The continent is compact enough that Paris to Amsterdam by train takes about as long as the Sydney–Canberra drive — here are the multi-country circuits worth planning around.
European travel rewards multi-country circuits — the continent is compact enough that Paris to Amsterdam by train takes about as long as the Sydney–Canberra drive.
These are the itineraries our team have designed and refined over 35 years of sending Australians to Europe. Each is built around the train, paced for 3–4 nights in the major stops, and shaped so you finish rested rather than frazzled. Treat them as a framework — we tailor every one to your interests, budget and season.
From a two-week Western introduction to a three-week eight-country grand tour.
Circuits shaped around a single passion.
Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague and Dresden — the finest Central European festive circuit.
Late Nov – DecOslo → Bergen for the fjords → fly to Reykjavík → the Iceland Ring Road.
Sep – MarAthens, the Cyclades, then Split and the Dalmatian coast to Dubrovnik.
May – OctThe Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Jungfraubahn across the Swiss Alps.
Jun – SepFor a 21-day trip, three to four countries maximum — the classic mistake is "eight countries in fourteen days", which leaves you exhausted having seen nothing properly. Spend 3–4 nights in each major city and build in one free day a week. See our Europe guide.
The London → Paris → Florence → Rome run (about 14 days) is the classic Western Europe introduction, all linked by high-speed train. For sun and sea, Athens → the Greek islands → Croatia is the finest Mediterranean loop. See below for both. See our Eurail & train guide.
Yes — flying into one city and out of another (into London, out of Rome) avoids days of backtracking and rarely costs much more than a return fare. It's standard practice for European rail circuits. See our getting there guide.
Absolutely — these are starting points refined over 35 years of sending Australians to Europe. We adjust the pace, the cities and the season to suit you. Family-run since 1974. See our European tours.