56 days in Europe Itinerary

The allure of the multi-cultural capital, Brussels, stems from its mix of political intrigue, artistic influence, historical significance, and a thriving social scene.

Brussels is known for historic sites, museums, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Grand Place, buy something for everyone on your list at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, see the interesting displays at Belgian Comic Strip Center, and take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule).

To see maps, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Brussels sightseeing planner.

Washington DC, USA to Brussels is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 6 hours traveling from Washington DC to Brussels. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Washington DC in April: high temperatures in Brussels hover around 55°F and lows are around 39°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Ghent.

Ghent melds the fairy tale-like beauty of Bruges with its stunning Flemish architecture, while at the same time supporting a vibrant cafe and bar scene.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Ghent: Bruges (Minnewater Lake, The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, &more). There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Gravensteen, get to know the fascinating history of Ghent City Center, make a trip to Korenmarkt, and take a leisurely stroll along Graslei and Korenlei.

To see reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Ghent travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Brussels to Ghent takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. In April, plan for daily highs up to 56°F, and evening lows to 40°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Wed) so you can go by car to Cologne.

Though Cologne famously contains 12 Romanesque churches, the city's top prize remains its landmark Gothic cathedral.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Thu): wander the streets of Historic Old Town, admire the striking features of Cologne Cathedral, don't miss a visit to Hohenzollern Bridge, then see the interesting displays at Chocolate Museum, and finally test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms. On the 5th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the masterpieces at Museum Ludwig and then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Koelner Zoo.

To find other places to visit and tourist information, use the Cologne visit planner.

Traveling by car from Ghent to Cologne takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Cologne can reach 66°F, while at night they dip to 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can fly to Munich.

Often described as the city of laptops and lederhosen, Munich is an international center of business, engineering, research, and medicine that still maintains a rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions.

Munich is known for sightseeing, museums, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Nymphenburg Palace, engage your brain at Deutsches Museum, examine the collection at BMW Welt, and admire the masterpieces at Alte Pinakothek.

To find photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Munich itinerary tool.

Traveling by flight from Cologne to Munich takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. May in Munich sees daily highs of 64°F and lows of 46°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Innsbruck.

Nestled in a valley between snowcapped peaks, Innsbruck evokes visions of a winter wonderland.

Step out of Innsbruck to go to Langenfeld and see Aqua Dome - Tirol Therme Laengenfeld, which is approximately 1 hour away. The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at Swarovski Kristallwelten, appreciate the extensive heritage of Maria-Theresien-Strasse, steep yourself in history at Altstadt von Innsbruck, and step into the grandiose world of Burgruine Thaur.

To see photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Innsbruck travel route builder website.

Traveling by car from Munich to Innsbruck takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 47°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can go by car to Salzburg.

Surrounded by mountain ranges and boasting a well-preserved city center, Salzburg melds culture and history.

Explore Salzburg's surroundings by going to Kurpark (in Bad Ischl), Eisriesenwelt (in Werfen) and Hallstatt (Central Square Marktplatz, Salzwelten Hallstatt, &more). Next up on the itinerary: stroll through Mirabell Palace, step into the grandiose world of Schloss Hellbrunn, steep yourself in history at Salzburger Altstadt, and browse the exhibits of Mozart Residence (Mozart Wohnhaus).

To see where to stay, ratings, maps, and tourist information, go to the Salzburg holiday planner.

You can drive from Innsbruck to Salzburg in 2 hours. Another option is to take a train. In May, daytime highs in Salzburg are 65°F, while nighttime lows are 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) so you can drive to Cesky Krumlov.

Known around the world for its medieval castle, Cesky Krumlov offers the chance to experience the charm of a small European city seemingly frozen in time several centuries ago.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Wed): indulge your taste buds at Wiseman Free Tour, get to know the fascinating history of Historie mesta Ceský Krumlov, see the interesting displays at Moldavite Museum - Muzeum vltavinu, then make a trip to Museum Fotoatelier Seidel, and finally admire the masterpieces at Egon Schiele Art Centrum. On the 18th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: steep yourself in history at Cesky Krumlov Castle, take some stellar pictures from Lavka pod Zamkem, then walk around The Castle Garden, then step into the grandiose world of The State Chateau of Hluboká, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of St. Jan Nepomucky.

To see reviews, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Cesky Krumlov online route planner.

You can drive from Salzburg to Cesky Krumlov in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 48°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Prague.

Prague lures millions of tourists each year with its World Heritage-listed medieval city center--a labyrinth of narrow lanes, bridges, cathedrals, and palaces overlooked by a thousand-year-old castle.

On the 21st (Sun), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. There's still lots to do: snap pictures at Charles Bridge, take some stellar pictures from Prague Astronomical Clock, take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Vitus Cathedral, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Kampa Park.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Prague route maker.

You can drive from Cesky Krumlov to Prague in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. May in Prague sees daily highs of 64°F and lows of 48°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Vienna.

The cultural, economic, and political center of the country, Vienna has developed from its early Celtic and Roman roots into a medieval and Baroque city, with an old town that was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Vienna is known for historic sites, museums, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: step into the grandiose world of Schonbrunn Palace, don't miss a visit to Hundertwasserhaus, see the interesting displays at Hofburg, and admire the masterpieces at Belvedere Palace.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Vienna trip itinerary builder tool.

You can fly from Prague to Vienna in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a shuttle. In May in Vienna, expect temperatures between 67°F during the day and 50°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Budapest.

You might consider the city of Budapest, divided by the Danube River into two distinctive cities--Buda and Pest--to be essentially one large World Heritage Site.

Budapest is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: get a sense of history and politics at Hungarian Parliament Building, make a trip to Heroes' Square, pause for some serene contemplation at St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika), and soothe aching muscles at Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

To find other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Budapest tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Vienna to Budapest in 2.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a train. May in Budapest sees daily highs of 71°F and lows of 50°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Zagreb.

Zagreb boasts a combination of Austro-Hungarian and Socialist architecture, but it is beloved for its outdoor cafe culture.

On the 31st (Wed), take in the local highlights with Walking tours.

For photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Zagreb driving holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Budapest to Zagreb takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. May in Zagreb sees daily highs of 69°F and lows of 50°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Split.

Experience an authentic Adriatic lifestyle in Split, the largest city along the sea's coast.

Change things up with a short trip to Speed Boats Tours in Trogir (about 38 minutes away). Dedicate the 2nd (Fri) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. Spend the 3rd (Sat) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the long history of Diocletian's Palace, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of St Kuzma and St Damjan, admire the striking features of Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and explore the world behind art at Galerija Mestrovic.

For reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Split tour planner.

Traveling by flight from Zagreb to Split takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Zagreb in June since evenings lows in Split dip to 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sun) so you can ride a ferry to Hvar.

The Croatian island of Hvar serves as a picturesque location for a Mediterranean holiday, with a range of offerings from quiet coves to a lively medieval town.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Mon): get outside with Outdoor Activities and then step off the mainland to explore Jerolim. On your second day here, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Stephen's Cathedral, then get great views at Spanish Fortress, and then admire the striking features of Franciscan Monastery.

To see where to stay, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Hvar trip maker site.

Ride a ferry from Split to Hvar in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and taxi. In June, daily temperatures in Hvar can reach 81°F, while at night they dip to 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) to allow time to ride a ferry to Dubrovnik.

Along the Dalmation Coast, the city of Dubrovnik has become famous for its pedestrian-only Old Town surrounded by fortress walls, and its historical heft has earned it World Heritage Site status.

On the 7th (Wed), make a trip to Onophrian Fountain, make a trip to Pile Gate, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Walls of Dubrovnik, then step off the mainland to explore Lokrum Island, and finally get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports. Keep things going the next day: enjoy breathtaking views from Upper Corner Tower Foundry Museum, then stop by Dubrovnik Heritage - Handmade Croatian Products, then contemplate the long history of The Franciscan Church and Monastery, and finally take a stroll through Old Town.

To find more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Dubrovnik trip itinerary app.

Getting from Hvar to Dubrovnik by ferry takes about 4 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In June, plan for daily highs up to 79°F, and evening lows to 65°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Žabljak.

A trip to Zabljak takes you to the north of the country, a mountainous region that's as steeped in great scenery and views as it is in history and culture.

Take a break from Žabljak with a short trip to Tara River Canyon in Dobrilovina, about 30 minutes away. On the 11th (Sun), dedicate a day to the elevated beauty of Bobotov Kuk. There's much more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Black Lake, kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, take in the views from Đurđevića Tara Bridge, and hit the slopes at Savin Kuk Ski Resort.

For photos, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, use the Žabljak road trip planner.

You can drive from Dubrovnik to Žabljak in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Kotor.

Perched on the edge of a fjord-like bay rimmed by rugged mountains, Kotor grew around a medieval settlement purposely built like a maze.

On the 13th (Tue), spend a relaxing day on the river with a rafting and tubing tour. Next up on the itinerary: explore the activities along Bay of Kotor, delve into the distant past at St. Tryphon Cathedral, see the top attractions with Sightseeing Tours, and examine the collection at Namfleg.

To find reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Kotor day trip tool.

You can drive from Žabljak to Kotor in 3 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In June, plan for daily highs up to 84°F, and evening lows to 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Thu) early enough to fly to Berlin.

The country's capital and largest city, Berlin is a diverse urban center boasting a lively nightlife and countless things to do.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Berlin: Dresden (Procession of Princes & The Dresden Zwinger). And it doesn't end there: make a trip to Brandenburg Gate, ponder the world of politics at Reichstag Building, steep yourself in history at East Side Gallery, and admire the natural beauty at Großer Tiergarten.

To see photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Berlin travel route planner.

Traveling by flight from Kotor to Berlin takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. On the 21st (Wed), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.