Europe is a tremendous place to visit for a family vacation. If you’re planning a 2 week trip through Europe, you’ll have the opportunity to experience several fascinating locations. But which locations should you choose and how do you plan for such an epic trip? Check out the 2 week Europe itinerary that we used for our trip as well as several other helpful tips and start planning your family adventure now!
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2 WEEKS EUROPE TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1 – LONDON
On our first day, Sunday, as soon as we dropped off our luggage at our Stasher location, we were then able to cross Westminster Bridge and enjoy the spectacular view up and down the Thames River which includes the Eye of London, The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
We then made our way to Victoria Tower Gardens and Westminster Abbey and called it a day.
DAY 2 – LONDON
We had to switch our plans around a bit because of the nonstop rain on that day, and it was cold. Since it was a great day to be indoors, we made our way to the British Museum.
After the museum, which the whole family loved, we went to Chinatown for dinner. Dinner was two stops. First at Jade’s Café for dumplings, which served as our appetizer. Then to Lanzhou Lamian noodle bar for the main course. The food there was so good!
DAY 3 – LONDON
The sun came out a bit and what a difference that made! Our first stop was Buckingham Palace with a stroll through Green Park.
We were also able to visit Hyde Park along with Kensington Palace which included the Sunken Gardens.
Following our park visit, we took a walk down Regent Street and stopped inside the world’s largest toy store, Hamleys. We also saw Picadilly Circus and returned to our favorite noodle bar, Lanzhou Lamian for dinner.
DAY 4 – LONDON
Our planned activities were all pretty closely located which made things easy to get around, but the rain made it a bit difficult. We started at the Sky Garden, which is in the Walkie Talkie building, then toured the Tower of London and crossed the Tower Bridge.
The Tower of London was enjoyed by the whole family, with the highlight being the Crown Jewels, of course.
DAY 5 – LONDON TO ROME
A travel day. We took EasyJet from London to Rome for the second part of our trip.
DAY 6 – ROME
After a long day and late night, we slept in so our itinerary for the day was condensed. It was also very hot. Castel Sant’Angelo, pizza, and gelato were the main part of our day. Our apartment was close enough that we could walk to Castel Sant’Angelo.
DAY 7 – ROME
We happened upon Archivio di Stato which was a wonderful surprise and not in our plans. The Pantheon was in our plans and we greatly enjoyed not only the Pantheon but also the piazza. Piazza della Rotonda gave us a great opportunity to rest and enjoy the area.
After our rest, we caught a bus over to Trastevere where we got some great pastries. Our kids enjoyed the playground in Piazza di San Cosimato. The rest of the evening was spent strolling the streets of Trastevere including the Piazza di Santa Maria.
DAY 8 – ROME
Our day started in a park that happens to be one of the best in Rome, Borghese Gardens. It’s a very beautiful place to spend some time. We walked from one end to the other, ending up at Terrazza del Pincio which gave us a breathtaking view of Piazza del Popolo below us and the city of Rome out beyond. Piazza del Popolo is a stunning space that is very impressive so we spent some time there as well.
Next, we followed Via del Babuino to the Spanish Steps through to the shopping district along the side streets and back over to Via del Corso. This is one of the best areas in Rome to shop.
After shopping, we made our way past the Pantheon and through Piazza Navona on our way back to our apartment.
DAY 9 – ROME
The Colosseum has to be number one on your list when you visit Rome. We visited just before noon and it would have been better to get there as early as possible especially when you’re visiting the Colosseum with kids.
It gets pretty hot out in the open. Another good thing to do is to purchase your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long lines. It’s great that you get the combination ticket of the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
After the Colosseum, we went back to our apartment to rest, change and freshen up then headed back out in the evening for dinner and a visit to the Trevi Fountain.
If you can squeeze in two trips to the Trevi Fountain, one during the day and one at night, that’s even better. It can get crowded, but it’s a cool experience.
DAY 10 – ROME TO NAPLES
Our train to Naples wouldn’t leave until 3 pm so we had time to do some sightseeing in the morning. We stashed our luggage at the apartment’s office and headed to Vatican City.
There was enough time to see what we wanted, get back to our apartment to get our luggage then head to the metro station.
Once we arrived in Naples we were able to get set up in our apartment and then explore Centro Storico. We walked the streets and found an excellent place for some pizza. It was a great introduction to Naples.
DAY 11 – NAPLES
Starting the day with some fresh produce and pastries for breakfast was a great choice. From there we took the metro to via Toledo and took a nice walk down the busy street until we ended up in Piazza del Plebiscito.
We explored the area down near the waterfront then took a bus to Bagno Elena Beach. While the city of Naples doesn’t have a lot of great options for beaches, this is a good one. We spent about 3 hours there and the kids wanted to stay longer.
DAY 12 – NAPLES
One of the great things about Naples is the variety of options for day trips. That makes Naples a great base for exploring the region. We took advantage of this by including Pompeii in our itinerary.
To get there, we took the metro to the Napoli Centrale Station and from there took the Circumvesuviana train that dropped us off just about in front of the entrance to the park.
We spent enough time to enjoy the site and would’ve stayed longer except it was pretty hot and there is very little cover once you’re out there. It’s a fascinating place to visit and with its relative proximity to Naples, it’s worth the visit.
DAY 13 – NAPLES
There are several options to choose from if you want a nice island experience near Naples. Again because of its location, several are a day trip away from Naples.
Ischia is a wonderful choice because it’s such a beautiful island that is only a 45-minute ferry ride away (if you choose the faster hydrofoils). With its beaches, excellent seafood, spas, and scenery, Ischia is the perfect day trip from Naples.
DAY 14 – NAPLES
Since we were in Naples, but flying out of Rome, we had to take the train back. We had plenty of time and made it to the airport with no problem and our flight home was great.
THE DESTINATIONS WE INCLUDED IN OUR 2 WEEK TRIP TO EUROPE
In planning our two-week trip, we decided that we would select three main destinations. For that period, three destinations is a good number.
It allowed us to have a bit of variety in the types of locations that we experienced and at the same time it wasn’t too many so that we would feel rushed and spend too much time in transit.
London is always a fascinating city to visit, but there were some great flight deals to London, so it made sense to start our trip there.
Rome is our favorite city so far so we are more than happy to return. It’s also a nice contrast to London in that it’s a much older city with older sites.
Naples was our final choice in large part due to its proximity to Rome and unlike London and Rome, it’s not the same type of tourist destination. That proved to be correct Naples isn’t as polished as Rome and London so it was a completely different feel to the city.
Naples was also a great choice since it’s close to several great day trip options.
Whichever cities you choose to include in your itinerary, I think that the basic outline that we used worked out well. You can do something similar by sticking to three main destinations over the course of two weeks.
Select cities that offer something different than the others and make sure that at least one of them has several good day trip options. This allows you to experience multiple locations without having to pack up and transit from one area to another.
Here are some detailed itineraries for the cities that we visited:
If you want a comprehensive guide to planning your trip to London, click here.
FLIGHTS TO UK AND ITALY
Toronto to London with Air Transat
There are several things that we did to make sure that we got the best deal for our flights. We flew out of Toronto even though we live in Cleveland because the flight prices were so good.
Air Transat had an amazing deal and it was nice that it was a direct flight since it was an overnight flight. Air Transat also provides meals and entertainment with the cost of the ticket.
We had a Basic Economy ticket, so we didn’t check any bags, and it still included meals and entertainment. I thought that we got great value with that ticket.
We were allowed one carry-on and one personal item (backpack, purse, etc.) person. So we all brought a carry-on and my daughter had a backpack and I brought a backpack.
Seat selection is something that costs extra and is not included in the Basic Economy ticket. From my research, it seems that Air Transat places a priority on sitting families with children together.
I also made sure to check in online the moment that it was available. This was 24 hours ahead of departure. For our flight to London and the flight back from Rome, we were all sat together so that wasn’t a problem at all.
Every family situation and airline is different. Make sure you do your research and think carefully if this is the approach that you want to take for your family.
London to Rome with EasyJet
We booked our flight’s open jaw, meaning that we would arrive in one city and then depart for home from a different city. For us, that meant that we would arrive in London and depart from Rome.
That left it up to us to find our way from London to Rome. It was cheaper this way since I was able to book a one-way ticket from London to Rome that cost approximately $40 per person with EasyJet.
Rome to Toronto with Air Transat
The second leg of our open-jaw flight went pretty smoothly. We reached the airport via train from Naples with no problem and made the flight home.
CONNECTING BETWEEN LOCATIONS
Once we arrived in Italy, we used their train system and ferries to reach our destinations. From Rome, we took the Trenitalia Train. We boarded the train at the Termini Station. The train arrived at the Naples Centrale train station. From there, we took the metro to our apartment.
GETTING AROUND LONDON, ROME AND NAPLES
Traveling in Europe provided us with several different transportation experiences in London, Rome, and Naples. In London, getting around was a breeze.
We primarily used the Tube, which was easy to navigate thanks to clear signage and maps throughout the stations—even for first-time users.
When we weren’t taking the tube, we used buses and did quite a bit of walking. We relied on Google Maps as our guide since it provided us real-time updates and directions.
Rome, however, offered a different experience. Its metro system was not as extensive, so we mostly depended on buses and walking. Although Rome’s buses were plentiful, they were less reliable and punctual compared to London’s Tube. Fortunately, the historic center where we did most of our sightseeing is compact and walkable, which made getting around easy.
Naples pleasantly surprised us with an efficient, clean metro system that connected us to the airport and even enabled a day trip to Pompeii. We also used buses and ferries—the latter for a memorable trip to Ischia.
Ultimately, relying on public transit and navigation apps allowed us to explore each city, discovering every attraction we hoped to see.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR UK AND ITALY
As a budget-conscious family of four, we value the comforts and amenities provided by renting apartments through services like Airbnb and VRBO. Each of the three apartments we rented featured full kitchens and three beds.
We were able to find nearby markets which we use to purchase small food items for breakfast, snacks, and water which helps to save time and money.
Location is also important when selecting accommodations.
We found London accommodations to be incredibly expensive so we settled on staying outside the city center in the suburb of Belsize Park. Our apartment was near a tube station, so we were able to reach most attractions in a relatively short amount of time.
In Rome, we stayed in the neighborhood of Prati which borders Vatican City. The prices were reasonable and it was in an ideal location. It’s close enough to the main landmarks that it is easy enough to walk or take a short bus ride there.
In Naples, we found an amazing apartment in the historical center of the city. We were able to walk around the neighborhood and we were close enough to the metro station to use that to get around the city.
We were able to stay in a variety of locations from outside the city center to being in the middle of it all. Of course, being in the middle of the action is usually preferred, but in major cities, staying outside the center and relying on the metro can be a great budget-friendly option.
HOW TO PACK FOR A TWO WEEK EUROPE TRIP
What you pack will largely depend on the locations that you decide to visit. For the itinerary that we chose, we would experience two vastly different climates. In London for the most part it was cool and rainy but on our first day in Rome it was 95f!
To accommodate this we stuck to the basics and went with clothing that we could easily wash and mix and match. We packed everything from sweaters to flip-flops but did so efficiently. We were able to go carry on only for two weeks and everything fit in our four carryons and two backpacks for our family of four.
Check out these essential space-saving tips that can help on extended vacations.
For detailed packing info check out our packing list for London as well as our packing list for Italy.
THE BEST TIME TO GO EUROPE
For our family, June is the preferred time to travel. This works because it’s often cheaper and less crowded than the summer months of July and August.
Even though planned to go during a time that it was less crowded, we started planning early, around September/October of the previous year. This allowed us to search for deals and build up our travel fund.
While the mid-summer would seem to be ideal for visiting a place like London, it actually can be the opposite. It’s similar to most major European cities. Between the crowds, the prices and the heat it’s best to plan to go as early in the summer as possible.
HOW TO BUDGET WHEN PLANNING A 2 WEEK TRIP TO EUROPE
Going on a two-week European vacation is downright exhilarating. But before you get swept up in the adventure, nail down a smart budget. It’s not about scrimping on experiences; it’s about ensuring your journey is as smooth as it is bold. Below, you’ll find a practical rundown of the major expense buckets, with ballpark figures in USD to help you sketch out your plan. Remember, these numbers are a starting point—they’ll shift depending on where you roam, how you travel, and even the season. So, adjust them to suit your own epic adventure.
1. Airfare
- Estimated Cost: $600 – $1,200 per person (round-trip)
- Budgeting Tips:
- Book flights 2–4 months in advance to snag early-bird deals.
- Use fare comparison tools (e.g., Google Flights, Skyscanner) to monitor price trends.
- Consider flexible travel dates and nearby airports to optimize savings.
2. Accommodations
- Estimated Cost Options:
- Budget: $70 – $120 per night (hostels, budget hotels, or private Airbnb rooms)
- Mid-Range: $150 – $250 per night (family apartments or 3-star hotels)
- Example: For a family of four staying in a mid-range apartment at about $150 per night, the total accommodation cost for 14 nights would be roughly $2,100.
- Budgeting Tips:
- Look for properties that offer free cancellation or last-minute deals.
- Choose accommodations with a kitchenette to save money by preparing some meals at home.
3. Food & Dining
- Estimated Daily Cost:
- Budget: $20 – $40 per person (self-catering, casual eateries, or street food)
- Mid-Range: $50 – $80 per person (mix of dining out and cooking)
- Example: A mid-range dining plan for one person might cost around $60 per day, totaling approximately $840 for 14 days.
- Budgeting Tips:
- Combine restaurant meals with groceries and picnic lunches.
- Explore local markets for affordable, fresh produce and authentic snacks.
4. Local Transportation
- Estimated Cost:
- Within Cities: $40 – $70 per week per person (public transport passes or metro/bus tickets)
- Intercity Travel: $50 – $150 per segment (using trains, budget airlines, or buses)
- Overall Estimate: Approximately $300 – $500 per person for the entire trip.
- Budgeting Tips:
- Research city-specific travel cards that bundle unlimited rides with discounted entry to attractions.
- Book intercity tickets in advance to secure the best rates.
5. Attractions & Activities
- Estimated Cost:
- Daily Average: $15 – $40 per person for museum tickets, guided tours, and entrance fees.
- Special Tours/Day Trips: Budget an additional $200 – $400 for unique experiences (e.g., a guided tour of Pompeii or a river cruise).
- Overall Estimate: Around $300 – $600 per person over the two weeks.
- Budgeting Tips:
- Purchase city or museum passes to save on bundled attractions.
- Book tickets online ahead of time to avoid long queues and sometimes higher on-site prices.
6. Miscellaneous Expenses
- Estimated Cost: $200 – $400 per person for:
- Souvenirs and gifts
- Local SIM cards or data plans
- Emergency or unexpected expenses
- Budgeting Tip: Set aside a contingency fund (roughly 10–15% of your total budget) to cover unforeseen costs.
7. Total Estimated Budget
- Budget Traveler: Approximately $2,000 – $2,500 per person if you opt for budget accommodations, self-catering, and minimal paid attractions.
- Mid-Range Traveler: Roughly $3,000 – $4,000 per person for a mix of comfort and cost-saving measures.
- Family Example: For a family of four, expect total costs in the range of $8,000 – $12,000—adjusting for group discounts and shared expenses.
Family Vacation Budget Calculator
Total Budget: $0
Additional Budgeting Tips
- Plan & Prioritize: Identify “must-do” activities and allocate more funds there, while trimming costs on less essential experiences.
- Early Booking: Lock in flights, accommodations, and tours early to benefit from lower rates.
- Flexibility: Consider adjusting your itinerary (e.g., staying longer in one city) to reduce travel costs.
- Reward Programs: Use travel rewards, credit card points, and loyalty programs to offset expenses.
- Local Alternatives: Embrace free attractions, public parks, and self-guided tours for enriching yet cost-effective experiences.
SAFETY TIPS FOR EUROPE
Family travel in Europe calls for extra vigilance to keep everyone safe during your two-week adventure. In London, watch for pickpockets on crowded Tube rides and near major landmarks; keep passports, cash, and devices securely stored.
In Rome, stick to well-lit streets and avoid deserted alleyways, especially at night, while keeping an eye on your little ones near historic sites. In Naples, opt for reputable transport and be cautious with cash in busy markets.
Always carry a charged phone, local emergency contacts, and travel insurance details, and plan regular check-ins to ensure a worry-free journey for the whole family overall.
DAY TRIPS
When traveling Europe with your family, the real magic often lies just beyond the city limits. These day trips from London, Rome, and Naples offer a perfect blend of history, adventure, and local flavor that will enchant both kids and adults.
From London
Windsor Castle
Just a short train ride from London, Windsor Castle is a living slice of fairy-tale history. Roam its regal halls, watch the Changing of the Guard, and let the little ones explore the sprawling grounds. It’s British tradition served with a side of royal wonder.
Legoland Windsor
For families with younger adventurers, Legoland Windsor is pure, hands-on fun. With interactive rides, creative building zones, and themed attractions, it’s a day of playful learning and excitement at only about 30 minutes by train from the city.
Hampton Court Palace
Step into Tudor times at Hampton Court Palace. Wander through its vast, manicured gardens, lose yourself in a historic maze, and catch lively reenactments that bring the past to life. It’s an immersive experience that mixes outdoor fun with a dash of royal intrigue.
From Rome
Pompeii
Visiting Pompeii’s vast ruins was an eye-opening look into life during the Roman Empire. The detail in the remaining city was so unique and captivating. It’s the perfect place to wander and explore history up close and in person. It requires a bit of walking, but visiting early means fewer crowds and a more relaxed setting.
Ostia Antica
For a more laid-back historical fix, Ostia Antica provides a quiet glimpse into Rome’s bustling port life of antiquity. Its smaller, more manageable ruins allow you and your kids to meander at a relaxed pace, absorbing the everyday stories of ancient life.
Tivoli (Villa d’Este)
Just outside Rome, Tivoli dazzles with the stunning fountains and lush gardens of Villa d’Este. The grand water displays and Renaissance architecture create a sensory feast. It’s a magical playground where kids can run free while you admire centuries of art and design.
From Naples
Herculaneum
A compact and easily navigable alternative to Pompeii, Herculaneum is ideal for families with younger children. Its ruins pack plenty of fascinating details of ancient Rome without the overwhelming scale.
Procida
For an off-the-beaten-path escape, Procida is a burst of color and authenticity. Wander its narrow, vibrant streets and soak up the laid-back island charm—a genuine taste of local life that’s both enchanting and refreshingly unhurried.
TOP KID FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN LONDON/ROME/NAPLES
Here are some other kid friendly attractions that you may want to add to your itinerary:
London
• London Transport Museum – Step into a hands-on journey through London’s transit past and present. Kids can climb aboard vintage vehicles and explore interactive exhibits that make history come alive.
• Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground – Inspired by Peter Pan, this magical play space offers whimsical adventures for the little ones in a secure, engaging setting.
• SEA LIFE London Aquarium – Dive into an underwater world filled with touch pools, vibrant marine life, and immersive exhibits that captivate all ages.
• Shrek’s Adventure! London – A quirky, interactive experience where families can join Shrek on a fun-filled quest through live storytelling and imaginative sets.
Rome
• Explora Children’s Museum – This interactive museum is designed for inquisitive minds, with hands-on exhibits that blend art, science, and history into playful discovery.
• Bioparco di Roma – Located within the lush Villa Borghese, the zoo offers an intimate encounter with animals from around the globe—a perfect urban oasis for a family day out.
• Time Elevator Rome – Embark on a multi-sensory ride that zips through Rome’s epic past using dynamic visuals and effects—history has never been so thrilling.
• Villa Torlonia – A charming, lesser-known park featuring quirky architecture and tranquil gardens that provide ample space for picnics and exploration.
Naples
• Naples National Archaeological Museum – Uncover ancient secrets with fascinating artifacts from the region’s storied past—an educational and awe-inspiring outing for curious minds.
• Napoli Zoo – Enjoy an engaging day meeting exotic animals in a scenic, well-maintained setting that’s perfect for little explorers.
• Parco Virgiliano – With sweeping views over the Bay of Naples, this scenic park is ideal for relaxed family strolls, picnics, and soaking up the Mediterranean charm.
• Orto Botanico di Napoli – Wander among exotic flora in this peaceful botanical garden—a serene retreat where nature and family time harmoniously blend.
5 ADDITIONAL TWO WEEK EUROPE ITINERARIES
If you’re searching for more options for European family adventures, these extra 2‑week itineraries open up a world of amazing possibilities.
Each route features three standout cities and one flight, offering options like regal London, timeless Paris, sun‑drenched Nice, ancient Athens, dramatic Santorini, and vibrant Crete—plus awesome day trips.
Itinerary 1: London, Paris, & Nice
Kick off your journey in London—a city where centuries of history rub shoulders with modern hustle. After exploring hidden gems and iconic landmarks, board the Eurostar to Paris. In the City of Light, lose yourself in art, narrow cobbled streets, and endless café culture. Then, hop on a one‑way flight to Nice, your gateway to the sun-drenched French Riviera.
Day Trips:
- London: Explore Windsor Castle, get hands‑on at Legoland Windsor, or stroll through the Tudor corridors of Hampton Court Palace.
- Paris: Lose yourself in Versailles, wander Montmartre on foot, or revel in the magic of Disneyland Paris.
- Nice: Cruise along the glittering coast to Monaco or Cannes, or drive up to the medieval village of Èze for jaw‑dropping views.
Itinerary 2: Athens, Santorini, & Crete
Start in Athens, where ancient ruins mix with vibrant street life. Savor the flavors and stories of the birthplace of Western civilization. Then, take a quick flight to Santorini—where dramatic caldera views and legendary sunsets set the scene for a laid‑back island escape. Finally, catch a ferry to Crete, an island bursting with myth, warm beaches, and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for families.
Day Trips:
- Athens: Venture to Delphi or Cape Sounion for epic sunset views at the Temple of Poseidon.
- Santorini: Explore the mysterious ruins of Akrotiri or set sail on a boat tour around volcanic isles.
- Crete: Roam the storied halls of Knossos, relax on the shores near Elounda, or wander the quaint lanes of Chania.
Itinerary 3: Amsterdam, Paris, & Barcelona
Begin in Amsterdam, a city best discovered on a bike or a boat along its picturesque canals. Then, catch a train to Paris for an immersive dose of art, history, and a little French je ne sais quoi. Finally, fly from Paris to Barcelona, where vibrant street life meets Mediterranean bliss.
Day Trips:
- Amsterdam: Discover windmills at Zaanse Schans, or venture out to Haarlem or Utrecht for a quieter, traditional Dutch experience.
- Paris: Marvel at Versailles, soak in the beauty of Giverny, or dive into the magic of Disneyland Paris.
- Barcelona: Scale the dramatic peaks of Montserrat or unwind on the sandy shores of Sitges.
Itinerary 4: Vienna, Budapest, & Prague
Begin in Vienna—a city of imperial grandeur, where every street corner tells a story. Then, enjoy a scenic train ride to Budapest, a city that blends history with quirky charm and the warmth of its famous thermal baths. Wrap up in Prague, where fairy-tale architecture and lively squares invite exploration.
Day Trips:
- Vienna: Cruise the Danube through the picturesque Wachau Valley and marvel at Melk Abbey.
- Budapest: Visit the artsy riverside town of Szentendre or enjoy a relaxed picnic in the Etyek wine region.
- Prague: Take a day trip to Kutná Hora to witness its eerie Bone Church and medieval allure.
Itinerary 5: Lisbon, Madrid, & Seville
Kick off your family adventure in Lisbon, where colorful trams, tiled streets, and hearty pastéis de nata create an irresistible backdrop for exploration. Next, fly from Lisbon to Madrid—a city that pulses with art, tapas, and energy. Finally, take a high‑speed train to Seville, the heart of passionate Spanish culture.
Day Trips:
- Lisbon: Escape to Sintra’s palaces and the coastal charm of Cascais.
- Madrid: Wander the medieval streets of Toledo or marvel at the Roman wonders of Segovia.
- Seville: Journey to Córdoba to admire the breathtaking Mezquita, or venture to Ronda for spectacular cliffside views.
ENJOY 2 WEEKS IN EUROPE
A two-week European vacation will be a fascinating experience for your family. With our itinerary and tips, you’ll be well-prepared and ready to have an amazing vacation. Before you go, be sure to check out our essential guide to planning a family trip to Europe for more info to help you plan an awesome trip. Safe travels!
