This is the ideal 5 week Europe itinerary

So, you’re looking for the ideal 5-week Europe itinerary? That’s a tall order, but we’re nothing if not major people pleasers (kind of a problem, to be honest) so don’t be surprised when we tell you we have the trip for you.

It’s called the European Adventurer and boy does this baby live up to its name. 15 countries in 37 days, this isn’t a trip for your average traveller – this one’s for the serious explorers, those who live and breathe travel, those who never want to go home!

Perfect for anyone wanting to visit Europe for the first time, backpackers, gap-yearers, and avid explorers: this is your ideal 5-week Europe itinerary!

Week 1 – England, France, Switzerland, and Spain

To kick off this European expedition, we’ll ease you into Western Europe with a whole week dedicated to mountains, the city of love, wine tastings, and beautiful weather.

We start in London and head to Paris where you’re sure to fall in love on a bateau mouche. Tour the cobblestone streets, get some luxury shopping done, try snails for the first time, and watch a live cabaret show! Then it’s off to Switzerland for a change of pace and some pure air.

Gorge yourself on Swiss chocolate – you deserve it – and then, if you’re feeling brave, hop on the Canyon Swing in Jungfrau where you’ll feel your heart pounding in your chest. Get your adrenaline rushing and perhaps prepare a yodelling concert for your fellow travellers if the mood takes you. We’ll pass through beautiful Geneva on our way back to France for some much needed serious adult time at the UN Headquarters.

It’s back to funny business once we reach France’s unique Beaujolais Wine Region – and yes, this does mean you can get your fill of that sweet alcoholic grape juice. Don’t go crazy, or do! We don’t care, it’s your trip after all.

Soak up the good stuff during a guided yoga practice at Contiki’s very own Château (we’re fancy like that) where we’re staying for a few days, and have yourself a regal time. We’ll leave the Beaujolais region tomorrow and head for Barcelona to get some Spanish sun. Take a walking tour, gawk at the immense Sagrada Familia, and stuff your pretty face with tapas – yum!

Week 2 – Spain, France (again), and Italy

We start week 2 of this 5-week Europe itinerary off with a full free day in Barcelona. You can do as you please: get lost in the Gothic Quarter, lounge by the beach, eat your body weight in churros – whatever! But remember to reconvene with your Contiki crew in the evening for a cultural Flamenco show.  

Day 9 we’ll be leaving Barcelona and rejoining the French along the glittering southern coast. The French Riviera is honestly just sublime and you’ll get a wonderful dose of sunshine and luxury. We’ll stop off in the Roman-inspired town of Arles for some unique views, and then we’ll head to the Mediterranean. 

Your séjour in the French Riviera will include bike rides, shopping, a trip to glitzy Monaco, and some fabulous nightlife scenes.

Next stop Italy where we’ll hit up Verona for a visit to Sweet Juliet’s balcony, Venice for gondola and motoscafo rides and an amazing local art scene, and Pisa for a tower that leans! Weird. 

Week 2 ends with romantic Florence and Rome. Expect local Tuscan dinners, tours of the cities, and plenty of history to accompany it.

Week 3 – Italy and Greece

Prepare for a deep dive into some Mediterranean legends this week because we’re sticking around the Ancient countries for a while.

Kick off week 3 with a full day in Rome and a stop in Pompeii. Get to know the history and the culture, and if Gladiator II is on your mind you’re sure to be entertained at the iconic Colosseum. Sip as many espressos as you can, because tomorrow we’re off to Greece.

Say hello to the twinkly Adriatic Sea, or goodnight rather, as we sail our way over to Greece like the Romans once did in history long, long ago. We’re ferrying overnight and in the morning you’ll be greeted by white sands and tzatziki.

We start in Greece with Athens, the capital city – quite fitting. Tour the ancient ruins and the impressive temples that are still standing. Perhaps make an offering to your Olympic God of choice and then tuck in for a mouth-watering Mediterranean meal. We’ll also get a glimpse of the Corinth Canal, which is sort of a claustrophobic but very cool piece of human invention and history.

Then it’s off to Mykonos for that blissful island life. The sunsets here are divine, and lucky you we’re pitching our tents here for 4 whole nights! But you should take lots and lots of pictures of each one anyway. Tour the island, bathe at the aquamarine Paradise Beach, and indulge in the island’s famous nightlife. After all that, we’re cruising back to Athens to move on with this epic 5-week Europe itinerary.

Week 4 – Greece, Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia

Week 4 is where we start to uncover some Eastern European hidden gems, starting with Greece’s Meteora! You may not have heard of this town, but you’ll never forget it once you’ve been. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of six monasteries located on top of insane cliff faces. You’ll be questioning all kinds of things here, namely ‘how did they build monasteries on these cliffs!’. We don’t know, but it’s fun to think about.

Next we’re moving on to Tirana, the beautiful capital of Albania where you’ll get to explore woodlands and artwork, and local history. Spend the night in bars with your mates and get ready for Croatia in the morning.

Game of Thrones fans rise! We’re headed to King’s Landing, aka, Dubrovnik. We’ll be taking a walking tour, cruising on the waters outside the city walls, and of course indulging in that glitzy nightlife altogether.

After that it’s off to Sarajevo where we’ll be… trying out bobsledding? I guess so! And not only that, we’re doing it on the 1984 Olympics Track! Just Bosnia things, to be honest. A full day in Sarajevo will be complete with a tour of the charming city as well as old war tunnels for some history, and topped off with a homemade dinner served by locals which really speaks to the country’s hospitality.

We head back to Croatia after this to discover the emerald gem that is Plitvice National Park. If you love hikes and waterfalls, this is absolutely the place for you.

Week 5 – Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany

Last week of our 5-week Europe itinerary and it’s a big one! We start with a visit to Slovenia’s charming capital city Ljubljana (don’t worry, you’ll know how to pronounce it by the end of your trip), and we’ll take a tour of the fairytale city and have a traditional Slovenian meal complete with song and dance! There will also be a stop at the magical Lake Bled, so make sure to have your cameras at the ready.

Next we’re off to the Austrian Tyrol for fresh air and nature. You’ll be staying at Contiki’s very own chalet – aren’t you lucky! – while we go paragliding, cycling, white water rafting and general mountain-adventuring like real explorers do. You get 2 days here, and then we’re moving up into Germany.

Munich first where you can down as many beers as possible (preferably after the bike tour). Then we’ll visit Dachau, a Concentration Camp Memorial Site to learn about the history of the war and reflect. This is on our way to Germany’s fairytale Rhine Valley where we’ll pass many vineyards and castles. Enjoy a wine tasting and hearty meal with your beloved crew.

Last 3 days

(Because 5 weeks is too round a number).

We’ll finish this utterly epic and amazing European tour by visiting Amsterdam for a few days. Get to know the iconic canal, cycle around just like the Dutch do, and enjoy the many treasures this city has to offer. We’ll also check out Edam, filled with windmills and canals – totally adorable – and get a chance to swing over Amsterdam on one of Europe’s craziest rides.

Cruise the Amsterdam canal, count how many tulips you see, and enjoy your last few days with all your new found friends. The last Contiki family dinner will revolve around cheese and clogs, and then it’s back to London for our final goodbyes.

So that’s it! Your 5-week Europe itinerary is complete! What a whirlwind. When you’ve had a chance to catch your breath and you feel up for another epic adventure, check out Contiki’s Ultimate range!