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Illustrated European landscape at golden hour with alpine peaks, forested hills and a route line linking Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Vienna, Rome, Dubrovnik and Athens

Explorer's field guide · 2026 edition

Complete Europe Travel Guide: Places to Visit & Things to Do

Ten countries, fifty destinations and one clear route. Follow the trail from Paris and Rome to the Norwegian Fjords and the Dalmatian Coast, with honest planning notes for every stage.

  1. Lisbon
  2. Paris
  3. Amsterdam
  4. Zurich
  5. Vienna
  6. Rome
  7. Dubrovnik
  8. Athens
Start exploring See itineraries
Countries
10
Destinations
50
Route stages
5

Explore Europe

Five stages, one continent-sized adventure

Every section of this guide sits on a single route. Pick a stage below, or jump straight to the topic you need from the trail map.

Hilltop European village surrounded by green countryside at the start of a road trip

Stage 0110 countries

Countries & Places to Visit

Meet the ten countries on the route, from France to Croatia, and match fifty destinations to the kind of trip you want.

  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Greece
  • +6 more
Open stage 01
Historic landmark and mountain lake glowing in evening light

Stage 02Landmarks · Nature

Famous Landmarks & Nature

From the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum to the fjords and the Swiss Alps: what to book, when to go and how long to allow.

  • Acropolis
  • Sagrada Família
  • Swiss Alps
  • Plitvice Lakes
Open stage 02
Sheltered Mediterranean cove below a whitewashed island town

Stage 03Coast · Cities

Beaches, Islands & Cities

Compare the Amalfi Coast, Santorini and the Algarve, then choose city bases from Paris to Dubrovnik.

  • Santorini
  • Hvar
  • Lisbon
  • Vienna
Open stage 03
Busy European food market stall with local produce and pastries

Stage 04Do · Eat · Stay

Things to Do, Food & Hotels

Experiences in every country, the dishes worth travelling for and where to stay in each city.

  • Flamenco
  • Fondue
  • Pastel de nata
  • Rorbuer
Open stage 04
Train crossing a mountain railway viaduct through alpine scenery

Stage 05Plan the trip

Transport, Itineraries & Tips

Trains, ferries and flights, ready-made routes, the best months to visit, practical tips and answers to common questions.

  • Rail passes
  • 7–14 days
  • Seasons
  • FAQ
Open stage 05

Countries at a glance

The atlas: ten countries, fifty stops

These are the destinations covered across every stage of the guide. Use the atlas to shortlist a country, then open its stage for the detail.

  1. France

    • Paris
    • Eiffel Tower
    • Louvre Museum
    • French Riviera
    • Mont Saint-Michel

  2. Italy

    • Rome
    • Colosseum
    • Venice
    • Amalfi Coast
    • Florence
    • Vatican City

  3. Spain

    • Barcelona
    • Sagrada Família
    • Madrid
    • Seville
    • Costa del Sol

  4. Greece

    • Athens
    • Acropolis
    • Santorini
    • Mykonos
    • Crete

  5. Switzerland

    • Zurich
    • Lucerne
    • Interlaken
    • Swiss Alps
    • Lake Geneva

  6. Austria

    • Vienna
    • Salzburg
    • Hallstatt
    • Innsbruck
    • Schönbrunn Palace

  7. Portugal

    • Lisbon
    • Porto
    • Algarve
    • Sintra
    • Madeira

  8. Netherlands

    • Amsterdam
    • Rijksmuseum
    • Keukenhof
    • Rotterdam
    • Giethoorn

  9. Norway

    • Oslo
    • Bergen
    • Norwegian Fjords
    • Tromsø
    • Lofoten Islands

  10. Croatia

    • Dubrovnik
    • Split
    • Plitvice Lakes
    • Hvar
    • Dalmatian Coast
Read the country guide When to go