26 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.

Rome is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: delve into the distant past at Colosseum, ponder the design of Trevi Fountain, explore the world behind art at Vatican Museums, and steep yourself in history at St. Peter's Basilica.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Rome trip planner.

Sydney, Australia to Rome is an approximately 24.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is minus 9 hours. Traveling from Sydney in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Rome, with lows of 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Interlaken.

Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the heart of the Jungfrau region, Interlaken became popular for its proximity to the mountains and lakes of the Bernese Oberland region.

Explore Interlaken's surroundings by going to Bern (Clock Tower - Zytglogge, UNESCO-Altstadt von Bern, &more). And it doesn't end there: admire the verdant scenery at Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfalls, take in nature's colorful creations at Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rom.-Katholische Kirchgemeinde, and stop by Buchhandlung Boedeli.

To find traveler tips, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Interlaken trip itinerary maker app.

You can do a combination of flight and train from Rome to Interlaken in 6.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. Traveling from Rome in April, expect Interlaken to be little chillier, temps between 17°C and 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Lucerne.

In north-central Switzerland, Lucerne represents a small city boasting a well-preserved old town.

Venture out of the city with trips to Zurich (Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, &more) and Titlis (in Engelberg). The adventure continues: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Rigi, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Lucerne, snap pictures at Chapel Bridge, and appreciate the history behind Lion Monument.

To find reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Lucerne trip itinerary planning site.

Traveling by car from Interlaken to Lucerne takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In April in Lucerne, expect temperatures between 17°C during the day and 5°C at night. You'll set off for Paris on the 3rd (Wed).

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.

Step out of Paris with an excursion to Palace of Versailles in Versailles--about 48 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Louvre Museum, pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre, walk around Luxembourg Gardens, and explore the world behind art at Musee d'Orsay.

To see where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Paris online tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Lucerne to Paris takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. May in Paris sees daily highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sun) so you can catch the train to Rotterdam.

Located in the South Holland province, Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands' most lively cities, as well as one of the largest trading ports in the world.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rotterdam: Efteling (in Kaatsheuvel) and Madurodam (in The Hague). There's still lots to do: view the masterpieces at The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery, see the interesting displays at Kijk-Kubus, snap pictures at Erasmus Bridge, and make a trip to Rotterdam Centraal Station.

To find photos, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Rotterdam holiday maker website.

Take a train from Paris to Rotterdam in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. May in Rotterdam sees daily highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 11th (Thu) to wrap things up before traveling to Bergen.

A city famed for its underground music scene, Bergen also serves as the gateway to the fjords of Norway's western coastline.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Thu): get engrossed in the history at Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the pleasant sights at Stoltzekleiven, shop like a local with Gunvor Handmade Illustration, take in the waterfront at Bryggen, then examine the collection at Theta Museum, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mount Floyen and the Funicular, and finally browse the eclectic array of goods at Fish Market.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Bergen tour planning tool.

You can fly from Rotterdam to Bergen in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Rotterdam in May: highs in Bergen hover around 15°C, while lows dip to 7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight 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 14th (Sun): explore the world behind art at Van Gogh Museum, explore the world behind art at Rijksmuseum, and then see the interesting displays at Anne Frank House.

For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Amsterdam planning site.

Traveling by flight from Bergen to Amsterdam takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and train. While traveling from Bergen, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Amsterdam, ranging from highs of 20°C to lows of 10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight back home.