19 days in Europe Itinerary

Aptly nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is the birthplace of the Roman Empire, one of the world's greatest civilizations ever.

Kids will enjoy Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. There's much more to do: delve into the distant past at Pantheon, admire the masterpieces at Galleria Borghese, steep yourself in history at Roman Forum, and make a trip to Piazza Navona.

For maps, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Rome day trip app.

Chicago, USA to Rome is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time (CST) to Central European Standard Time (CET), which is usually a 7 hour difference. In June, daily temperatures in Rome can reach 84°F, while at night they dip to 65°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can catch the train to Naples.

Naples is the capital of the Italian region Campania and the third-largest municipality in Italy after Rome and Milan. Start off your visit on the 11th (Sun): delve into the distant past at Pompeii Archaeological Park, then steep yourself in history at Lupanar, then delve into the distant past at Parco Acheologico di Ercolano, and finally take in the awesome beauty at Vesuvio National Park. Keep things going the next day: get engrossed in the history at Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, see the interesting displays at Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, then explore the world behind art at Museo Cappella Sansevero, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Underground Naples.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Naples route builder website.

Getting from Rome to Naples by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or fly. In June, plan for daily highs up to 82°F, and evening lows to 66°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train to Florence.

Considered a cultural, artistic, and architectural jewel of Italy, Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Bring the kids along to Florence Academy of Fine Arts and Piazzale Michelangelo. Explore Florence's surroundings by going to Siena (Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Piazza del Campo, &more). There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, admire the natural beauty at The Boboli Gardens, take in the views from Ponte Vecchio, and take in panoramic vistas at Campanile di Giotto.

To see traveler tips, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Florence online trip builder.

Take a train from Naples to Florence in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In June in Florence, expect temperatures between 83°F during the day and 65°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can drive to Venice.

Virtually unchanged for the last six centuries, Venice is actually a group of islands made famous by a series of canals, bridges, monuments, piazzas, and narrow pedestrian lanes.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Fri): explore the activities along Canal Grande, then snap pictures at Ponte di Rialto, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica di San Marco, and finally admire the masterpieces at Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Sat): pause for some photo ops at Punta della Dogana, take in panoramic vistas at St Mark's Campanile, appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza San Marco, see the interesting displays at Doge's Palace, then snap pictures at Ponte dei Sospiri, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

To see ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Venice day trip planning app.

You can drive from Florence to Venice in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In June, daytime highs in Venice are 81°F, while nighttime lows are 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) so you can fly to Zurich.

The financial hub of Switzerland, Zurich is most often associated with money and banks.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sun): contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Zurich, then explore the world behind art at Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich), and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Uetliberg Mountain.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Zurich online attractions planner.

You can fly from Venice to Zurich in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Venice in June, with highs in Zurich at 74°F and lows at 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can fly to Barcelona.

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Mon): browse the fresh offerings at La Boqueria, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Barcelona Cathedral, then wander the streets of Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), and finally take a stroll through Las Ramblas. Here are some ideas for day two: walk around Parc Guell, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, then admire the landmark architecture of Casa Mila - La Pedrera, and finally make a trip to Casa Batllo.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Barcelona attractions planner.

Getting from Zurich to Barcelona by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Traveling from Zurich in June, expect a bit warmer with lows of 66°F in Barcelona. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to fly to Madrid.

Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage, lively nightlife, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Wed): test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, then contemplate the long history of Plaza Mayor, then admire the landmark architecture of Royal Palace of Madrid, and finally don't miss a visit to Puerta del Sol. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: see the interesting displays at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, then explore the world behind art at Prado National Museum, and then walk around Parque del Retiro.

For where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Madrid vacation builder site.

Traveling by flight from Barcelona to Madrid takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. While traveling from Barcelona, expect a bit warmer days and slightly colder nights in Madrid, ranging from highs of 87°F to lows of 61°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Fri) early enough to fly to Paris.

A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Fri): stroll around Luxembourg Gardens, then admire the masterpieces at Musee d'Orsay, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Eiffel Tower, appreciate the history behind Arc de Triomphe, and then make a trip to Louvre Museum.

For traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Paris trip maker site.

Traveling by flight from Madrid to Paris takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Madrid in June, expect Paris to be a bit cooler, temps between 74°F and 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly back home.