Europe is a tourist destination that is on the bucket list of everyone, be it backpackers, families, couples, or luxury travelers. For many, a European tour is a distant dream mainly because of the budget. But in reality, it is possible to explore Europe on a budget. With proper planning and choosing affordable accommodation, transportation, and food, you can travel in Europe without spending too much money. Moreover, as the Schengen visa covers more than 29 countries, you do not have to spend money on separate visas as well. Here we present to you a complete 10-day budget-friendly itinerary that would take you to some of the best cities in Europe.
Day 1: Arriving in London
Your Europe tour begins in one of the most prominent European cities, London. A point to note here is that London does not come under the Schengen visa. You must get a UK visa for this purpose. Depending on when you arrive in the city, you may have time to explore the place. Walking along the River Thames andtouring the city on an open-top bus tour are some of the things you can do on your first day here. You can also enjoy a ride on the London Eye, the observation wheel that will give you panoramic views of the city. Rather than dining at restaurants, choose to visit markets (like Borough Market) in London, where you can enjoy delicious food at affordable rates.
Day 2: Exploring London and Leaving for Paris
Start your day early to ensure that you can cover all the important landmarks of London before leaving for your next destination. London has numerous free and affordable attractions. Many places offer special discounts and free entry to visitors. St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Chimney Lift, British Museum, Science Museum, Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens, Westminster Church, Richmond Park, Tate Britain & Tate Modern, Buckingham Palace, Sky Garden, etc., are some of the places to visit in London.
Day 3: Arriving in and Exploring Paris
The fastest way to arrive in Paris is by Eurostar train, which takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes. There are overnight buses too. All you need is a Schengen tourist visa to visit the capital of France. Arrive early in the morning, so that you get an entire day to discover the delights of Paris. Known as the City of Love, Paris is most popular for its iconic landmarks. As you walk through the city, you will see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palais Garnier, Arc de Triomphe, and Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Louvre Museum, Musee d’Orsay, Orangerie Museum, and Musee Rodin are some of the must-visit museums here.
Day 4: Exploring Amsterdam
Your next stop is Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. One of the most popular ways to reach Amsterdam from Paris is by train. The train journey takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes, although buses are the most affordable option. If you are taking the bus, opt for an overnight one as the bus journey from Paris to Amsterdam takes around 6-7 hours. One of the best ways to explore the city is by joining a free walking tour that takes you to all the important landmarks of the city. Strolling across the canals and exploring the local markets are a few of the best things to do here.
Day 5: Exploring Amsterdam
On your second day in Amsterdam, you must visit the world-class museums that the city is known for. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Stedelijk Museum are some of the must-visit museums. Go on a canal boat tour, stroll through Vondelpark, and wander around the picturesque streets of the Jordaan District. The street food of Amsterdam is also worth trying. As the next stop is Interlaken, it is time to pack your bags and takean overnight train to reach this beautiful resort town of Switzerland.
Day 6: Interlaken
Add a bit of adventure and thrill to your Europe tour with a visit to Interlaken. The town is known for its natural beauty, as it is one of the prime spots to admire the Swiss Alps. The turquoise waters of the two lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz), the pristine hiking trails, and the charming town would ensure a memorable time in Interlaken. Here, you can also indulge in the local cuisine, try Swiss chocolate, and be a part of cheese workshops. If you love adventure, you would have the time of your life here with activities like bungee jumping, river rafting, skydiving, paragliding, and more.
Day 7: Vienna
After spending a day in Interlaken, it is time to hop on the train for your next destination, Vienna. Taking the night train is the best way to reach Austria’s capital, where there is so much to explore. The imperial palaces in Vienna are something you must not miss. Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, and Hofburg Palace are worth visiting. Then there are the museums, especially the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Museum of Art History. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Prater Park, Volksgarten, Ringstrasse, Kahlenberg Hill, etc., are some other places you can explore in Vienna.
Day 8: Venice
Another overnight train will take you from Vienna to Venice, the romantic Italian city. With a Schengen Italy visit visa, you can explore the magical city of Vienna, complete with its ancient canals, iconic bridges, dramatic squares, and Renaissance architecture. During your visit in Venice, you must check out Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Salute Church. Going on a gondola ride along the canals is something you must not miss when in Venice. Apart from all this, you must try the Italian cuisine in Venice, especially Cicchetti, Baccala Mantecato, Sarde in Saor, Risotto al Nero di Seppia, Polenta e Schie, etc.
Day 9: Rome
Head to the capital of Italy, Rome, early in the morning or a day before. The train journey to Rome from Venice is around three hours, while it takes a little more than 7 hours to reach by bus. Rome is known to be the epitome of Renaissance architecture and world-class art. Rich in history and culture, you will also get to see the remnants of the Roman Empire here. The historical landmarks that must be a part of your tour are Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, and the Catacombs. Art lovers must not miss Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums.
Day 10: Rome
If you have time before you head back to your home country, do explore Rome a little more. The Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountains, and Rome’s numerous piazzas are something worth checking out. You must also try out the local cuisine like pasta, pizza, and gelato during your visit.
Conclusion
Visiting so many cities within 10 days may seem hectic but it is worth each second. An important thing to remember is that train tickets in Europe can be expensive. The trick is to book these tickets well in advance to save money. Also, traveling during the spring and autumn seasons are one of the best ways of exploring Europe on a budget.
