You have dreamed about this moment for years. The suitcases are packed. The tickets are booked. You are finally ready for the adventure of a lifetime. A 10 day europe trip starting in london is more than just a vacation. It is a journey through history, art, and the very best of Western culture.
Many people ask how many days required for europe tour to feel like they have seen it all. While you could spend months on the continent, ten days is the perfect amount of time to visit three major capital cities without feeling too rushed.
Perhaps you have even thought about staying longer, such as 2 weeks in europe starting in london. That is a great option if you have the time. However, this guide focuses on the “Ultimate Ten.” You will visit London, Amsterdam, and Paris. These cities are close together. They have amazing train links. They offer a mix of vibes that you will never forget.
What to Know Before You Begin Your Journey
First of all, you must prepare for the logistics. Europe is easy to navigate, but it requires a little bit of planning. You should bring the right power adaptors. France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom often have different outlets. It is quite annoying. However, universal adaptors are easy to find.
Comfy shoes are a must. Do not be silly. You will walk a lot. Most travelers average about 20,000 steps every single day. Additionally, you should think about your budget. How much is a week long trip to europe or a ten-day tour? A budget traveler might spend between $3,000 and $5,000 USD for ten days if they book early. A luxury experience could cost between $5,000 and $15,000 USD. Therefore, you should plan your spending ahead of time.
Day 1: Welcome to Iconic London
You will likely arrive at London Heathrow early in the morning. Do not take a long nap. It will ruin your internal clock. Instead, drop your bags at the hotel and head straight for the city center.
The best way to get from the airport to central London is the Elizabeth Line. It takes about 30 minutes and costs around £12.80. If you want luxury, the Heathrow Express takes only 15 minutes but costs £25. Once you are in the city, the Tube is your best friend. London has a daily cap of £8.50 for public transit if you use a contactless card. This is very affordable.
Start your 10 day europe trip at Westminster Abbey. This gothic cathedral is where kings and queens have been crowned since the year 1066. It is stunning. You will see the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Later, walk across the street to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The view from Westminster Bridge is the best for photos.
Finally, end your first day with a ride on the London Eye. It is one of the largest observation wheels in the world. You will look down on the River Thames as the sun sets. It is pure magic.
Day 2: Royal Parks and Secret War Rooms
First of all, grab a quick breakfast. You have a big day ahead. Start with a walk through Hyde Park. It is the largest of the four royal parks. Walk toward Buckingham Palace. You might want to watch the Changing of the Guard at 10:45 AM. However, it is often very crowded. On the contrary, you can see the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade at 11:00 AM. It is much less crowded. Plus, there are horses.
Next, head to the Churchill War Rooms. This underground bunker is where Winston Churchill ran the war during World War II. The rooms look exactly as they did in 1945. It is a must for any history lover.
Later, stroll through St. James’ Park to Trafalgar Square. This is a great spot for a quick “Meal Deal” from a supermarket like Tesco. It costs less than £5. Finally, spend your evening in Covent Garden. There are street performers, shops, and amazing restaurants. You might even catch a show in the West End. The energy here is electric.
Day 3: The Tower of London and High Views
Your third day in London should start at the Tower of London. This fortress has been a palace, a prison, and a place of execution for nearly 1,000 years. You must see the Crown Jewels. The Yeoman Warder tour is entertaining and educational.
Additionally, walk across the iconic Tower Bridge. You can even visit the glass floor skywalk for a view of the road below. For lunch, head to Borough Market. This is one of the most famous food markets in the world. You should try a sausage roll or some fresh oysters.
Gradually, make your way to the Sky Garden or the Garden at 120 for free views of the skyline. The Garden at 120 does not even require a reservation. It is a hidden gem. Therefore, you can see the whole city without paying for a pricey ticket to The Shard.
Day 4: Choose Your Own Adventure Day Trip
You have seen the main sites. Now, you should explore further. One of the best 10 day europe trip ideas is to take a day trip out of the city. You have several options.
- Option A: Greenwich. This is a maritime dream. You can stand on the Prime Meridian and put one foot in each hemisphere.
- Option B: Windsor Castle. This is the oldest continuously-occupied castle in Europe. It is still a royal residence.
- Option C: Harry Potter Studio Tour. This is a must for fans. You will see the actual sets and costumes from the movies.
- Option D: Bath and Stonehenge. This is a classic choice. You can see the ancient Roman baths and the mysterious stone circle.
No matter what you choose, you will see a different side of England. Return to London in the evening for one last traditional pub meal. You will need your rest. Tomorrow, you head to the mainland.
Day 5: The High-Speed Train to Amsterdam
First of all, head to St. Pancras International station. You will board the Eurostar. The journey to Amsterdam takes just under 4 hours. It is much easier than flying. You do not have to worry about long security lines at the airport.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Amsterdam is a city of canals and bikes. You should visit the Anne Frank House first. For over two years, Anne and her family lived in a secret annex. You must book your tickets 6 weeks in advance because they sell out fast. It is a moving experience.
Later, wander through the Jordaan neighborhood. The narrow streets and beautiful canals are perfect for a stroll. You could also take a canal cruise. Choose a small, open boat for a more personal experience. Some even serve wine while you glide through the water. On top of that, the architecture is like a postcard.
Day 6: Art and Culture in the Dutch Capital
Start your morning at the Museum Quarter. The Rijksmuseum is massive. It holds over 8,000 objects of art and history. You will see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Nearby, the Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of his works in the world. Most people spend about one hour here.
Additionally, visit Vondelpark. It is the largest park in the city. It is a great place to relax after seeing so much art. Later, take the tram to Dam Square. It is crowded and touristy, but it is the heart of the city.
If you have time, take a 15-minute train ride to the town of Haarlem. It is like a quieter, more relaxed version of Amsterdam. You can sit in the main square and enjoy a drink away from the crowds. Finally, prepare for your next leg. Paris is calling.
Day 7: Arriving in the City of Light
You will take the Thalys high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris. The ride takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. You will arrive at Gare du Nord. Take a taxi or the Metro to your hotel.
First of all, go to the Eiffel Tower. It is the symbol of France. The lines can be over 2 hours long. Therefore, you should book a skip-the-line tour in advance. Even if you do not go to the top, the view from the ground is spectacular.
Later, walk along the Seine River. You will see local vendors selling old books and art. Gradually, make your way to the Arc de Triomphe. Climb the 284 steps to the top. It is my favorite view of Paris. You can see the twelve avenues spreading out from the arch like a star. It is the perfect start to your Paris stay.
Day 8: Stained Glass and Hilly Streets
Start your day at Sainte-Chapelle. It has some of the most beautiful stained glass in the world. These 50-foot-tall windows depict scenes from the Bible. It is much prettier than the inside of Notre Dame. Speaking of which, Notre Dame Cathedral is just a short walk away. It has recently reopened after the fire in 2019. You should check the official website for free time slots to visit the interior.
Next, visit the Musée d’Orsay. It is housed in an old train station. It holds the largest collection of Impressionist art in the world. You will see works by Monet, Manet, and Renoir.
Later, spend your afternoon and evening in Montmartre. This hilly neighborhood was home to famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Walk up to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica for a sunset view over the city. The steps in front of the church are always full of people enjoying the vibe. Finally, have dinner at a small local bistro. Try the steak frites. You will not regret it.
Day 9: The Grandeur of Versailles and the Louvre
This is your last full day of this europe itinerary 10 days. You must visit the Palace of Versailles. It is located just outside the city. For over 100 years, this was the seat of the French government. The Hall of Mirrors is breathtaking. You should also spend time in the massive gardens. A bike tour is a fun way to see it all.
Later, return to Paris for the Louvre Museum. It is the world’s largest art museum. It houses over 35,000 pieces on display. You must see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory. If you want a special experience, book a “Closing Time” tour. You can see the Mona Lisa without the huge morning crowds.
On top of that, end your trip with an evening cruise on the Seine. Seeing the city monuments lit up at night is the best way to say goodbye. The Eiffel Tower “sparkles” for five minutes every hour. It is the cherry on top of an amazing trip.
Day 10: Departure and Final Thoughts
Gradually, it is time to pack your bags for the last time. Most people take the train or a taxi to the airport for their flight home. You have covered three countries and hundreds of years of history in your 10 day europe trip starting in london.
You have seen the 10 day europe itinerary from london is the perfect way to get an overview of the continent. While you might feel a bit tired, the memories will last forever. You will probably already be planning your next visit before the plane even takes off. Perhaps next time you will try a 10 day europe trip starting in london that goes to Italy or Switzerland. The possibilities are endless.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Currency: You will need Pounds in London and Euros in the rest of this itinerary. Contactless payment is standard almost everywhere.
- Safety: Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas like the Eiffel Tower or the Metro. Use a cross-body bag.
- Reservations: Book your trains and major museum tickets weeks in advance. This saves you time and money.
- Language: Most people in these cities speak English. However, learning a few words in French or Dutch is always appreciated.
Frequently Asked Question
Where to go in Europe for a 10 day trip?
You can choose many routes. One popular option is London, Amsterdam, and Paris. Another great choice is the “Wonders of Europe” tour, which visits Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France. If you prefer the south, you could visit Nice, Monaco, and parts of Italy like Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast. For central Europe lovers, a loop of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague is very common.
Is 10 days enough for London and Paris?
Yes, ten days is a perfect amount of time to see the highlights of both cities. You could spend four or five days in London and the rest in Paris. This allows you to see the major museums, take a day trip to Versailles or Windsor, and still have time to enjoy the local food and culture.
Which three European countries can be visited together?
A classic trio is the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France. You can also easily visit Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland together. In Central Europe, visitors often combine Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic. These groups of countries have excellent train connections, making travel between them very fast.
Where to go with 2 weeks in Europe?
With fourteen days, you can see even more. You could add Edinburgh and Dublin to your London and Paris trip. Another idea is to travel from London through France and into Italy, visiting Milan, Florence, and Rome. You could also explore the Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
Concluding Words
Your 10 day europe trip starting in london will be a whirlwind of culture, art, and history. By visiting London, Amsterdam, and Paris, you get a taste of three distinct and beautiful cultures. You will see the crown jewels, walk along historic canals, and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.
This itinerary balances iconic landmarks with charming neighborhoods, ensuring you make the most of every single minute. It is truly the ultimate way to see Europe in a short amount of time.
