A Perfect Europe Trip Itinerary: 5 Exciting Day Trips
Europe is a continent full of fascinating sights and cultures, and there’s no better way to explore it than by taking a day trip. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, dynamic cities, or incredible mountain views, there are plenty of day trips to choose from. Here are five of the most exciting day trips in Europe.
Start with the World’s Most Popular Tourist Country
Spain is the most visited country in the world and this is no surprise. If this is your first time in Spain, you can settle for a classic Madrid to Barcelona day trip. The country’s capital is a perfect spot to witness most of what Spain is known for – its culture, history, and great food. After enjoying sights like the Royal Palace in Madrid and the golden triangle of art (Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Art Center, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum), you can hop on the next train to Barcelona.
Spain trains are super fast so you can get to Barcelona between 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours. While in Barcelona, you should start your exploration from the iconic Sagrada Familia. Then, pick carefully among other top spots like the Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Park Guell, Picasso Museum and the museums on Montjuic Hill and Montjuic Castle. Since you obviously cannot visit all these in a day, you can opt for places that are closer and leave the others for future trips.
Explore top Greek Cities
If you want do not want to cross borders, you can plan a perfect Greece trip to include visits to iconic Greek cities like Olympia, Mycenae, Corinth and Meteora. Wherever you decide to visit, you will likely start your trip from Athens. You can explore a bit of the bubbling capital before hopping on the next available train to one of the scenic and history-rich cities in other parts of the country.
One of the most remarkable route is that from Athens to Corinth. You will love this option more if you are a Greek mythology lover. Corinth is an important pilgrimage site featuring ancient ruins and a 19th-century canal that is sure to fascinate you. Ensure you visit the famous Roman baths, the Temple of Apollo, and the stop from which St. Paul preached to the Corinthians.
London to Paris
Back to cross-border trips, the London to Paris route is one of the most popular among tourists. This route is a perfect day trip since you can leave either country in the morning, explore the other and return to your destination within a single day. The advanced train system in Europe is to thank for this and the tickets are usually affordable.
To get the most out of your trip, highlight the places you want to visit and how much time you can afford to spend on each. For instance, you should visit Notre Dame and Louvre while in Paris. If you have enough time, take a walk along the Seine river and get some food from one of the cozy shops by the streets.
Go from Florence to Venice to Rome
A trip around the major Italian cities is a way to spend an adventurous day in Europe. You can start from Florence, visiting iconic spots like the Uffizi Gallery and Duomo di Firenze. Then, catch a train going to Venice to see St. Mark’s Basilica and Grand Canal. You can still manage to see some notable sights in Rome before the day ends and you have to return to Florence.
Staying within Italy, you will get to see so many beautiful arts and architecture from the Renaissance period and modern attractions that will make the trip totally worth it. Other top places to see in each of these places include the Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace in Venice, the Accademia Gallery in Florence to see Michelangelo’s David and the Colosseum in Rome.
Explore Scandinavia from Stockholm to Copenhagen
Few day trips are as exciting as exploring different countries in the Scandinavian region. This region is one where you can get lost in the beauty of nature and become wowed by the friendliness of the locals. A classic route is to go from Stockholm to Copenhagen. The capital of Sweden is a preferred starting point for many tourists because of all the amazing sights it offers.
In Stockholm, you should climb to the top of the City Hall for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. Then, visit some notable musuems like the Vasa Museum and other landmarks like the Drottningholm Palace, Gamla Stan, Stockholm Cathedral and the Royal Palace. After taking some pictures to record the memory, hop on a cross-border train to explore the capital of Denmark. You should visit a few of the palaces and castles the city is known for there. These include the Amalienborg Palac, Rosenborg Castle and Christianborg Palace.
Extra tips
1. Exploring Lisbon, Portugal: Portugal’s vibrant capital city of Lisbon is the perfect place for a day trip. From its stunning beaches and picturesque streets to its many monuments and museums, there’s something to explore around every corner. Be sure to visit the city’s famous Castelo de Sao Jorge, which is perched atop a hill overlooking the city.
2. Hiking in the Swiss Alps: Switzerland is known for its majestic mountains, and there’s no better way to explore them than by taking a hike in the Swiss Alps. From Zermatt to Grindelwald, there are plenty of trails to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Alps’ highest peaks.
3. Visiting the Colosseum in Rome: The iconic Colosseum in Rome is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Take a day trip to the heart of the city and explore this ancient Roman amphitheatre. You’ll get to see its awe-inspiring architecture and learn more about its turbulent history.
4. Exploring Prague Castle: Prague Castle is one of the largest castles in the world and a must-see for anyone who visits Prague. Spend the day exploring its many courtyards, chapels, and chambers, and admire the breathtaking views of the city below. Don’t forget to visit the iconic St. Vitus Cathedral while you’re there.
5. Enjoying the Beaches of Mallorca: Mallorca is an idyllic Spanish island located in the Mediterranean Sea. Take a day trip to explore its stunning beaches and breath-taking scenery. You can also enjoy some of Mallorca’s fantastic cuisine and relax in the sunshine.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, these five exciting day trips in Europe are sure to provide the perfect escape. So, pack a bag and get ready to explore the continent’s most exciting places !
