Europe has a way of inspiring awe. So often just walking down the streets in small towns that are over 500 years old leaves you feeling a little wonderstruck. That is not even mentioning the first time you get to walk through an old castle and imagine the history that occurred right where you are standing. Seeing sculptures and paintings in real life that you have only ever saw in art books also leaves you a little lost for words. Old cathedrals full of details and seemingly impossible domes and arches are also astonishing accomplishments to witness and leave you feeling a little reverential. This Europe itinerary for 2 weeks of travel will whet your taste for travel that opens your eyes and leaves you in awe. My family and I just completed this 2 week western Europe itinerary so it is family approved. We had the best time!
2 Week Europe Itinerary Family Trip
This Europe trip itinerary includes some of our favorite western European vacation destinations. Talk about the best way to spend 14 full days! We planned this family European vacation as a way to introduce our kids (9 and 11) to some of their heritage and to the open their eyes to what a diverse world we live in. I think travel is a great way to learn history, geography, and that there are so many ways to one thing. This Europe itinerary for 2 weeks will allow you to explore the popular destinations of Austria, Germany, France, and England. I have a whole separate Italy Travel Itinerary that you can use if want to extend your vacation or swap out part of it. I hope you find these tips helpful to customize the perfect trip with the best places depending on how much time you have available.
Day 1 Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg offers views of the Eastern Alps and is famous for being the birthplace of Mozart as well as the setting for “The Sound of Music”. It is a beautiful location with a river running through, mountain views, and scenic medieval and baroque buildings. Most of first day was consumed by travel so we just settled into our hostel (Hostel Haunspergstrasses) and strolled across the river to try a some typical Austrian cusine at Barenwirt.
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Day 2 Salzburg, Austria
We started off by exploring the Mirabell Palace and Gardens and then continued a walking exploration of Old Town (Altstadt). We went inside the beautiful Salzburg Cathedral (Dom) and St. Peter’s Abbey. We stopped at Cafe Konditorei (the home of the Original Salzburger Mozart Ball), for some traditional afternoon coffee and cake (kaffee und kuchen). We hiked up to the Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg) and took a nice long tour where we learned a lot of history and had some amazing views. That evening we went to the Salzburg Marionette Theater to catch a show of “The Sound of Music” which was really something unusual to see.
Day 3 Salzburg, Austria
Since the day before was packed with sightseeing we took it easy and we balanced fun for dad with fun for kids. The kids got to play at the Mirabell Gardens playground area, and go to the Toy Museum (which is huge). Then we all went to the Augustine Beer Hall (Augustiner Braustueberl). It had lots of typical Bavarian foods you could try in cafeteria style so we all got just what we wanted with no surprises. My husband got to enjoy the beer they brew there while we sat out side and the kids played on the playground some more! We also stopped by the Muller workout area which is close to the beer hall for some beautiful views of the city and some Survivor type challenges across their workout equipment!
Day 4 Munich, Germany
The next stop on our 2 weeks in Europe itinerary was Munich. We took a 2 hour high speed train to Munich so we had plenty of time to check into our hostel which was close(ish) to the train station and get out and explore.
After getting a CityTourCard for easy in town transportation and discounts around town, we set off to explore. We took a subway to Altstadt (Old Town) and walked through the central Marienplatz square to see the Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), St. Peter’s Church, and Church of Our Lady. Then we went over to the English Garden (Englischer Garten) for a stroll, a stop at their Beer garden, and to catch some amazing river surfing! We had a curry wurst snack at Guten Nacht Wurst and a delicious Bavarian dinner at HofBrauHaus.
Day 5 Munich, Germany
We checked out the Gartnerplatz square (more like a circle) and then proceeded to the Residence (Residenz Munchen). It is a huge palace museum that is so ornate and amazing but we were so overwhelmed that we saved the treasury portion for the next day (and I am glad we did because it is equally amazing and overwhelming).
We headed back over to the Marienplatz to catch the glockenspiel tower show that chimes and moves to reenact stories from the 16th century. It only shows at certain times of the day (11, 12, and 5 when were there) so make sure to check before you go. We ate at the Viktualienmarkt which is a large open air market for lunch and we had dinner at the Paulaner Brauhaus for dinner and it was quite good. I love how the brew houses all have outdoor seating with playgrounds so both my kids and my husband could be happy at the same time.
Day 6 Munich, Germany
We went back to the Residence to do the treasury portion and it was amazing and huge. The audio guide said if you listened in its entirety, it would take 9 hours. My husband kept having to tell my daughter that there was no prize for listening to the story about each thing she saw! My daughter and I were amazed by the collection of jewels and my husband was amazed by the religious relics which was the most impressive collection of its type I have ever seen. Then we headed over to the Allianz Arena so that my husband and son could be amazed as my daughter and I were earlier! Actually, we all enjoyed the Allianz Arena tour.
Second Half of The 2 Weeks in Europe Itinerary
Day 7 Paris, France
Next on our Europe Itinerary 2 Weeks, was Paris and my daughter could not have been more excited about this stop. Most of this day was filled with travel. By train, it takes 6-8 hours depending on the train. We found our hotel and then walked around our neighborhood and picked up some baguettes, cheese, olives, and fruit for a simple dinner at our little airbnb place since it came with a dining area and kitchenette. Paris is great for walking. It is known as the City of Lights because it is well lit with street lamps. What a beautiful city it is!
Day 8 Paris, France
We took a scenic route past the Hôtel national des Invalides on the way to see the Eiffel Tower. My daughter was so excited so we bought tickets to climb the stairs up to the level 2 and then from there we bought tickets to go up to the third level. It was amazing. Next, we went to see the Arc de Triomphe located on the Champs élysées. Then had some lunch at Las de Falafel (a great little Falafel place we passed with a super long but fast moving line). We visited the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur). I just find that place to be breath taking- the cathedral itself and the views. Phenomenal- don’t miss it! We stopped for a simple dinner in a bakery (quiche and dessert at Chez Manon) near our apartment.
Day 9 Paris, France
We stopped for a quick peek at the Opera National de Paris but kept moving so we could make it to our Musee du Louvre appointment time. The Lourve is absolutely amazing and could suck up a whole week if you visited everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Leonardo Da Vinci’s works to more contemporary artists. That is not even to mention the grand twelfth century palace that houses the museum! We grabbed a late lunch at the Marché des Enfants Rouges (outdoor food market) at Chez Alain Miam Miam. So good! Then visited the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, and Notre Dame. Yes, we really packed it in that day!
Day 10 Versailles, France
We took a day trip over to see the Palace of Versailles which was incredible and then wondered through the Versailles Gardens. What a beautiful place! That took most of the day and we had a simple meal near our apartment in the evening.
Day 11 London, England
This day of our 2 weeks in Europe itinerary was mostly lost to travel. We went by bus, which is about a 9 hour trip. The bus went under the ocean through the Channel Tunnel (pretty amazing). Alternatively, you could take the high speed train in just 2.5 hours. For our family of four, we chose the budget option. There was wifi to keep everyone happy and you get to see the countryside. We checked into our hotel (the Stanley House) and when out for a neighborhood stroll. We stopped for some great pub food at the Marquis of Westminster. If you have time, do the British Museum (we did that our 15th day).
Day 12 London, England
We packed a lot in this day. We saw the Buckingham palace, Big Ben, Picadilly Circus, St. James’s Park, Government Offices, Horse Guards Parade, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, and Covent Garden. We stopped for some amazing gelato at Amorino and I suggest you don’t miss it! We had dinner at the Queens Arms.
Day 13 London, England
We loved the Natural History Museum! Then we walked through Hyde Park and stopped for high tea at Patisserie Valerie. We went to Harrod’s and Hamley’s to satisfy all of our window shopping needs! We stopped into an EAT for lunch and the CASK pub for dinner.
Day 14 London, England
We got the London Pass (sightseeing pass) for our last day in London. Then we visited the London Bridge and the London Tower.
Next up was, West Minister Abbey, brass rubbings at St Martin in the Fields on Trafalgar Square, and a bus tour. Whew. That was a busy but super fun day! We had lunch at the Borough Market. Then, in the evening we caught a play at the West End which made it extra memorable.
There you have my 2 weeks in Europe itinerary. We had such a great European multi destination vacation! My husband and I loved being able to introduce the kids to so many cultures. My kids had a lot to tell their friends about upon our return. I know they will cherish this family European trip for life as will my husband and I.
Europe Trip Itinerary Conclusion
This was an unforgettable journey through Europe. We’ve explored a tapestry of cultures, tasted delicious cuisines, and stood in awe of breathtaking landscapes. Each city has left us with memories, from the historical allure of ancient sites to the vibrant pulse of modern metropolises. Traveling across Europe has enriched our perspective, broadened our horizons, and deepened our appreciation for the continent’s rich heritage. As we reflect on the wonders we’ve experienced and the people we’ve met along the way, we’re reminded that every corner of Europe has a story to tell. This journey has been more than a vacation – it’s been an adventure that will inspire and stay with us for years to come. Will you use this western Europe Itinerary for 2 Weeks of amazing travel? Which European vacation destinations are your favorite? Which European cities will you add to your European itinerary?
As you travel through the European countries, I’d love to see your photos so I can enjoy vicariously! Share on social media @familyfocusblog whether it is smaller towns or the great cities!
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Kirsten says
Thanks for sharing your 2 week Europe itinerary travel plans. It looks like you did great things and had a wonderful adventure! I wish we had made time to visit the Bayern Munich stadium as that is my son’s favorite team (but only because we bought a shirt when we were there last November). Our favorite Central Europe destination is Prague. Stockholm is probably a close second. The kids would say they loved Italy the best because of the food. Can’t say I disagree with that! This looks like a really perfect European itinerary for 2 weeks.
Lavues says
Wow, that 2 week Europe itinerary family trip sounds perfect! Nice post about the different countries, cultural activities, and best things to do! I will use these tips to develop my own Europe Itinerary of different countries for our first trip abroad. Public transportation sounds great there and train tickets fairly reasonable for easy access to the next city. I want to use that same family trip to Europe itinerary! Now, if I can just convince my husband!