Days 1–3 · London
Tower of London, Westminster, a Thames cruise and a West End show or a Cotswolds day trip.
Western Europe travel guide
Western Europe Holiday Packages from Australia
The classic first trip to Europe still works: London, Paris, the Swiss Alps and Italy, linked by fast trains that make city-hopping simple. This guide covers a proven 14-day route, realistic costs in Australian dollars, UK and Schengen entry rules and the season that suits your budget. Our Sydney consultants tailor the pace so you're not packing every second night.
A classic 14-day Western Europe itinerary
London, Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Florence and Rome, connected by Eurostar and high-speed rail. Runs as an escorted group departure or as a private trip on your own dates.
Days 4–6 · Paris
Eurostar under the Channel, then the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and a day at Versailles.
Days 7–8 · Lucerne & the Alps
Lake Lucerne, the Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway and an alpine rail transfer south.
Days 9–10 · Venice
St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, a gondola ride and the islands of Murano and Burano.
Days 11–12 · Florence & Tuscany
Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and a Chianti wine day with lunch.
Days 13–14 · Rome and departure
Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums before your flight home.
More ideas on the Europe destination page.
What this holiday costs
Return flights Sydney–London or Rome
From around $1,700 economy, $2,500 in peak seasons
14-day escorted package (land only)
From $5,499 per person, twin share
Hotels, 4-star central
Roughly $260–$420 per room per night
Eurostar and high-speed rail
Around $100–$180 per adult per sector booked early
Meals, entry fees and daily spending
Allow $130–$200 per person per day
All figures are indicative guides in Australian dollars for planning only. Final pricing depends on your travel dates, airline, hotel category, group size, exchange rates and availability at the time of booking, and is confirmed in writing before you pay.
Best time to travel
Spring · April to June
Gardens in bloom, long days and manageable crowds. Alpine passes and lakes are at their freshest from late May.
Summer · July to August
Peak season with hot weather in Italy and Spain, festivals everywhere and the highest airfares and hotel rates.
Autumn · September to October
Warm Mediterranean seas, harvest season in France and Italy, and noticeably better value — the best overall window.
Winter · November to March
Christmas markets, ski season in the Alps and the cheapest flights of the year for city breaks.
Seasonal dates shift each year with the weather; we track the forecasts and advise on departure dates before you commit.
Visa and entry tips
- Australian passport holders travelling for tourism can currently enter the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- The United Kingdom is outside Schengen and requires its own electronic travel authorisation for visa-free visitors; apply online before departure.
- ETIAS, the new European travel authorisation, is being introduced for Schengen travel — we advise you of the current position when you book.
- Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen area and issued within the last ten years.
Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate and with Smartraveller before you travel. We assist with documentation but cannot guarantee entry decisions.
Ready to plan your Europe holiday?
Tell us your dates, travellers and the cities on your list. Our Sydney consultants pace the route, book the rail and secure timed entry to the Vatican, Uffizi and Eiffel Tower.