand Place, the whimsical Manneken Pis statue, and the stunning Old Town architecture while indulging in Belgian waffles and chocolate. Next, take a day trip to Bruges and explore its medieval streets and historic landmarks like the Belfry. Finally, explore Ghent’s Granvesteen Castke, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and picturesque canals before concluding your 5-day European trip in Belgium. Check out our tours of France and Belgium.
Need help in planning your 5-day itinerary to Europe?
With just 5 days in Europe, you can expect an exhilarating blend of history, culture, and adventure. Whether you're marveling at architectural masterpieces, indulging in world-class cuisine, or immersing yourself in vibrant local traditions, this short but enriching journey provides a glimpse into Europe's captivating charm. If you are looking for a more personalized experience, our travel experts will help you with a tailor-made trip that suits all your needs. For more information, check out our guide on the best places to visit in Europe.
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