42 days in Europe Itinerary

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Historic Areas of Istanbul and Sultan Ahmed Mosque. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Topkapi Palace and Food Tours. And it doesn't end there: admire the landmark architecture of Hagia Sophia Mosque, visit Ortakoy, admire the masterpieces at Istanbul Modern | Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, and explore the ancient world of Basilica Cistern.

For traveler tips, maps, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Istanbul trip itinerary builder app.

Melbourne, Australia to Istanbul is an approximately 23-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Turkey Time (TRT), which is usually a -7 hour difference. Traveling from Melbourne in June, expect Istanbul to be warmer, temps between 30°C and 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) early enough to fly 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.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Sun): explore the historical opulence of Prague Castle, pause for some serene contemplation at St. Vitus Cathedral, then admire the striking features of Prague Astronomical Clock, and finally wander the streets of Lesser Town. On the 26th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get engrossed in the history at Jewish Museum in Prague, appreciate the extensive heritage of Staromestske namesti, and then snap pictures at Charles Bridge.

To see photos, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, use the Prague trip site.

You can fly from Istanbul to Prague in 5.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Istanbul to Prague is minus 2 hours. Traveling from Istanbul in June, expect Prague to be a bit cooler, temps between 26°C and 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at BMW Museum and St. Peter's Church. Get a sense of the local culture at Nymphenburg Palace and Munich Residenz. The adventure continues: walk around English Garden, take in panoramic vistas at Frauenkirche, examine the collection at BMW Welt, and don't miss a visit to Marienplatz.

To find traveler tips, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Munich online trip maker.

Traveling by flight from Prague to Munich takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Munich can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Amsterdam.

Known as one of the greatest small cities in the world, Amsterdam charms visitors with its cool and cozy atmosphere.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Fri): explore the world behind art at Museum Het Rembrandthuis, get to know the fascinating history of Begijnhof, then examine the collection at Anne Frank House, and finally explore the world behind art at Van Gogh Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the masterpieces at Rijksmuseum, stroll around Vondelpark, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Sint-Bavokerk (Church of St. Bavo), and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Grote Markt.

For other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Amsterdam route builder tool.

You can fly from Munich to Amsterdam in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In June in Amsterdam, expect temperatures between 23°C during the day and 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to catch the flight to Glastonbury.

Get outdoors at Glastonbury Tor and West of England Falconry. Get a sense of the local culture at Wells Cathedral and Longleat. Explore Glastonbury's surroundings by going to Bath (American Museum & Gardens, The Roman Baths, &more) and Stonehenge (in Salisbury).

Before you visit Glastonbury, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Getting from Amsterdam to Glastonbury by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and taxi; or drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Amsterdam to Glastonbury is minus 1 hour. In July, plan for daily highs up to 26°C, and evening lows to 14°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can travel to London.

Vibrant and noisy, London is one of the world’s leading cities, an international capital of culture, education, fashion, music, finance, trade, and politics.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at National Gallery and Churchill War Rooms. Get some cultural insight at Natural History Museum and Westminster Abbey. And it doesn't end there: pause for some serene contemplation at St. Paul's Cathedral, take in panoramic vistas at Tower Bridge, explore the world behind art at The British Museum, and don't miss a visit to Buckingham Palace.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and tourist information, you can read our London trip app.

You can do a combination of taxi and train from Glastonbury to London in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In July, daytime highs in London are 26°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) to allow time to take a train 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre and Musee Rodin. Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe are good opportunities to explore the local culture. And it doesn't end there: make a trip to Eiffel Tower, admire the masterpieces at Musee d'Orsay, admire the striking features of Louvre Museum, and take a stroll through Le Marais.

To find ratings, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read our Paris visit planning site.

You can take a train from London to Paris in 3.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone difference moving from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hour. Traveling from London in July, expect nights in Paris to be about the same, around 18°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Tue) so you can fly to Lisbon.

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Quinta da Regaleira and Alfama. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Bairro Alto and Castelo de S. Jorge. There's much more to do: get the lay of the land with Walking tours, take an in-depth tour of Carmo Archaeological Museum, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, and don't miss a visit to Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco).

For reviews, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read our Lisbon trip itinerary maker tool.

Traveling by flight from Paris to Lisbon takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Western European Standard Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. When traveling from Paris in July, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Lisbon: temperatures range from 34°C by day to 20°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Madrid.

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

Start off your visit on the 16th (Sun): stroll around Parque del Retiro, then don't miss a visit to Plaza Mayor, and then admire the masterpieces at Prado National Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Mon): admire the masterpieces at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, see the interesting displays at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, and then admire the striking features of Royal Palace of Madrid.

For traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Madrid tour planner.

Traveling by flight from Lisbon to Madrid takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Western European Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is 1 hour. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Lisbon in July: highs in Madrid hover around 40°C, while lows dip to 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to fly to Barcelona.

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

On the 18th (Tue), explore the world behind art at Museu Picasso, then stroll around Parc Guell, then admire the landmark architecture of Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Casa Batllo. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 19th (Wed): pause for some serene contemplation at Barcelona Cathedral, then wander the streets of Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), then don't miss a visit to Palau Guell, and finally make a trip to Las Ramblas.

To find photos, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Barcelona road trip tool.

You can fly from Madrid to Barcelona in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. When traveling from Madrid in July, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Barcelona: temperatures range from 34°C by day to 25°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Rome.

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

Explore hidden gems such as Roman Forum and Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Colosseum and Pantheon. Explore Rome's surroundings by going to Tivoli (Villa d'Este & Villa Adriana). And it doesn't end there: make a trip to St. Peter's Basilica, appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza Navona, explore the galleries of Vatican Museums, and delve into the distant past at Palatine Hill.

To find ratings, photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Rome day trip site.

Traveling by flight from Barcelona to Rome takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In July, daily temperatures in Rome can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) so you can go by car to Positano.

Often referred to as the gem of the Amalfi Coast, Positano remains one of southern Italy's most sought-after vacation locales, thanks to its hillside location and picturesque, pastel buildings.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Villa Cimbrone Gardens and Ceramiche Cosmolena di Margherita di Palma. Get in touch with nature at Fornillo and Valle delle Ferriere. Venture out of the city with trips to Ravello (Duomo di Ravello & Villa Rufolo), Collegiate Santa Maria Maddalena (in Atrani) and Duomo di Sant'Andrea (in Amalfi). There's much more to do: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, kick back and relax at Spiaggia Grande, surround yourself with nature on Le Ali nel Vento - Birds of Prey Experience, and get outside with Amalfi Coast.

To see traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Positano online tour planner.

Traveling by car from Rome to Positano takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in July, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to travel to Ios.

Halfway between Naxos and Santorini lies tiny Ios, famous worldwide as one of the Aegean's liveliest nightlife hubs.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Yialos Watersports and Kolitsani Beach. Step out of the city life by going to Manganari Beach and Valmas Beach. There's much more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Tris Klissies, get engrossed in the history at Archeologiko Mousio Iou, tour the pleasant surroundings at Gialos Beach, and examine the collection at Chora Museum, Ios.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read our Ios vacation builder tool.

Getting from Positano to Ios by combination of flight and ferry takes about 7 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of taxi, train, bus, and ferry. Traveling from Positano to Ios, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In July, daytime highs in Ios are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. On the 30th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.