Best Europe Itinerary 2 Weeks By Train (14 Days in Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands & Germany)

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In this guide, we’ll help you craft the ultimate Europe itinerary 2 weeks, featuring iconic landmarks, must-see cities, charming towns, and comfortable, mid-budget places to rest. There’s something undeniably romantic about exploring Europe by train—the rhythmic hum of wheels on tracks, countryside views through wide windows, and the seamless connection between some of the most legendary cities and hidden gems in the world.

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If you’re dreaming of spending 2 weeks in Europe, covering multiple countries without the hassle of airports or rental cars, a rail itinerary is the perfect answer. Whether you’re planning a 14 days European tour itinerary with friends or going solo with a backpack and a Eurail Pass, this comprehensive guide is all you need to make your dream trip a reality.

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Why to travel Europe by Train?

Traveling Europe by train is not only convenient but deeply enriching. Trains connect the heart of cities, saving you from airport transfers or highway hassles. You’re free to admire panoramic landscapes, read a book, or sip a cappuccino while you glide past vineyards, castles, and Alpine meadows. Trains are eco-friendly and fast, allowing for spontaneous detours without logistical nightmares. Most importantly, this style of travel encourages you to slow down and truly experience Europe, one station at a time.

The Perfect – Europe Itinerary 2 Weeks by Train – 14 days European Tour Itinerary

This route balances big-ticket cities and quaint towns, offering a diverse range of art, food, architecture, history, and scenic beauty in every direction. You’ll visit six countries in 14 days—Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Day 1–3: Rome, Italy

Rome is the ultimate starting point for any Europe itinerary 2 weeks. This city is a glorious mess of ancient ruins, baroque piazzas, espresso bars, and world-class pasta. Its historical depth makes it a living museum.

Things to do:

Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum for a dose of history.
Wander through the Vatican Museums to admire the Sistine Chapel.
Don’t miss the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps, especially in the evening when they come alive with locals and tourists alike.

Train connection: Start in Rome Fiumicino Airport. Take the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini station.

Where to stay: Al Viminale Hill Inn & Hotel – great location, walking distance to Termini, with charming rooms.

Recommended tour: Book a skip-the-line Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill guided tour to save time and understand the rich history.

Day 4–5: Florence, Italy

Florence is a Renaissance dream. Art lovers and romantics alike will be spellbound by its museums, narrow cobbled streets, and sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Train distance: Rome to Florence is 1.5 hours on a high-speed Frecciarossa train.

Things to do:

Admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery.
Explore the Uffizi Gallery’s masterpieces.
Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, then treat yourself to Florentine steak and Chianti wine.

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Where to stay: Hotel Balestri – close to the Arno River, central, and comfortable.

Tip: Book your Uffizi tickets in advance to avoid queues.

Day 6–7: Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne is a fairytale town framed by mountains and lakes. A blend of medieval charm and Alpine magic, it’s a tranquil stop that offers natural beauty in your 2 week Europe itinerary by train.

Train distance: Florence to Lucerne takes about 6 hours with one change in Milan.

Things to do:

Visit the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.
Take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne or
Ascend Mount Pilatus via the cogwheel railway for sweeping views.

Where to stay: Hotel Des Balances – historic, centrally located, with lake views.

Recommended tour: Book the Mount Pilatus day trip, which includes a boat, cogwheel, cable car, and bus—it’s a full Swiss experience in one package.

Day 8–9: Paris, France

Paris is the heartbeat of France and an essential stop on any 14-day European tour itinerary. From romance to art, it’s overflowing with experiences.

Train distance: Lucerne to Paris via Basel takes about 4.5 hours by TGV.

Things to do:

Stroll through Montmartre,
Marvel at the Eiffel Tower,
Visit the Louvre, and
Take a sunset cruise on the Seine.

Where to stay: Hotel Le Six – in the Latin Quarter, walking distance to Luxembourg Gardens, clean and modern rooms from €140/night.

Tour to book: Eiffel Tower summit access + Seine River cruise – covers two must-dos efficiently.

Tip: Get a Paris Museum Pass if you plan to hit multiple attractions.

Day 10: Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a quirky mix of Gothic grandeur and modern eccentricity. It’s perfect for a one-day cultural stopover en route to Amsterdam.

Train distance: Paris to Brussels takes just 1.5 hours on the Thalys high-speed train.

Things to do:

Visit the Grand Place,
Check out the Atomium,
Indulge in waffles and chocolate, and
Admire comic-strip street art.

Where to stay: Motel One Brussels – stylish, and well-located.

Tip: Try to visit Delirium Café for some of the best beer varieties in Europe.

Day 11–12: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Why visit: Amsterdam is a city of canals, bikes, art, and freedom. With its charming architecture and laid-back vibe, it’s a highlight of 2 weeks in Europe.

Train distance: Brussels to Amsterdam is about 2 hours by train.

Things to do:

Explore the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House,
And take a canal cruise.
Rent a bike and pedal through Jordaan’s bohemian streets.

Where to stay: Rokin Hotel – trendy, vibrant, close to main central station.

Tour to book: Anne Frank House & walking tour combo – gives context and saves time.

Tip: Book museum tickets at least a week in advance, especially during high season.

Day 13–14: Berlin, Germany

Berlin is where history meets hipster. It’s raw, powerful, and endlessly fascinating. A fitting finale for your Europe itinerary 2 weeks by train.

Train distance: Amsterdam to Berlin takes 6 hours, perfect for a scenic daytime ride through Germany’s countryside.

Things to do:

Visit the Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery, Brandenburg Gate, and Holocaust Memorial.
Enjoy street art, underground bars, and world-class currywurst.

Where to stay: Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz – affordable, chic, and centrally located.

Tour to book: Berlin Third Reich and Cold War Walking Tour – for a deep dive into its intense history.

Tip: Don’t forget to try a doner kebab—it’s Berlin’s favorite street food.

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Europe by Train – Eurail or Individual Tickets?

If you’re under 27 or planning multiple train journeys, a Eurail Global Pass is an excellent option for unlimited travel days. Otherwise, buying individual high-speed train tickets 2–3 months in advance can be a more cost-effective option. Sites like Trainline or Rail Europe offer great booking tools and price comparisons.

Essential Travel Tips for Planning 14 days European Tour Itinerary

Pack light: European trains rarely have vast luggage space. A backpack or a small roller is ideal.
Reserve seats early, especially on Thalys, TGV, and Frecciarossa trains, where reservations are mandatory.
Local SIM or eSIM: Grab a European eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) for data across countries.
City cards: Look into tourist cards (like the Paris Pass or Amsterdam Card) to save on public transport and museum entry.
Language basics: Learn greetings in the local language—it goes a long way in making connections.
Time zones: Keep in mind that all countries on this itinerary are in Central European Time (CET), so you won’t need to adjust your clocks as you travel.

Spending 2 weeks in Europe by train is more than just ticking destinations off a list—it’s about embracing the journey as much as the destinations. From the sun-soaked ruins of Rome to the bohemian canals of Amsterdam, from the snowy peaks of Lucerne to Berlin’s thought-provoking streets, this route offers the best of the continent’s diversity.

It’s a chance to savor not only different cuisines and cultures but also the joy of slow travel in a fast-moving world.

FAQs – 2 Weeks in Europe by Train

Is this 2-week Europe itinerary suitable for first-time visitors?

This itinerary is planned for first-time visitors who want to experience a mix of Western and Central Europe. It includes iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and London while also offering a taste of charming spots like Lucerne and Brussels. You’ll get a perfect mix of art, culture, history, food, and nature.

What’s the best time of year to follow this 14-day European tour itinerary?

The best time is April to June and September to mid-October. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are manageable, and train travel is comfortable. July and August are busier and more expensive due to peak tourist season.

How much does a 2-week Europe trip by train cost (mid-budget)?

On a mid-range budget, expect to spend:

Accommodation: €100–€150 per night
Eurail or Interrail Pass: ~€400–€500 for a Global Pass (15 days)
Food & Transport: ~€40–€60 per day
Total Estimate: €2500–€3000 per person
Do I need a Eurail or Interrail Pass?

Yes. For non-European residents, the Eurail Global Pass is recommended. For European residents, use the Interrail Pass. It covers all trains in your route (some high-speed trains need seat reservations).

Is seat reservation mandatory for all trains in this 2 weeks in Europe itinerary?

Not for all. High-speed trains, such as Eurostar (London–Paris, Paris–Brussels), TGV, and some Italian trains, require seat reservations (usually €10–€30). Regional trains typically don’t need reservations.

Can I start this 2-week Europe itinerary from another city?

Absolutely. You can start in Rome, Paris, London, or Amsterdam based on your flight deals. Just adjust the route accordingly. The circular structure allows flexibility.

Do I need a visa to visit these countries?

If you’re not an EU citizen:

Schengen Visa allows you to visit most countries on this itinerary
UK Visa is required separately for London & Ireland visa for Dublin.

You need to keep a passport handy on your train from one country to another. Ticket Collectors sometimes check valid Schengen visas during your train journeys.

How much luggage can I take on trains in Europe?

There’s no strict limit like airlines, but it’s recommended to carry one medium suitcase and one backpack for ease. Trains have luggage racks above and at the end of each carriage.

Are the cities in the itinerary walkable and tourist-friendly?

Yes. All cities listed in this Europe itinerary 2 weeks are highly walkable, have great public transportation, and are very safe for tourists. Most of the major attractions are near each other.

How can I book train journeys for this itinerary?

There are many online sites to book train journeys in advance

Use Eurail.com, RailEurope.com, or Omio
Or book directly via local operators like SNCF (France), DB Bahn (Germany), Trenitalia, and SBB (Switzerland)
Seat reservations for high-speed trains can be done via the Eurail platform or individual train websites

For small distances, you can buy train tickets on the same day.

Can I use this itinerary if I land in one city and fly out of another?

Yes, this itinerary is designed to start in Dublin and end in Rome. You can use a multi-city flight ticket (also known as an open-jaw ticket), which allows you to fly into Dublin and out of Rome (or vice versa), often making it cheaper than a round-trip ticket.

Is internet connectivity good across all countries?

Yes, Europe has excellent internet and Wi-Fi coverage. You can either:

Buy a local European SIM card with data
Or get an eSIM or international roaming plan before you travel

Many companies, such as Airalo, Holafly, and Orange SIM, offer good calling plans.

Are there luggage lockers at train stations for day trips?

Yes. Most major train stations, such as Amsterdam Centraal, Paris Gare du Nord, Roma Termini, and Munich Hbf, offer luggage lockers or Left Luggage services, which are very handy for short explorations.

Can I take scenic train routes on this itinerary?

Yes! Notably:

Lucerne to Florence via the Gotthard Panorama Route is incredibly scenic
Munich to Lucerne takes you through the Alps
Some short day trips from Lucerne (like Mount Pilatus or Lake Lucerne cruise) are also visually stunning

For scenic train routes, charges are a little higher than normal train fares.

Can I customize this 14 days European tour itinerary?

Of course! This itinerary is a flexible framework. You can:

Swap cities like Munich for Vienna
Replace Florence with Venice
Spend more time in Paris or Rome
Add a day trip to places like Versailles (from Paris) or Lake Como (from Milan)

If you are not very history friendly then you can skip historical destinations with nature destinations.

Is this itinerary suitable for families or couples?

Yes, it suits solo travelers, couples, families, and even small groups of friends. Each city has attractions that cater to different travel styles—from romance in Paris to family fun in Lucerne or history in Rome.

Do I need to worry about language barriers?

Not really. Most Europeans, especially in tourist areas, speak basic to fluent English. However, learning a few local phrases in French, Italian, German, or Dutch is appreciated.

Can I extend this Europe itinerary beyond 2 weeks?

Yes. To make it a 3-week or 1-month trip, you can:

Add cities like Barcelona, Prague, Vienna, Venice, or Nice
Include nature spots like Cinque Terre, the Alps, or the French Riviera
Spend more nights in slower-paced towns

So, whether you call it a 2 week Europe itinerary by train, a 14 days European tour itinerary, or just “the trip of a lifetime,” pack your bags and let the rails lead you on an unforgettable adventure across Europe.

Best Europe Itinerary 2 Weeks By Train (14 Days in Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands & Germany)

Why to travel Europe by Train?