Europe is a continent to discover, to explore its cities, from the oldest to the most modern, as well as to enjoy its delicious and varied gastronomy.
In this article we propose how to tour Europe in 10 days, although we have selected three beautiful capitals, so you can visit its main attractions and tour its most emblematic sites.
Itinerary for 10 days
If your time is limited, the first thing we recommend is that you do not try to visit many countries, because in addition to being exhausting, you will spend most of your time transporting yourself from one place to another.
That is why we propose an itinerary through three important European capitals: London, Paris and Rome.
The main capitals of Europe are vibrant cities with museums, squares, medieval places, monuments and sites that seem to tell you their history.
Day 1: London
big bus ride
Depending on the time you arrive, go straight to the hotel, and if you feel very exhausted, take a short nap, because time is short and it will also be easier for you to adapt to the new schedule.
You can start with a sightseeing tour on a double-decker bus, the big bus. This is a simple way to “break the ice” and it doesn’t require much physical effort, so you can easily have a very general view of the city.
During the tour you will see the emblematic Big Ben, the mighty River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
london eye
Afterwards, you can take a ride on the famous “London Eye”. This is a must-see attraction that you cannot miss. This huge Ferris wheel is located in the center of the city, it is 135 meters high and from above you can admire all the beauty of this metropolis.
We suggest you buy your tickets “online” so you don’t waste time queuing.
The cost of entry for adults is 26 pounds and for minors (from 3 to 15 years old) it is 21 pounds. Even if you buy them online or at the ticket offices, you will always have to validate it at the windows before boarding.
From here you can go to enjoy a good dinner and return to the hotel to rest.
Day 2
Buckingham Palace
We recommend you to be on time (at 10:30 am) at the gates, because at 11:00 am the changing of the guard begins, a spectacular parade of the imposing royal guards; It is worth mentioning that this event does not take place every day, so it is necessary to consult previously.
westminster abbey
An audible guide will tell you the story of this gem of Gothic architecture and Anglican church cathedral.
In this place the coronation of the kings of England, the funeral of Princess Diana, the weddings of Princes William and Harry, among other important royal events, have taken place. There are also the remains of Stephen Hawking, Sir Isaac Newton and other characters.
From here we can continue the walk to Parliament, a place that houses the legislative power in England, a building built in the Renaissance-Gothic style located on the banks of the River Thames.
Churhill War Rooms
It is a sector of the Imperial War Museum, which houses documents, vestiges and objects on the command center of the Second World War where the British army and Prime Minister Winston Churchill were sheltered from bombing.
Big Ben
Opposite Westminster Abbey is the spectacular Big Ben. Although access is closed for remodeling work until 2021, you can take a photo with this beautiful clock in the background.
south bank
After admiring Big Ben, you can continue your tour along the Southbank, a walk along the banks of the River Thames, where there is a wide variety of cafes and restaurants in an area known as the Royal Festival Hall.
Here you can eat and hydrate yourself while recharging energy to continue with the walk.
trafalgar square
Continuing south, there is this space in honor of Admiral Nelson, guarded by four lions. Free events such as festivals or concerts are held here; Every year the huge Christmas tree is put up and New Year’s celebrations take place.
Piccadilly Circus and Piccadilly Street
Walking down Pall Mall and Hay Market streets you will arrive at Piccadilly Circus, the place of London’s luminous giant screens. The largest bookstore in Europe, Waterstones, is located in this famous neighborhood, as well as Fortnum and Mason, the famous tea and other food store.
In this same neighborhood is the Burlington Arcade, a 19th-century shopping arcade where you can still find traditional stores. Here Picadilly Street meets Bond Street, which is one of the most prestigious shopping streets in London.
Covent Garden
To close the second day in London, you can visit this district, where you can explore the many shops and dine in one of its Apple Market restaurants or have a good aperitif on a terrace.
In Covent Garden there is the colorful corner Neals Yard, and just around the corner is a place where you can taste the best artisan cheeses, it is Neals Yard Dairy.
Day 3
Tower of London
This fortress is an unmissable stop in London, a place full of history and you have to visit it with time, so you should arrive early.
Here you can admire the crown jewels (a priceless collection of crowns, scepters and swords), the White Tower (a place that has been a residence, armory and prison), the ravens that watch over the tower, the medieval Palace and the Royal Chapel of San Pedro and Vincula.
Tower Bridge
Another great symbol of London that you should not miss is the Tower Bridge, which was the first to be built to join the banks of the River Thames.
Due to the growth of the area and in order not to stop traffic on the river, in the 19th century the decision was made to make it drawbridge powered by steam engines, achieving its conclusion in 1894.
Inside you can visit the exhibition where it is explained how it worked from its construction until 1976, when it was replaced by the electrical system through photographs and some old machines. Of course the view from above is simply the best.
Greenwich
Right in front of Tower Bridge, you will find Tower Pier, which will take you directly to Greenwich on a pleasant journey over the Thames that lasts approximately half an hour and the boats leave every seven minutes.
In this district is the famous meridian, inside the Royal Observatory. Here you can visit the National Maritime Museum and see the Cutty Stark, a huge restored 19th-century warship.
Also read our guide on the 15 monuments and places to visit in London
Day 4: Trip to Paris
It is advisable to reserve accommodation before arrival and travel as early as possible, to take advantage of the rest of the afternoon in the City of Light.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel to Paris is by train. From the San Pancras station you must take the Eurostar, which crosses the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel in a journey of two and a half hours until you reach the Gare du Nord. Tickets cost around £60.
From the station, take a taxi to your hotel. After settling in, put on comfortable clothes, have lunch in the surroundings and begin your visit to the City of Light.
Eiffel Tower
The quintessential symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower may be your first stop. It has access by stairs and by elevator, to go up this you have to book in advance if you want to avoid queues. To climb stairs there are no reservations, so you have to line up.
The tower has three levels. In the second you can buy the ticket that will take you to the top by elevator, needless to say the spectacular views that you will have from above.
In addition, from the heights you can taste drinks, from a glass of champagne to soft drinks or lemonade.
On the three levels, as well as on the ground floor, there are fast food establishments, souvenir shops and on the second level there are bistro and gourmet restaurants to enjoy a good lunch or dinner while admiring the beautiful skyline offered by the lights of the city of love.
Mars Field
In the surroundings of the Tower there is a wide and green space known as Campo Marte. From here you can take the best photos with the tower in the background.
Trocadero Gardens
In front of the Tower is also the Trocadero Square with its beautiful gardens and right in the center the Warsaw Fountain.
From this point you can continue walking along Avenida de l’ena and, in 30 minutes, you will be in Plaza Charles de Gaulle, where the next point of the route is located.
Arch of Triumph
Standing on a huge roundabout and to which you can also have access and discover it from the inside. The construction of it began in 1806 at the request of Napoleon, to commemorate his victories. It was inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome.
Walk along the Champs Elysées
One of the most beautiful avenues in the world emerges from the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, where you will find a large number of shops, theaters, restaurants, cafes and bars to enjoy dinner before resting.
This avenue is also the venue for important events such as the final of the Tour de France, the Parade commemorating the Taking of the Bastille and the Paris Marathon, among others.
day 5
notre-dame
Another iconic place in Paris and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world is Notre Dame.
Built in Gothic style, its towers are 69 meters high, which you can climb through 387 steps to admire its gargoyles up close and a wonderful view of the city.
Louvre Museum
Getting around Paris by metro is very easy and cheap, so to get to this museum you will need to walk to the Hotel de Ville metro station and get off at the Museé de Louvre station. The journey takes 18 minutes and trains leave every three minutes.
The oldest art museum in the world and one of the most important. In it are consecrated works such as the famous Monalisa by Leonardo da Vinci or sculptures such as the Venus de Milo, by Alexander of Antioch, the code of Hammurabi, among many other relics of art.
As with almost all famous attractions, go to the museum’s website in advance to reserve your tickets and avoid long lines.
Walking along the Quai François Mitterand, a kilometer walk away is an old train station that now houses a museum of modern art. The tour through the streets will allow you to enjoy the landscape of the Seine River.
D’Orsay Museum
This huge art gallery houses the most representative of the 19th century plastic arts and the largest collection of Impressionism in the world.
If you are interested in learning more about art, you can visit its different galleries or continue a 20-minute walk to another important tourist spot in the City.
Invalids
It was originally built as a residence for retired French military. Here rest the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte in a mausoleum.
It is also known as the Museo de la Armada and its impeccable gardens are well worth exploring.
After walking around these facilities, we can continue to another point and to get there faster we can take the La Tour Maroug metro towards the Odéon station to take a tour of one of the favorite neighborhoods to go out at night.
Latin Quarter
It is located in the V district. The Sorbonne University is located here, making it the quintessential university neighborhood, full of cafes and restaurants with cuisine from all over the world and many foreign students.
In this area is Boulevard San Michelle, where the fountain of the same name is located.
In this neighborhood you can enjoy a good dinner and thus conclude your busy day in the city of Paris.
day 6
Palace of Versailles
The visit to this castle is unmissable and you have to reserve a whole day to visit it.
Versailles was the capital of the French monarchy from the end of the 17th century and throughout the 18th.
The opulence with which the kings lived is evident in all its galleries and its beautiful and well-kept gardens are worth admiring.
To get around, you’ll need to board the well-known RER C train (yellow line) and get off at Versailles Rive Gauche/ Chateau de Versailles station.
It is recommended that you book a guided tour so that you know all the history and secrets that this former residence of the kings of France keeps.
(Day 6: Alternative Tour )
Place de la Bastille
An old prison where the French Revolution began. It is a very emblematic place where the July Column stands, 52 meters high, with a golden statue at the top that in one hand holds a torch and in the other a broken chain.
Around there are bars, cafes and restaurants where you can have the “petite dejeuner” before starting your third day in the city.
Le Marais
Paris is a city to get to know on foot, so we chose one of the many neighborhoods, where art is breathed in every corner, so during the tour you can see beautiful squares and gardens, such as the Parc des Vosges, surrounded by buildings of red brick with perfect symmetry.
On the boulevard San Antoine is the church of San Pedro and San Pablo, with a Baroque-style facade and a clock in front, built in 1627. From here we can go to the Les Infants market, where they sell fresh handicrafts.
To get to the next point, you can take the subway to get to one of the unmissable districts of the City of Light faster.
Montmartre
It is the bohemian and artistic neighborhood of Paris, because when you walk on its cobbled streets you will see many artists painting or exhibiting their works, honoring characters such as Picasso, Matisse and Renoir, artists who had their workshops there.
As you exit the Abbesses metro station, walk a little and you will see the Je T’aime Wall, a wall with the legend “I Love You” written in different languages. A few blocks away is the Plaza de la Colina or Place de Tetre, also full of portrait painters offering their works.
The jewel that crowns this place is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, an imposing temple located 230 meters above sea level, so the views of the city are spectacular and you can enjoy them from the different viewpoints that surround its streets.
Access is free. However, you have to train and to climb the dome you do have to pay. Upon entering, you will be surprised by the imposing Christ that encompasses the enormous dome that crowns this peaceful enclosure, with a simple style, with some parts ornate with stained glass, mosaics and carved marble.
You can check schedules on the official page of the Basilica on the official page.
Going down the stairs that are leaving the church, walking on Clichy boulevard right at number 82, you will reach the emblematic Moulin Rouge, if you want to enjoy a cabaret show check prices and schedules on their website .
Before retiring to rest you can relax in the many restaurants with rows of tables on their facades, very typical of this city.
Also read our guide on the 30 best things to do and see in Paris
Day 7: Travel to Rome
We guarantee that in Rome you will have no reason to be bored, because the whole city is a museum where you can breathe art, as well as culture and history. In addition, it has one of the most exquisite cuisines worldwide.
You can find flights from 23 euros to move to the Eternal City. Try to leave early so that you give up the day and you can make the most of it.
In the first instance, we recommend that you book your accommodation, if not in the center, then close to it so that you do not waste too much time on transfers. There are countless hotels and hostels with the Bed&Breakfast concept that you can find in this area.
Trevi’s Fountain
You can start the tour by visiting the Trevi Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the world, without a doubt, and the most famous in Italy. A romantic place par excellence.
Here you can admire the beautiful waterfall, where nature, sculpture and architecture harmonize in a beautiful baroque-style white marble construction. This fountain is located in the Piazza de Trevi and access is completely free.
Pantheon
On a walk along Via della Muratte and Via del Seminario, lasting approximately eight minutes, you will arrive at the Pantheon in Rome, also known as La Rotonda.
It was built in the time of Emperor Hadrian to honor the gods. Its architectural conformation and its perfect proportions have made it a perfect icon of modern constructions.
It is well worth knowing it from the inside, because crossing the enormous bronze doors almost seven meters high, you will be able to admire its impressive dome, which is an architectural majesty. Admission is free.
From here we move again on foot to the next point.
Piazza Navona
Here was the Agonal Circus in 1986 and the Greek athletic games were held, with space to accommodate 30 thousand people.
Three beautiful fountains make up this square. The most important is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which is located in the center and represents the most important of that time: the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile and the Río de la Plata.
It is surrounded by a variety of terraces and restaurants. During the day artists such as painters, magicians and dancers abound.
Here you will find excellent alternatives to dine and enjoy authentic Italian pizza or pasta, accompanied by a good red wine.
day 8
After a good cappuccino coffee to start your day, head to the icon of Rome, as well as other impressive monuments with a vast historical and cultural richness.
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Here we recommend that you do the tour accompanied by a guide, because that way you will learn about its history and you will enjoy your visit more, which will take approximately three hours.
In the coliseum you will feel like in Ancient Rome, while you admire its imposing columns and listen to the events that took place.
You will soon arrive at the Roman Forum, which was the heart of the city and a meeting point for its inhabitants.
Check the calendar, schedules and reservations online to avoid queues.
The price of the tour is 37 euros for adults, 32 euros for young people (from 13 to 17 years old) and 25 euros for children from 6 to 12 years old. Babies and children up to 5 years enter free.
To make the most of this tour, follow the following recommendations:
- Avoid carrying large backpacks.
- Do not bring large umbrellas.
- Do not carry sharp objects.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- If minors go, bring a document that proves it.
- Access is not adapted for people with reduced mobility.
After this interesting tour , it is very likely that you will end up exhausted and hungry. The good news is that very close to the coliseum there is a wide variety of restaurants with the most exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Here you can recharge your battery to continue your walk through the eternal city.
Temple of Venus and Rome
It is located at the eastern end of the Roman Forum. It was built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, it is 100 meters wide. It was the main religious center of the time and is one of the most important historical monuments in the City.
It was surrounded by a series of columns, today it only has semicircular niches. Just the beautiful view of the coliseum will make it worth visiting.
Basilica of Santa Francesca Romana
Continuing west, next to the Roman Forum is this Basilica, where the martyr of the same name is honored, it is also known as Santa Maria Nuova. Here is the Virgin of Sweetness and it is perhaps one of the most romantic in Rome.
It was built in the 9th century. The ceiling detail in the main nave is adorned with period paintings and altarpieces and is supported by carved marble arches. A visit that many overlook, but highly recommended.
After this intense day, nothing better than relaxing on a terrace listening to the accordion and enjoying a delicious dinner.
day 9
Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica
The Vatican Museum safeguards the entire artistic legacy of the Catholic Church, all its galleries have numerous collections of paintings, sculptures, frescoes and other objects of great value, with the highlights of Renaissance art.
It is advisable to take a guided tour to explain the meaning and history of the elements that are exhibited in the galleries. You can find tickets from 20 euros.
Sistine Chapel
It is perhaps the jewel in the crown of Vatican City, in whose vault one of the most complex works in the history of art is embodied, painted by Michelangelo Buonarotti between 1508 and 1512 commissioned by Pope Julius II.
The most famous work is “The Creation of Adam”, although the entire work is worth admiring carefully, so go early to avoid the crowds.
Basilica of Saint Peter
Located at the entrance to Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic Church. The sculpture of La Piedad, by Michelangelo and the mausoleums where the Popes rest are the highlights of this temple with capacity for 20 thousand devotees.
Wear comfortable clothes, but without bare shoulders, skirts or shorts, as this is the dress code.
Try to arrive early to avoid long lines, because before entering you will have to go through the metal detector arches.
You can check prices and schedules on the Vatican website .
day 10
Homecoming
For this day, you must already have the suitcase that you are going to document ready, as well as the one that you will take with you on board the plane. Your passport and tickets with you in your backpack or carry-on bag. Depending on the weather, bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes, as it will be several hours of flight.
How much does a trip to Europe cost for 10 days?
Although it is true that crossing the Atlantic is an onerous expense, we cannot have an exact amount on how much money you have to take, as it will depend on whether you go “backpacking”, if you will arrive at a cheap hotel or hostel, if you plan to eat in restaurants, etc.
Everything will depend on the plan in which you go, so what we will let you know are approximate figures and thus you give yourself an idea of how much money you should take.
Considering that you already have the plane tickets, you should know the exchange rates* of the currency used in the countries that we propose in this itinerary:
1 US dollar = 0.88 Euro
1 US dollar = 0.77 British Pound
1 pound sterling = 1.14 Euros
1 pound sterling = 24.71 Mexican pesos
1 Mexican peso = 21.61 Euros
*Bank of Mexico.org
Once you have the idea of traveling to the old continent, you must organize a budget and in it you must include the following items:
Transport
The plane ticket, departing from Mexico City, costs around a thousand dollars, although of course, you can get cheaper rates through low-cost lines, or tickets subject to availability, that is, stay on the waiting list until that a passenger decides not to board.
The season defines the cost of the ticket a lot, because if you travel in summer it will be more expensive than in the months of September to November, where you can find tickets from 700 dollars.
Another aspect to consider is the type of transport by which you will move from one place to another once you cross “the pond”, since both the plane, train and bus have their advantages and disadvantages, although the bus will definitely always be the option. cheaper.
For example, quoting on some low-cost airlines or the so-called “Budget Line,” we find that a flight from London to Paris can cost between 70 and 100 euros, in low season.
If we base ourselves on the itinerary that we proposed, you have to consider the trip from London to Paris, if it is by train, the ticket costs around 60 pounds sterling, which is equivalent to 68 euros.
While the flight from Paris to Rome in a low-cost line you can find it from 25 euros.
If within the cities you plan to take the subway, in London it is divided into zones and fares range from 4.80 to 6 pounds sterling; while in Paris it has a price of 1.90 euros and in Rome 1.50 euros.
Lodging
For lodging, we recommend three nights per city in hotels with rooms for less than 100 dollars a night and in places that are not very central.
hotel
To spend three nights in an economy class hotel in a double room with a private bathroom, in the City of London it costs between 60 and 70 dollars per night.
In Paris we make the same suggestion, look for a low-cost hotel, perhaps in a neighborhood that is not very central, but that is within the City, like in Montmartre, for example, you would also pay between 55 and 70 dollars per night.
In Rome, hotels with these characteristics are also between 50 and 70 dollars per night.
This means that if you were to pay for nine hotel nights in the $70 range, you would spend $630 on hotel accommodations.
Foods
In this section we have made an approximate calculation of between 15 and 20 dollars per day in each of the cities, yes, eating modestly and considering that bottled water is usually a bit expensive. You can reduce this expense with a reusable glass and fill it at the hotel.
In Rome, for example, the water from all the fountains is drinkable, so if you get thirsty, all you have to do is fill your glass and you will save on this expense.
But if you want to treat yourself to a luxury in a good restaurant, in each of the cities (we are talking about three luxury lunches or dinners) you would spend between 36 and 40 dollars per person.
Tickets to attractions
While most attractions require reservations in advance, this will give you an idea of how much money you’ll spend per visit. For example, if you book tickets to go up to the “London Eye”, you will have to allocate 26 pounds sterling per person, while for the Eiffel Tower, 16 Euros.
If you are going to enter the Vatican Museum, you will see that there are different prices, depending on the tour you hire, although you would spend approximately 32 euros per person.
For more accurate information on the cost of tickets, you can check attraction passport websites such as the Londonpass , Parispass and Roma pass card.
Keep in mind that the tours are three days per city, so make sure you buy a passport that only includes the attractions you want to visit, as there is no point in investing in something you will not enjoy.
souvenirs
In all the attractions you can find souvenirs such as key chains, refrigerator magnets, cards, pens and various objects from 1 to 6 euros, depending on the type of object. Depending on the amount, you can get an idea of how much you should allocate to this segment.
Considering the previous expenses and so that you do not have any inconvenience, perhaps you could organize a budget of 1,500 dollars for a 10-day stay, not including the round trip plane ticket.
If you are already more than excited to give yourself the pleasure of traveling to the old continent, we hope that these tips on how to tour Europe will help you when organizing your tour.
They are three beautiful cities with a special charm, so start quoting your flight, you already have the itinerary. Good luck and have a good trip!
See also:
- We leave you our guide with useful tips and guides on traveling by train in Europe
- Read our guide on how to organize a cheap trip to Europe step by step
- Click to learn more about the 7 ways to travel cheaply in Europe
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