9 Romantic European Honeymoon Itineraries for 2026
Planning a European honeymoon itinerary can be daunting to say the least. You may have recently finished up planning all of your wedding details, and now it feels like you have an even bigger project hanging over your head! I totally get it.
I planned a destination wedding in Alaska with a honeymoon in South Africa, and let me tell you… it was a lot of work. It took many many hours to plan, but thanks to all of that experience, I’m so much better equipped to plan trips just like this and make these travels far easier on YOU!
Whether you prefer beaches, mountains, or city life or you have just one week or up to a month available for travel, I have some amazing itineraries for you to get some ideas from.
👉 I’ve also included some helpful information and provided a free downloadable honeymoon packing list at the end of the post! Get it now!
What are the Best European Honeymoon Destinations?
Though you can find set lists of the “best European honeymoon destinations” all over the web, we don’t really see how those are helpful to you.
You’re going to automatically scroll past the Greek Islands if you hate the beach. We subconsciously know what we’re interested in, so you’ll naturally be drawn to specific itineraries that are more catered to your preferences.
That’s why I’ve created these lists of the best honeymoon destinations based on the most popular choices: beaches, mountains, and city life.
Feel free to jump to the section you want if you already know you and your partner are leaning towards one over the other!
Best European Honeymoon Destinations for the Beach
If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic beach getaway in Europe for you and your loved one on your honeymoon, take a peek at some amazing options below!
First, the Costa Brava on the northeastern coast of Spain is home to dozens of white sand beaches that are surrounded by clear, blue waters. Owing to its location on the Balearic Sea, you can expect to find calm, warmer waters most of the time.
The Balearic Islands off the same coast of Spain are another fantastic option for a romantic beach escape. Known for its exhilarating nightlife and unparalleled coastal beauty, the beaches here are world-renowned!
You have also likely heard of the famed Greek Islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, but there are actually dozens of others also worth exploring. If you want to see the best of what these island paradises have to offer, consider booking an island-hopping cruise!
Then there are of course the stunning beaches surrounding the Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Cinque de Terre in Italy. You can also find beautiful beaches on the eastern coast of Italy near Bari, Pescara, and Ancona!
Additionally, you could opt to visit Croatia, Montenegro, Monaco, Portugal, and the southeast of France for stunning, white sand beaches with crystal clear, turquoise blue waters.
Many of the beaches across these European destinations boast fantastic water sport opportunities including windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, kneeboarding, and more!
But, if you prefer to find yourself a pristine spot of sand facing the sun, then there are plenty of options for that too.
Best European Honeymoon Destinations for the Mountains
Now, we’re speaking my language. I absolutely LOVE the mountains and try to find time to be in the woods or on a snowy peak as often as possible. If you’re like me, you’re probably going to jump with excitement over the following options!
First, the “king of the mountains”… – Mont Blanc. This majestic beast is the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe reaching a peak of 4,807 meters!
You get the best views and hiking and winter sports opportunities from the small ski town of Chamonix, France. Easily reachable by flying into Geneva airport and taking a shuttle, this is one of the ultimate mountain destinations in Europe!
✔️ Pro Tip: Chamonix is known for its extreme winter sports and unparalleled mountain beauty in the winter, but even if you visit in the summer there are dozens of things you can do – and you won’t need subzero winter gear!
I visited in May and the mountains were still covered in snow and I got the opportunity to go paragliding off of Mont Blanc – if you and your partner enjoy adrenaline-rushing activities, this is the ultimate mountain thrill ride!
For more information, click on the link to Chamonix, France above. I give you the best things to do in Chamonix in both summer and winter, and tell you all about what you’ll need to know before you visit.
Not far from Chamonix is another world-renowned ski town known as Zermatt, Switzerland. Easily recognized for its uninterrupted views of the infamous Matterhorn, there is no end in sight to the mountain activities that can be had here.
Skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, paragliding, and more! Similar to Chamonix, Zermatt is an adventure lover’s dream European honeymoon itinerary.
Owing to Europe’s varying landscape, you can find a plethora of rugged mountains in practically every country. In Germany, you’ll find the breathtaking Wetterstein Mountains, and in Spain, you’ll be nearby the incredible Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges.
France also makes up a large part of the Alps, as does northwestern Italy and southwestern Switzerland.
If you’re really hoping to include some mountain time on your European honeymoon itinerary, any of the aforementioned countries would make great options!
Best European Honeymoon Destinations for City Life
If you prefer to avoid nature altogether and enjoy submerging yourself into the culture of each and every country you visit, then a city getaway is just the thing!
The U.K. and Ireland are home to cozy pubs overflowing with traditional folk music and lovely, hospitable people. Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh… the list goes on and on. All of these cities would make for amazing options to include on your European honeymoon itinerary.
You’ll find similar charming cities scattered across Europe from the likes of Bruges, Belgium, and Amsterdam and The Hague in the Netherlands to Colmar, France, Munich, Germany, and Vienna, Austria.
Every country in Europe is home to at least a few exciting cities, so do your research. Once you decide if you prefer bustling metropolises filled with upscale bars and restaurants or quaint networks of cobblestone streets and brick houses, you’ll have a better idea of which cities and which countries are better options for you.
It’s also easy to combine them! For example, a Day Trip to Luxembourg from Brussels can easily be combined with a pitstop in Dinant.
One day in Lisbon can easily be combined with a quick stopover in Cascais and Estoril! Don’t feel as though you need to choose either big cities or rural villages. You can easily do both!
Some of my personal favorite cities (both rural and urban) in Europe include Chamonix, France, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Bruges, Belgium, Paris, France, Budapest, Hungary, and Prague, Czech Republic.
1 Week European Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
If your job and budget allow for a one week honeymoon, these European itinerary options are romantic, relaxing, and rejuvenating. I have not included a one-week mountain escape itinerary simply because you will likely need more time to reach these regions.
If you prefer, you can use the French and Swiss Alps itinerary from the 2 week honeymoon options and only include what you can fit into one week. You might be a little tight on time, but if you really love the mountains, I guarantee your efforts will be well rewarded!
The Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are a hot honeymoon destination that lure in travelers from far and wide with their turquoise blue waters, exhilarating nightlife, and breathtaking scenery. Not to mention the food, the quintessential white-washed towns covered in bright blooming flowers, and their ancient history.
While most people decide to visit the Greek Islands for 7-10 days, there is still a lot you can see in just one week, including your roundtrip transportation. Since you’ll likely be arriving in Athens via plane or train, this European honeymoon itinerary has been set for 5 days (allowing one day each for arriving and departing).
I’ve also decided to prepare you a self-guided island-hopping itinerary. This will allow you more time on fewer islands versus a cruise that may bring you to more islands with less time on each.
Of course, you can opt for a cruise that meets your needs! This will be a far more expensive option, but hey, it’s your honeymoon! Below is a 5-day Greek Island itinerary that will bring you to the most popular islands in the country with just one night in each.
If you prefer to spend more time in each place, simply research the islands and see which ones you would rather spend more time in.
There are hundreds more Greek islands (227 in total) each offering its own unique sights, landmarks, beaches, and local attractions, but I truly believe you’ll have a wonderful experience on any Greek island that you choose!
Day 1
Arrive in Athens
Sightseeing at the Parthenon, Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, and Ancient Agora of Athens
Day 2
Ferry from Athens to Mykonos (2.5-5.5 hours, depending on the ferry)
Mykonos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece! Visit the sacred site of Delos, the Monastery Of Panagia Tourliani, and the Paraportiani Orthodox Church before hitting one of the many stunning beaches in the area.
Beaches: Super Paradise Beach Club, Παραλία Ορνός, Paralia Ftelias, Agia Anna Beach, Kapari Beach, Kalafati Beach, and numerous more.
Also check out the island’s vast number of monasteries, museums, and ancient ruins!
Day 3
Ferry from Mykonos to Paros (30 minutes – 1.5 hours)
Also known for its exotic beaches, you could spend weeks here and not go to the same beach twice. A few popular favorites include:
Kolympethres Beach, Monastiri beach, Krios Beach, Lageri Beach, Kalogeros beach, and Piperi Beach.
Day 4
Ferry from Paros to Santorini (Thera) (1 hour 40 minutes – 3 hours)
While beaches here too are popular, you’ll likely find yourself getting lost in the endless lookouts over the Aegean Sea and the seemingly endless white-washed houses covered in beautiful flowers.
Santorini is the iconic symbol of the Greek Islands and boasts one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world!
Find yourself going on wine tours, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the ancient city of Thera.
Day 5
Ferry from Santorini to Crete (about 2 hours)
If you’re going to Crete, you’ll want to at least check out Elafonissi Beach. This infamous pink sand beach is recognized worldwide and makes for insanely beautiful pictures.
Then, head into the Old Venetian port of Chania where you can do some shopping and more sightseeing! This island, similar to the others, houses absolutely incredible beaches, historic palaces and monasteries, and important archaeological museums.
Day 6
Flight from Crete to Athens (55 minutes)
Spend the morning enjoying Crete or opt to take the ferry instead. It’s a 9-hour journey but it offers spectacular views of the surrounding Greek Islands!
Day 7
Return Home
The French Winelands
France is an amazing destination offering incredible excursions for every type of traveler. From world-class wine tours to unbeatable scenery, there’s no doubting that a trip to France would make for an amazing European honeymoon itinerary!
In this itinerary, you’ll find stops at all of the major wine destinations in France including Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, Provence, and the Loire Valley.
Bordeaux is by far the most popular destination so I recommend keeping it in your honeymoon itinerary, but if you aren’t a fan of champagne… there’s probably no reason for you to visit the Champagne reason (though it is beautiful nevertheless).
If this honeymoon sounds right up your alley, be sure to check out my article on the 15 Most Amazing Wine Tours in France!
Day 1
Arrive in Paris
Sightseeing at the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, Les Champs-Élysées, Le Louvre, and so on.
Day 2
Train from Paris to Burgundy (Dijon) (1.5 hours)
Day 3
Train from Burgundy to Provence (5-8 hours, depending on the train)
Day 4
Fly from Provence to Bordeaux (2 hours 10 minutes)
You can also opt to take the train which is far more scenic, but it could take you upwards of 9 hours.
Day 5
Train from Bordeaux to Champagne (about 4 hours)
Day 6
Train from Champagne to Loire Valley (about 4 hours)
Day 7
Return Home
* This itinerary does include a lot of time spent on a train, but if you really want to see all of France’s best wine regions, I highly suggest fitting in these wine destinations.
* If you’re able to swing it, consider adding one more day to your honeymoon itinerary or simply omit one of the wine regions.
* By omitting one of the regions or choosing to fly between regions you could definitely save a good bit of travel time, though it may be more expensive depending on the flights.
The Portuguese Algarve
If you’re considering a honeymoon in Portugal, be sure to check out my ultimate 10 Day Portugal Itinerary. Even if you don’t have 10 full days, you can easily customize it to fit your time and preferences.
But, if you’re looking to just relax on gorgeous beaches and have the opportunity to hike and submerge yourself in exciting culture without having to travel too much, the Algarve in Portugal’s southernmost region is an incredible European honeymoon destination!
Just a 3.5-hour train ride from the bustling capital of Lisbon, the Algarve is sheer bliss. It truly feels like a tropical oasis that’s backed by endless activities, mouth-watering food, and very hospitable locals.
Day 1
Arrive in Lisbon
Sightseeing in the different neighborhoods including Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Baixa de Lisboa, and the Moorish Quarter.
Day 2
Train from Lisbon to Faro (about 3.5 hours)
The Faro District of Portugal is home to charming towns like Lagos and Portimão and makes up the region of the Algarve.
Spend the day exploring the different towns, shopping, and indulging in endless wine and tapas!
Day 3
Day trip to the Benagil Caves!
Opt to kayak or take a boat out for the ultimate trip in the Algarve.
Day 4
Beach Day!
Options include the iconic Marinha and Praia do Camilo Beaches as well as the Ponta da Piedade which are known for their picturesque natural rock formations.
Other amazing beaches include Praia da Rocha, Beach Falésia Açoteias, Vale do Lobo, Praia do Carvalho, and Meia Praia.
Day 5
Day trip to Tavira Island!
On the southeastern side of the country, you can jump on a water taxi that will take you out to the stunning and remote Tavira Island.
There are no hotels on the island and if you prefer not to camp, I recommend booking a hotel in Tavira on the mainland.
Day 6
Spend the morning returning to Lagos and do anything you missed at the beginning of the week.
Hit the beach, go shopping, visit the museums, or revel in the endless tapas and wine.
Day 7
Return Home
2 Week European Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
If you have upwards of two weeks for your European honeymoon itinerary, lucky you! This means you’ll be able to explore either more countries or explore more destinations within each country that you visit, opting for a more detailed experience.
The itineraries below are fantastic options whether you love the beach, the mountains, or are looking for a cultural punch. All are popular honeymoon itineraries in Europe, so you can be sure that you’ll be in for a real treat!
The Italian Coast and Malta
Italy has a dominating reputation as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe… and for good reason; it has everything a couple could want!
There are incredible Alps and hiking opportunities in the north, awe-inspiring beaches and coastlines in the south, and some of the most powerful historical sites in the world scattered throughout its borders.
Over this one-month European honeymoon itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in all kinds of adventures! From boating through Capri to snorkeling in Malta, this is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe.
Week 1
Arrive in Northern Italy: the province of San Donato
Enjoy cooler air in the sweltering summer months and views of impressive mountain peaks. This region is the perfect start to an adventurous honeymoon itinerary for those who love to hike!
* Since this region is pretty out of the way from the rest of your trip, you can omit it if you would prefer to just explore the more popular regions.
From here, head to Milan for some amazing sightseeing and the perfect pitstop before heading over to Venice. From Venice, you’ll go to Cinque de Terre for unbeatable views of
Next, you’re going to Florence! Hop on a train and enjoy the iconic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Then, stop in Rome for 2 nights.
Week 2
From Rome, take a train down to Naples where you’ll have endless options for the best pizza in the world and nearby access to the infamous Amalfi Coast and Positano!
I recommend spending at least two days in this region or even more. From here, you have a couple of options. I would recommend jumping down to Sicily for a couple of days, or if you feel that you’re comfortable with your Italian vacation, you could get on a ferry right from Sicily down to Malta!
Malta is known for its popular snorkeling destinations like Fomm it-Rih and Ghar Lapsi and is absolutely covered in incredible beauty.
* This itinerary is packed full of stuff. If you would prefer to have more time in each place, I suggest either skipping Malta altogether or removing a few of the towns that you don’t feel as passionate about visiting.
Croatia and Montenegro
Similar to Italy and Malta, this Croatia and Montenegro honeymoon itinerary is the perfect choice for nature, beauty, and culture seekers.
You’ll have time to explore the seemingly endless number of castles, monasteries, hidden waterfalls, and panoramic views in each of these incredible countries located on the Adriatic Sea.
Week 1
Arrive in Zagreb and explore for a day or two
Head to Plitvice Lakes National Park! Swim in tranquil waterfalls and experience an utterly perfect start to your romantic European honeymoon itinerary
From the national park, you’re off to Split! Home to Diocletian’s Palace and numerous other famous archaeological sites, this is a great spot to rest your head for a few nights.
If you have time, make your way down to Dubrovnik (about a 4.5-5 hour train ride) to start your second week abroad.
Week 2
Spend some time in Dubrovnik before making your way to the heart of the Balkans… Montenegro!
In under 3 hours by train, you’ll be in the medieval town of Kotor. From, here you can jump on other trains en route to Budva, Sveti Stefan, and the capital of Podgorica before returning home.
The French and Swiss Alps
For those adrenaline-junky couples, this is the ultimate European honeymoon itinerary. Fly into one of the three countries (France, Switzerland, or Italy) nearest the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc, and start your ascent up the majestic mountain ranges that encompass the region.
Flying into Geneva, Switzerland will give you quick and easy access to Chamonix (the Queen of alpine ski resort towns)
Week 1
Arrive in Chamonix
Opt to hike the very popular Tour du Mont Blanc (takes between 8-11 days) if you and your partner are up for an exhilarating challenge!
Otherwise, hop between the stunning tows in the Alps including Chamonix, Annecy, and all of the smaller towns surrounding Lake Annecy in the Haute Savoie region of France- my favorite is Talloires!
Week 2
Make your way into Courmayeur, Italy for another fantastic ski option at the foot of the Alps before hitting Aosta then heading up to Zermatt, Switzerland.
Each of these amazing alpine towns provide unbeatable access to limitless hiking trails, ski trails, adventure activities, hospitable people, delicious cuisine, and some of the best après-ski parties in the world!
I recommend spending 2-3 days in each location and booking outdoor activities like paragliding, rock climbing, etc., in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
* If you visit in the winter, be sure to download my free winter packing list for Europe by clicking the link at the bottom of this post!
1 Month European Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
If you are planning a one-month European honeymoon itinerary, your options are practically endless! You could ski on the highest mountains in the Alps one day and be relaxing on the beaches of Croatia the next.
You still won’t be able to visit all of Europe, unless you plan on spending just one day in each country (not recommended), so do your best to choose your destinations wisely.
The itineraries below will allow you to see the best of the best in each country you visit, so there’s no worrying that you’ll be missing out on anything.
These itineraries will require a bit more research and planning, but I can guarantee the extra work will be worth it!
Ireland, Scotland, and England Road Trip
Depending on where you’re flying from, you may want to reorder this European honeymoon itinerary. For example, if you’re coming from the U.S., then starting in Ireland is wise. But, if you’re coming from Europe or Asia, you may want to consider starting in the U.K.
You could easily spend one month in each of these amazing European destinations, but I’m certain that this incredible itinerary will inspire you and your partner to start planning your honeymoon asap!
To simplify things, I have written this itinerary as if you were coming from the west of Ireland. If you’re coming from the east, simply follow it in the reverse order!
Week 1
Fly into Shannon and rent a car
Drive from Shannon airport up to Doolin where you’ll be rewarded with early sightings of the amazing Cliffs of Moher. From there, head up to Galway and witness a world-famous Trad on the Prom show!
Afterward, you can opt to drive directly across the country to the oldest pub in the world, Sean’s Bar! Or, you can choose to drive south back down to Limerick, Dingle, Killarney, over to Cork, Cobh, and up to Waterford and Dublin.
Week 2
Make your ascent from Dublin up to Northern Ireland to the city of Belfast. From here, you can visit the amazing Giant’s Causeway.
If you prefer, you can bounce back over to the western side of the country and visit the breathtaking town of Sligo.
Depending on how long you spend in each place, you may or may not be able to get to Scotland by the end of the second week.
Week 3
Fly to Edinburgh and spend at least a day or two exploring.
Afterward, rent another car and make your way up to the Scottish Highlands and peek around Inverness, Aberdeen, and make your way back down to Glasgow.
Week 4
From Glasgow, either drive or fly down to London.
I suggest driving since you’ll be able to easily stop in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Bath before ending your trip with a couple of days in London.
The Charming Cities of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany
Likewise goes for this itinerary as the previous one in the U.K. and Ireland. Depending on where you’re flying in from, you may want to reorder this itinerary to better suit your transportation schedule.
This itinerary is the ultimate getaway for city lovers! I’ve included major tourist hubs including Amsterdam and Brussels as well as more charming towns and cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Munich, Germany.
Depending on your likes and dislikes, you may want to add or remove some cities! These countries make for a fantastic combination trip and you can see and do an immense amount if you have four full weeks for exploring.
Week 1
Arrive in Amsterdam
Spend at least two days in Amsterdam wandering the different neighborhoods of De Pijp, Jordaan, De Wallen, and so on. Be sure to stop by the different markets and museums before making your way over to Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam.
Each city deserves about two days (one for Utrecht typically), so this is the perfect start to your first week on your European honeymoon itinerary!
Week 2
We’re off to Belgium!
If you’re coming from Rotterdam, simply hop on a train down to Antwerp. From there, check out Bruges, Ostend, Ghent, Brussels, and Dinant.
I recommend spending at least two days in Bruges if possible, though if you only have one day in Bruges here is a great itinerary. You may also want two days in Dinant owing to its sheer beauty, even though it can easily be seen in one day!
One day in Brussels is likely enough owing to its smaller size and touristy ambiance.
Week 3
The last two weeks of the trip can be spent entirely in Germany owing to its grand size, or you can opt to spend more time in the Netherlands and Belgium. You can also take a day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels if you want to add in another country.
Germany has numerous international airports, so fly to wherever makes the most sense for your itinerary. If you plan on starting in Berlin, fly there. The same goes for Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and so forth.
Week 4
Amazing things to do in Germany including visiting the Black Forest, Neuschwanstein Castle, the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, the Cologne Cathedral, Marienplatz in Munich, the Frauenkirche Dresden, and so on.
If you can, consider planning your trip for late September when you can be in Munich for Oktoberfest!
Cruise the Fjords and Spot Northern Lights in Norway and Finland or Visit some of the Scandinavian Countries
Have you ever dreamt of going on a romantic cruise surrounded by glaciers and skyscraping fjords with views of the northern lights in the background? Well, here’s your chance!
If you prefer to let someone else do all of the planning, you could easily pay one set price and enjoy a luxury multi-week cruise through Scandinavia. Most cruises range between 8-15 days, but you may be able to find shorter and longer ones depending on your departure city and season.
However, if you’re looking to stay on somewhat of a budget, you can also follow a simple self-guided honeymoon itinerary through the best destinations in Norway and Finland!
Week 1
Arrive in Oslo
Either cruise or drive the country and be sure to stop in the towns of Bergen, Bodø, and Tromsø for spectacular northern lights viewing. However, the best place to spot them is actually in Svalbard: an archipelago located off the northern tip of the country.
Along the way, be sure to visit the fjords in Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, Aurlandsfjord, and Nærøyfjord!
Week 2
If you do decide to visit Svalbard, I suggest setting aside at least 4 or 5 days. This is where you can see polar bears and some of the best northern lights in the world!
Week 3
Onto Sweden!
A trip to Sweden wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Swedish Lapland. Visit in winter for a truly magical experience, or spend some time strolling the infamous white sand beaches of Stockholm in the summer.
Week 4
End your itinerary in Finland by flying into Helsinki (or cruising!)
If you want to see even more northern lights, head to Rovaniemi in the Finnish Lapland. From there, you can opt to hit some world-renowned ski slopes like Levi and Rukatunturi, or you can get lost in the numerous charming towns surrounding Helsinki!
FAQ
In this last section, I’ve provided some helpful information your honeymoon trip to Europe including some of the most popular destinations, how much these trips usually cost, and more!
Which Country in Europe is Best for a Honeymoon?
The best country in Europe for a honeymoon largely depends on you and your partner’s preferences and interests, but France, Switzerland, and Italy often top most romantic travel lists in Europe for their diverse offerings and romantic charm.
All are well-known for their rich history, stunning snow-capped mountains, gorgeous vineyards, and delectable cuisine, perfect for any hopeless romantics hoping for some quality time with stunning views and new adventures at their doorstep!
How Long Do I Need for a European Honeymoon Itinerary?
While you’re probably hoping that I tell you you’ll need at least 10 days for your honeymoon, that simply isn’t true.
It will entirely depend on you and your partner’s preferences.
- How long can you both get off of work?
- What is your overall honeymoon budget?
- Do you actually enjoy being away from home for more than a couple of days?
Answer these questions with your partner honestly before setting a set amount of time for your honeymoon. I, personally, enjoy being away for several weeks at a time, but I’m actually in the minority.
Most people prefer to spend between one and two weeks on their European honeymoon itinerary. This, of course, depends on which country, or countries, you plan to visit. France is massive and could easily obtain a few weeks of your time.
Belgium, on the other hand, is a fraction of the size and you could see a lot of the most popular spots in about 5-7 days.
I would recommend setting aside at least one week for your European honeymoon if your job, budget, and personal preferences allow for it. If they don’t, you can choose to visit just Paris in as little as 3 days or a similar popular destination such as London, Rome, or Prague!
Overall, you want to make sure you at the very least have enough time to enjoy this new beginning with your partner. This is a very special time for you both, so do what makes you happy!
What is the Best Way to See Europe in 2 Weeks?
If you have just 2 weeks to see Europe, I’m afraid to say you’ll likely be disappointed if you try to squeeze too much into your itinerary.
Instead of trying to visit a dozen different European countries in just 2 weeks, pick between 2 and 4 countries and the best spots that you want to see in all of them!
To get around Europe for two weeks, your quickest option is to fly. I always use Expedia to research the best flight deals across multiple airlines and dates at the same time, which is how I scored super cheap flights to Switzerland!
If you’re looking for the cheapest option that also keeps you on the ground, then I highly suggest taking advantage of the Eurail. This popular European train system gives you access to dozens of countries and thousands of cities!
If you know you’ll be primarily getting between destinations via train, I suggest purchasing the Global Pass for your European honeymoon itinerary.
It provides access to 33 different countries and allows you to select which package is right for you and your trip. It will also save you a significant amount of money if you plan on visiting numerous countries or cities!
How Do I Travel Europe in 10 Days?
Similar to the 2-week option, you’ll need to choose just a couple of countries to visit if you only have 10 days. I chose to backpack across 4 countries in 9 days, and let me tell you… it was a lot.
Don’t get me wrong. I loved every second of it and I really got to experience a genuine side of each of those countries (France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands), however, since returning with more time, I realized how much I missed on the first go around!
If you only have 10 days in Europe, pick one or two countries (possibly 3 depending on how often you want to move around) and experience them to the fullest.
Great combinations include Spain and Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands, Austria and Germany, France and Switzerland, Italy and Greece, and so forth.
You’ll also likely want to take advantage of the Eurail or flying, as well. If you choose Portugal and the Czech Republic, you’ll likely want to fly to avoid expensive trains and numerous stops and line changes. But, if you choose Portugal and Spain, a quick train ride is easily available.
Your last option of getting around Europe for your honeymoon is to rent a car. I highly recommend this since it allows you to be completely flexible with your schedule and you’ll get to see far more off-the-beaten-path destinations than you would on a plane or train.
Don’t get me wrong, train travel through Europe can be insanely gorgeous, but I’ve also taken a lot of trains that we’re just through endless cornfields with the occasional pretty mountain in the distance.
If you’re considering renting a car, I urge you to be prepared by knowing the following:
- Not all car rental agencies allow you to cross international borders so there may be 2+ car rentals in your future if you’re bouncing around Europe
- In some countries, like Ireland and the U.K. for example, you sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road.
- Rental cars aren’t great for big cities (i.e. Prague, London, Paris, Rome…). One-way streets covered in broken cobblestones can ruin your day pretty quickly.
- Most European cars are manual, with automatics being available at a higher cost
- Rental cars can save you a lot of money, but if you don’t have good insurance and get in an accident, they can also cost you a lot of money
Now that you have a lot of the details, you can a more informed decision about whether or not renting a car in Europe is right for you.
It’s important to remember that you won’t be able to travel all of Europe in 10 days. Instead, you’ll need to pick just a few important destinations and research the most efficient mode of transportation to get between them!
How Do I Plan a Honeymoon Trip to Europe?
There’s a lot to consider when planning a honeymoon in Europe. Between the impressive snow-capped Alps to the pristine beaches and charming cities, there’s a lot to be discovered.
So, before jumping into a specific European honeymoon itinerary, I would consider taking a deep dive into your and your partner’s preferences.
Do you both prefer spending the majority of your honeymoon with your toes in the sand? Or does one of you really want to hit the ski slopes for at least a day or two?
Depending on your answers, you’ll find your destinations becoming more and more refined… which is a good thing!
Start with what you both want to experience, then talk about your budget and how much time you have for traveling.
If you’re limited to 5 days or one week, then it’s probably in your best interest to limit your traveling to just one European destination.
If you have upwards of one month for your honeymoon, then multiple countries may be in the cards and you’ll have the opportunity to hit the beach, the slopes, and the city!
Once you have your interests and your timeframe down, consider your budget. Is it unlimited or somewhat tight? Are you expecting to receive honeymoon gifts as part of your wedding registry? If so, you might have a little more room in your personal budget to splurge on romantic or exciting excursions.
Once you have all of this information figured out *and agreed upon* – yes, you have to take your partner’s preferences into account – you can start planning your European honeymoon itinerary!
How Much is a European Honeymoon?
The cost of a European honeymoon can vary widely depending on the destination(s), duration, and type of experiences you desire. On average, a one-week honeymoon in Europe can range from $3,000 to $10,000 USD. This estimate typically includes airfare, accommodation, meals, and activities.
For instance, a luxurious stay on Italy’s Amalfi Coast would likely be on the higher end due to premium hotel rates and dining costs, while a honeymoon exploring Portugal or Eastern Europe will likely provide a more budget-friendly itinerary thanks to their more cost-effective nature.
It’s also essential to consider the season, as traveling during peak tourist times can significantly increase expenses. Ultimately, the honeymoon cost will be influenced by your choices in terms of lodging, dining, and sightseeing priorities.
How to Pack for a European Honeymoon
The way you pack will vary greatly depending on where you go, what season you decide to travel in, how long you’ll be traveling for, and if your accommodation has laundry services available.
If you wanted to hit the beach for the majority of your vacation so you chose Greece and Italy, then you’ll want to pack more heavily on the bathing suits, dresses, rompers, shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.
If you’re going slopeside and want to explore the Alps and other mountainous regions of Europe like the fjords of Norway, then you’ll need to bundle up with thermal layers, winter jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, ski masks, wool socks, and more.
Be sure to check out my two packing lists listed below under “Related Posts”. For your free, downloadable packing list and guide to packing for your European honeymoon itinerary, scroll to the bottom of this post where you can get my very own packing list emailed to you!
No matter where you decide to go in Europe for your honeymoon, I promise it’ll be the trip of a lifetime! I have yet to visit a European country that I didn’t enjoy, and I can’t wait to get out and explore more of them again soon.
So, for your European honeymoon itinerary, do what speaks to you and your partner. All cheesiness included!
If you enjoy the beach and they enjoy the mountains, find a way to include both. This is your first trip abroad as a married couple, so be sure that it’s special to you. Consider including a destination that your ancestors are from or where you may have extended family!
Needless to say, your European honeymoon itinerary should be a romantic, exciting experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. So, do your best to work through the booking process and plan yourself a vacation like you’ve always dreamed of! After all, it’s not about where you go, it’s who you have beside you.
