13 days in Europe Itinerary

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.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sat): admire the striking features of Sainte-Chapelle, admire the masterpieces at Musee d'Orsay, and then admire the masterpieces at Louvre Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, then admire the striking features of Arc de Triomphe, then don't miss a visit to Eiffel Tower, and finally shop like a local with Champs-Elysees.

To find more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Paris tour website.

Johannesburg, South Africa to Paris is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone changes from South Africa Standard Time (SAST) to Central European Standard Time (CET), which is usually a -1 hour difference. In December, Paris is much colder than Johannesburg - with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sun) to allow enough time to take a train to Brussels.

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

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Mon): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule), buy something for everyone on your list at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, then appreciate the history behind Manneken Pis, then contemplate the long history of Grand Place, and finally examine the collection at Belgian Comic Strip Center. On the next day, find something for the whole family at Mini-Europe, explore the galleries of Atomium, and then see the interesting displays at Horta Museum (Musee Horta).

For reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Brussels vacation planner.

You can take a train from Paris to Brussels in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. December in Brussels sees daily highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) to allow time to drive to Amsterdam.

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

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Wed): admire the masterpieces at Van Gogh Museum, then explore the world behind art at Rijksmuseum, and then sample the tasty concoctions at Heineken Experience. On the 23rd (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the world behind art at Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House), admire the landmark architecture of Royal Palace Amsterdam, then take an in-depth tour of Anne Frank House, and finally stroll around Vondelpark.

For where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Amsterdam trip site.

You can drive from Brussels to Amsterdam in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. Expect a daytime high around 9°C in December, and nighttime lows around 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Thu) early enough to travel to Berlin.

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

Start off your visit on the 24th (Fri): wander the streets of Potsdamer Platz, make a trip to Brandenburg Gate, pause for some photo ops at The Holocaust Memorial - Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, then don't miss a visit to Reichstag Building, and finally contemplate the long history of Bebelplatz.

For traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Berlin travel route planner.

Traveling by flight from Amsterdam to Berlin takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) to allow time to drive 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 25th (Sat), take in panoramic vistas at Petrin Tower, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Vitus Cathedral, appreciate the extensive heritage of Staromestske namesti, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Kostel svatého Jiljí, then take some stellar pictures from Prague Astronomical Clock, and finally snap pictures at Charles Bridge.

To find maps, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read our Prague road trip planner.

You can drive from Berlin to Prague in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December in Prague, expect temperatures between 5°C during the day and 0°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sat) so you can travel 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.

On the 26th (Sun), explore the world behind art at Albertina, then admire the striking features of Schonbrunn Palace, and then admire the masterpieces at Belvedere Palace. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Mon): explore the world behind art at Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, then ponder the world of politics at Rathaus, then see the interesting displays at The Hofburg, and finally don't miss a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Plan trip to Vienna with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Fly from Prague to Vienna in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. In December, daily temperatures in Vienna can reach 5°C, while at night they dip to 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel 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.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Tue): contemplate the waterfront views at Canal Grande, admire the landmark architecture of Basilica di San Marco, then see the interesting displays at Doge's Palace, and finally make a trip to Piazza San Marco.

To find reviews, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Venice trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Vienna to Venice takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. While traveling from Vienna, expect a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Venice, ranging from highs of 11°C to lows of 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) so you can travel back home.