Iconic Cities in Europe

Maybe you're visiting Europe for the first time, or simply want to see all the famous cities on one trip. Whatever you're looking for, we've got you covered...

• Start in the sunny south with Barcelona, Nice and Rome, giving you the very best of Mediterranean culture. 
• Head up to Central Europe, swapping the canals of Venice for the vibrance of Vienna, Prague and Berlin. 
• Follow the sunset as you leap from Amsterdam to Paris, finishing the trip in London.

Cities visited in this trip:

1. Barcelona, Spain

2. Nice, France

3. Rome, Italy

4. Venice, Italy

5. Vienna, Austria

6. Prague, Czech Republic

7. Berlin, Germany

8. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

9. Paris, France

10. London, England

For this itinerary we recommend:

Travel days: 10 days within 2 months

Barcelona, Spain

If you've ever looked through a kaleidoscope, you'll know what to expect when visiting Barcelona. With unbelievable architecture, colourful streets and a festive atmosphere, the Catalonian capital will start your trip with a bang.

• Visit La Sagrada Família, one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, this spectacular church will simply take your breath away. 
• Wander down Las Ramblas, a set of shaded promenades stretching down to the waterfront. 
• Continue your tour of Gaudí's work and watch the sunset at Parc Güell. This explosion of colour and design is one of the best places to mark the end of the day.

Train tip: take the train from Barcelona-Sants via Lyon Part Dieu (France) to reach Nice Ville station.

Nice, France

Located on the French Riviera, Nice is a breath of fresh air. From magnificent mansions and an ancient old town to its artistic heritage, this stunning town has captured visitors for generations.

• Discover Nice's heritage by visiting some of its art galleries. Top sights include the Matisse Museum, the Chagall Museum and MAMAC. 
• Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a smooth suntrap along the waterfront. 
• Stop for a bite to eat in Nice's Vieille Ville, admiring the colourful architecture and hidden squares.

Train tip: take the TER from Nice Ville to Ventimiglia to cross the border into Italy before continuing onto Rome Termini. Seat reservations are mandatory on Italian trains.

Rome, Italy

The Eternal City contains so many treasures that it's impossible to see everything on one trip. Savour every moment, and know that you'll have to return soon!

• Learn about the history of Ancient Rome at the Forum, the heart of the Roman Empire.
• Visit the Colosseum to discover some of Italy's earliest forms of entertainment. 
• Explore the hidden treasure of Basilica di San Clemente, containing a 4th-century temple, an old Roman mansion and ancient houses hidden beneath the street.

Train tip: take the direct train from Roma Termini to Venezia S. Lucia to reach the centre of Venice. This should not be confused with Venezia Mestre, the train station on the mainland.

Venice, Italy

With its serene canals, hidden palazzos and special atmosphere, Venice is one of those places you have to see to believe. 

• Snap a photo on St Mark's Square, the most famous Piazza in the city. Top sights include St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Torre dell'Orologio; this square is a favourite with tourists and pigeons alike. 
• Wander along the Grand Canal, admiring the historical buildings lining the waterway.
• Glide beneath the Ponte di Rialto upon the water, marvelling at this iconic structure. Come early or late to escape the crowds!

Travel tip: though Venice is famous for its gondolas, the best (and cheaper) way to travel the city by water is with the vaporetto, or water bus.

Vienna, Austria

Continue your cultural tour with a stay in Vienna - Austria's 'City of Dreams'. With stunning buildings, museums and music, you'll undoubtedly dream of Vienna for years to come.

• Tour Schönbrunn Palace to discover the life of Austria's royalty. With its beautiful Baroque exterior and 1500 rooms, you could easily spend a whole day here. 
• Explore the Belvedere Museum, a former royal summer residence. With art collections, historical interiors and breath-taking gardens, you can spend both rainy and sunny days in this charming complex.
• Watch a performance at the Vienna State Opera, one of the finest opera houses in the world. 

Train tip: take the train from Wien HBF to Prague Hlvani Nadrazi in under 5 hours.

Prague, Czech Republic

Famous for its red-roofed buildings, medieval architecture and endless charm, Prague is the perfect place to rest for a while.

• Check the time on the Astronomical Clock, a 600-year-old mechanical clock with an incredible design.
• Watch the sunset over the Old Town from the top of the Old Town Hall.
• Add your mark on the John Lennon Wall, before exploring the hidden charm of the Malá Strana district.

Travel tip: the best way to get around Prague is by walking. To get to the Castle District, take the Tram 22 line for stunning views over the city.

Berlin, Germany

Germany's capital is a living, breathing entity. With its tragic history, modern vibes and fantastic nightlife, this eclectic city has something for everyone.

• Visit the Brandenburg Gate, the most recognisable sight in the city. Here, standing upon the former divide of East and West Berlin, learn about the city's 20th-century history. 
• See the city panoramas from the top of the Reichstag, home to the German Parliament. 
• Discover the remains of the Berlin Wall at Bernauer Straße, a preserved 70m section of the wall. Enter the visitor centre nearby to learn about this structure's dark history.

Train tip: the train from Berlin HBF to Amsterdam Centraal is a direct journey, taking just under 7 hours.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam has long been associated with tolerance, freedom and adventure, but there's much more to this city than meets the eye. With magnificent canals, historical buildings and interesting foundations, there's plenty for you to explore.

• Wander around the canals to really get to grips with the city. Top sights include Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and the Brouwersgracht. 
• Visit the Anne Frank House, an important museum sharing the story of a young Jewish girl during the Nazi Occupation of World War II. 
• Marvel at the works of the Dutch Old Masters in the Rijksmuseum. Check out the Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum on Museumplein for more artistic inspiration.

Train tip: Amsterdam Centraal is only a few minutes' walk from the heart of the city centre.

Paris, France

The French capital has amazed and captured the world for centuries. With its stunning architecture, iconic landmarks and delicious cuisine, Paris will soon become one of your favourite places.

• Visit the Musée d'Orsay; a magnificent former railway station turned art gallery. 
• Climb up to the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre for breathtaking views across the city.
• Wander through the Latin Quarter to find the remains of medieval Paris, tucked between the Pantheon and the Sorbonne.

Train tip: Paris is a great city to explore on foot. If you're planning to use the metro, purchase a carnet: a book of 10 tickets which gives you access to metro, RER and bus lines.

London, UK

London is a magnificent city built upon layers of history, with diversity and excitement hidden around every turn. As one of the largest cities in Europe, it's definitely worth planning your stay ahead of time. 

• Go on a walking tour around the city. Top sights include St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. 
• Visit the Tower of London, a 900-year-old castle located by the River Thames. 
• Watch a West End show - tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day. 

Train tip: the Eurostar from Paris arrives at London St. Pancras. There is an immediate connection to the London Underground via King's Cross Station.