37 days in Europe Itinerary

Spend time in one of Europe's oldest cities, the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Vitosha Mountain, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church, then wander the streets of Vitosha Boulevard, and finally get curious at Museum of illusions Sofia.

To find more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Sofia tour itinerary planner.

Gold Coast, Australia to Sofia is an approximately 32-hour combination of car and flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a -8 hour difference. Traveling from Gold Coast in December, expect Sofia to be much colder, temps between 7°C and -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can go by car to Bansko.

Boasting the longest ski runs in the country, Bansko offers one of the best ski resort locations in Bulgaria.

Shop till you drop at Largo Mall and Solomon Outlet. Do some cultural sightseeing at St Teodor Tiron and Teodor Stratilat Church and Holy Trinity Church. Get out of town with these interesting Bansko side-trips: Blagoevgrad (Varosha Ethnographic Complex, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Church, &more). Next up on the itinerary: hit the slopes at Ski Bansko, steep yourself in history at Neofit Rilski Museum, tour the pleasant surroundings at BanskoSki, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Vihren.

To find where to stay, ratings, photos, and tourist information, use the Bansko trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Sofia to Bansko takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 5°C, and evening lows to -4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Skopje.

A melting pot of cultures from Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslavian rule, Skopje serves as the nation's eclectic capital.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, then wander the streets of Old Bazaar, Skopje, then test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of St. Clement of Ohrid.

To find more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Skopje trip itinerary builder website.

Drive from Bansko to Skopje in 3.5 hours. Traveling from Bansko to Skopje, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In December in Skopje, expect temperatures between 7°C during the day and -3°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Nis.

Niš is the third largest city in Serbia and the administrative center of the Nišava District in southern Serbia. Start off your visit on the 27th (Tue): contemplate the long history of Nis Fortress, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Hram Svetog Pantelejmona, delve into the distant past at Skull Tower, then contemplate the long history of Red Cross Nazi Concentration Camp, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Massage center ZEN, and finally stop by Forum Shopping Center.

To find photos, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Nis travel route app.

Traveling by car from Skopje to Nis takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 7°C in December, and nighttime lows around -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to drive to Belgrade.

The capital and largest city of Serbia, cosmopolitan Belgrade sits on the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Wed): steep yourself in history at The National Assembly, take a stroll through Knez Mihailova, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ružica, then take a stroll through Dorcol, and finally stop by Skadarlija.

To see maps, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Belgrade tour planner.

Traveling by car from Nis to Belgrade takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In December, daily temperatures in Belgrade can reach 7°C, while at night they dip to -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Arad.

On the 29th (Thu), don't miss a visit to City Hall, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Biserica Rosie, then view the masterpieces at Water Tower Galleries, then contemplate the waterfront views at Malul Muresului, and finally browse the different shops at Atrium Mall.

For more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read our Arad trip planning app.

You can drive from Belgrade to Arad in 4 hours. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Expect a daytime high around 5°C in December, and nighttime lows around -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) to allow time to drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Fri): appreciate the history behind Anonymus Szobor (Anonymous' Statue), step into the grandiose world of Vajdahunyad Castle (Vajdahunyadvar), make a trip to Heroes' Square, soak away your stress at Mandala Day Spa, then contemplate the long history of Fisherman's Bastion, and finally steep yourself in history at Matthias Church. On the next day, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika), head off the coast to Margaret Island, enjoy the sand and surf at Roman Beach, then browse the fresh offerings at Central Market Hall, then don't miss a visit to New York Palace, and finally make a trip to Vaci Street.

For where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Budapest road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Arad to Budapest takes 3 hours. The time zone changes from Eastern European Standard Time to Central European Standard Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. In December, plan for daily highs up to 5°C, and evening lows to -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Nitra.

Nitra is a city in western Slovakia, situated at the foot of Zobor Mountain in the valley of the river Nitra. On the 1st (Sun), browse the different shops at Galeria Mlyny, pause for some serene contemplation at Piaristicky kostol sv. Ladislava, explore the historical opulence of Nitra Castle, steep yourself in history at Cathedral of St. Emeran, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of St. Ladislav, and finally test the waters at Thermalpark Nitrava.

To see ratings, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, use the Nitra tour planner.

Drive from Budapest to Nitra in 2.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) so you can drive to Bratislava.

Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, attracts visitors for its natural beauty and rich culture, offering a plethora of landscapes, outdoor activities, historical monuments, and a stately old town.

For other places to visit, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read Bratislava sightseeing app.

You can drive from Nitra to Bratislava in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In January, daytime highs in Bratislava are 3°C, while nighttime lows are -3°C. On the 2nd (Mon), you're off 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.

Ask Klarna Trips to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Vienna fast, fun, and easy.

Drive from Bratislava to Vienna in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In January, daily temperatures in Vienna can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -3°C. You'll set off for Graz on the 2nd (Mon).

With six universities, Graz represents a young, laid-back, and lively city with nightlife that doesn't stop.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of Herz Jesu Kirche, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of Our Lady of Succor (Mariahilferkirche), then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of the Franciscans (Franziskanerkirche), then don't miss a visit to Franziskanerviertel, and finally see the interesting displays at Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum.

To find ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read Graz trip planner.

You can drive from Vienna to Graz in 2 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in January, and nighttime lows around -5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can drive to Ljubljana.

Sitting astride the Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana is marked with picturesque bridges and a marketplace, designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik.

On the 3rd (Tue), have fun and explore at House of Illusions, contemplate the waterfront views at Ljubljanica River, take in the spiritual surroundings of Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, then look for gifts at Pekarna Osem, then take a stroll through Ljubljana Old Town, and finally ponder the world of politics at Town Hall.

To see maps, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Ljubljana itinerary planner.

Getting from Graz to Ljubljana by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or take a bus. In January in Ljubljana, expect temperatures between 5°C during the day and -3°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Zagreb.

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

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Wed): take a stroll through Upper Town (Gornji Grad), see the interesting displays at Zagreb 80's Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Mark's Church, then examine the collection at Museum of Hangovers, then take in the exciting artwork at Image of War - War Photography Museum, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Zagreb road trip planner.

You can drive from Ljubljana to Zagreb in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a train. In January, daily temperatures in Zagreb can reach 5°C, while at night they dip to -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to drive to Banja Luka.

Banja Luka, ) or Banjaluka is the largest city and the de facto capital of the Republika Srpska entity and second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the capital Sarajevo. To find reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Banja Luka travel route builder site.

You can drive from Zagreb to Banja Luka in 2.5 hours. In January, daily temperatures in Banja Luka can reach 5°C, while at night they dip to -2°C. You'll set off for Jahorina on the 5th (Thu).

On the 5th (Thu), hit the slopes at Olympic Center Jahorina.

For more things to do, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Jahorina online travel route planner.

You can drive from Banja Luka to Jahorina in 3.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Banja Luka in January, you will find days in Jahorina are somewhat warmer (11°C), and nights are about the same (0°C). On the 7th (Sat), you'll travel to Mostar.

Famed for its 16th-century bridge, Mostar boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Old Bridge (Stari Most) and Altare esterno. Get some historical perspective at Apparition Hill and Katedrala Marije Majke Crkve. Change things up with these side-trips from Mostar: Medjugorje (Missionarie della Famiglia Ferita Maria, Sport Centar Circle International, &more), Radimlja (in Stolac) and Pocitelj (The historic urban site of Pocitelj & Sisman Ibrahim Pasha Mosque). There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at St. James' Parish Church, view the masterpieces at Art Studio Pandur, make a trip to Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar, and enjoy the sand and surf at Beach under The Old bridge.

To see more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, use the Mostar trip itinerary website.

You can drive from Jahorina to Mostar in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of taxi and bus. January in Mostar sees daily highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C at night. You will leave for Dubrovnik on the 11th (Wed).

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.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Wed): take an in-depth tour of Red History Museum, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Walls of Dubrovnik, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of the Holy Annunciation, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Dubrovnik vacation planning app.

Traveling by car from Mostar to Dubrovnik takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and car; or take a bus. Traveling from Mostar in January, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Dubrovnik, with lows around 5°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can go by car 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.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Thu): contemplate the waterfront views at Bay of Kotor, appreciate the extensive heritage of Kotor City Walls & Fortress, then see what you can catch with a fishing tour, then don't miss a visit to Sea Gate, and finally stop by Efesya Souvenir. Keep things going the next day: kick back and relax at Plavi Horizonti Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Ponta Beach, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Roko Church, and finally kick back and relax at Kalardovo Beach.

To find traveler tips, reviews, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Kotor day trip app.

You can drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect slightly colder evenings in Kotor when traveling from Dubrovnik in January, with lows around 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can go by car to Kolašin.

In the northeastern section of the country, Kolašin remains the heart of a picturesque region shaped by the Morača River.

On the 14th (Sat), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Djurdjevi Stupovi Monastery, take in the awesome beauty at Komovi Mountain Range, and then take an in-depth tour of Heritage Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Sun): make a trip to Morača Monastery, hit the slopes at Ski Resort Kolašin 1450, then stroll the grounds of Partisan Memorial Cemetery at Breza, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Demetrius Church.

To find reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Kolašin tour planner.

You can drive from Kotor to Kolašin in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of taxi, bus, and train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Prizren.

Kosovo's second city, Prizren sits on the slopes of the rugged Sar Mountain, a region bordered by both Albania and the Republic of Macedonia.

On the 16th (Mon), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Emin Pasa Camii (Emin Pasha Mosque), make a trip to Khalwati Tekke, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sinan Pasha Mosque, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Holy Saviour, then pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Church of Saint George. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Tue): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Shar Mountain National Park and then relax and rejuvenate at Mehmet Pasha's Turkish bath.

Ask Klarna Trips to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Prizren fast, fun, and easy.

You can drive from Kolašin to Prizren in 4.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) so you can drive to Tirana.

Tirana, the largest city in Albania, represents one a lively and fast-paced metropolis.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Wed): get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour.

For reviews, photos, ratings, and tourist information, read our Tirana trip planning site.

You can drive from Prizren to Tirana in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a bus. January in Tirana sees daily highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Llogara National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Thu): stroll through Palase Beach and then explore and take pictures at Llogara Pass.

For maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Llogara National Park trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Tirana to Llogara National Park takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and car; or do a combination of bus and car. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Tirana to Llogara National Park due to the time zone difference. On the 20th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Gjirokaster.

Along with the central Albanian town of Berat, Gjirokastra serves as a striking World Heritage Site known for its Ottoman architecture.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Fri): explore by horseback at Caravan Horse Riding Albania, identify plant and animal life at Nature&joy, then contemplate the long history of Ismail Kadare's House, and finally explore the historical opulence of Gjirokastra Bazaar.

To find other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Gjirokaster sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Llogara National Park to Gjirokaster takes 3 hours. In January, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) to allow time to drive to Kalambaka.

The gateway to one of the largest monastery complexes in Greece, the small town of Kalambaka nestles against a landscape of imposing rock formations rising 400 m (1,300 ft) into the air.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sat): stop by Meteora Sandals (Ekfrasi), examine the collection at Digital Projection Centre of Meteora’s History and Culture, see the interesting displays at Hellenic Culture Museum, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, then see the interesting displays at Tsitsani Museum, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Koursoum Mosque.

To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Kalambaka holiday maker website.

Getting from Gjirokaster to Kalambaka by car takes about 3.5 hours. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Gjirokaster in January, with highs in Kalambaka at 7°C and lows at -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time to drive to Patras.

Patras is Greece's third-largest city and the regional capital of Western Greece, in the northern Peloponnese, 215km west of Athens. Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): get engrossed in the history at Archaeological Museum of Patras, step into the grandiose world of Rio Castle, then step into the grandiose world of Castle of Patras, then explore the activities along Aegean Coast, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Ekklisia Tou Agiou Andrea.

For other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Patras trip planner.

You can drive from Kalambaka to Patras in 4 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Kalambaka in January, with highs in Patras at 16°C and lows at 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) early enough to drive to Athens.

One of the world's most ancient cities, Athens remains Europe's undisputed historical and cultural capital.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): stop by Plaka, explore the ancient world of Temple of Hephaestus, then delve into the distant past at Acropolis of Athens, then appreciate the history behind Erechtheion, and finally wander the streets of Anafiotika. Here are some ideas for day two: take an in-depth tour of Acropolis Museum, appreciate the extensive heritage of Philopappos Hill, then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then get great views at Mount Lycabettus, and finally test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms.

To see ratings, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Athens online trip itinerary builder.

Drive from Patras to Athens in 2.5 hours. In January, plan for daily highs up to 15°C, and evening lows to 7°C. On the 25th (Wed), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.