A 2-week European itinerary works best across 3 destinations of distinct character. The framework below covers three working combinations.
The three working combinations
Combination 1: Paris + Italy + Greece
Days 1-4: Paris (Le Bristol or The Ritz Paris) Days 5-9: Amalfi Coast (Le Sirenuse) Days 10-14: Santorini (Canaves Oia Epitome)
Best for: cultural + romantic + cliffside variety.
Combination 2: London + Italy + South France
Days 1-4: London (The Connaught or Claridge's) Days 5-9: Tuscany (Castiglion del Bosco) Days 10-14: French Riviera (Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc)
Best for: heritage + countryside + coastal luxury.
Combination 3: Spain + Italy
Days 1-5: Barcelona (Mandarin Oriental Barcelona) Days 6-10: Florence (Helvetia & Bristol) Days 11-14: Amalfi Coast (Belmond Hotel Caruso)
Best for: Mediterranean cultural depth.
Practical advice
Three points:
Train infrastructure
European rail is exceptional. Train between Italy + France + Spain rather than flying.
Restaurant reservations
Pre-book major restaurants in each city 4-6 weeks ahead.
Hotel transfers
Use hotel-arranged transfers in unfamiliar cities; use trains between cities.
Five rules
- 2 weeks supports 3 destinations comfortably
- Front-load the longest flight (transatlantic to start)
- Trains between European destinations beat flights
- Match destination character to trip rhythm (active + cultural + relaxing)
- End in a relaxing destination
For more, see the multi-destination pillar.
