2-Week European Holiday Itineraries: 5 Perfect Pairings

Many villages in the Amalfi region are built on cliffsides, offering amazing views from holiday accommodation

Planning a two-week European holiday can be overwhelming! You want variety, culture, landscapes, great food, maybe a little adventure… but you also don’t want to spend half the trip stuck on trains and airport transfers. That’s why combining two nearby regions is the smartest way to build a richer, more memorable itinerary.

The five itinerary pairings below can all be travelled in one day, and can be done without a car,, giving you the freedom to explore two very different sides of Europe without losing time. Whether you’re dreaming of beaches and vineyards, mountain lakes and fairy-tale towns, or a blend of adventure and relaxation, these route ideas have you covered.

Look out for links to detailed one week itineraries to the destinations below. There you’ll find activity ideas, climate information and pie charts that indicate the holiday balance between adventure, relaxation and culture.

1) San Sebastián & Bordeaux & Dordogne

The Dordogne river is great for kayaking and picnics

A Two-Week Food-Focused Coastal and Countryside Escape

Week 1: San Sebastián: Pintxos, Surf, Coastal Walks & Culinary Magic

Start your holiday on Spain’s northern coast in San Sebastián, a world-class food destination where beaches and mountains meet. Spend your days enjoying La Concha Beach, walking the cliffside path to Pasai Donibane, and cycling between neighbourhoods for pintxos tastings. Book a table at one of the region’s legendary Michelin-starred restaurants, take a cider-house tour, or catch a day trip to the French Basque towns of Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This week is all about relaxed oceanfront energy and exceptional food. Hit the following links for individual, downloadable itineraries to San Sebastian and Biarritz.

Week 2: Bordeaux & Dordogne: Canoes, Wine Estates & Medieval Villages

Cross the border into France (a 2–3 hour journey) and transition into a slower, countryside rhythm. Spend a couple of days in Bordeaux exploring its grand architecture, wine bars, riverfront cycling paths, and city-centre markets. Then continue east into the Dordogne Valley, basing yourself near Sarlat or Beynac. Paddle the Dordogne River by kayak, visit prehistoric caves, wander medieval villages, and enjoy market-to-table dinners. It’s a perfect balance to San Sebastián’s coastal buzz. You can find a detailed itinerary for Dordogne and Bordeaux here.

2) Annecy & The French Riviera

A view from the river towards Lake Annecy, the cleanest lake in Europe

A Lakes-and-Sea Adventure with a Relaxing Mediterranean Finish

Week 1: Annecy: Cycling, Hiking & Alpine Lakeside Living

Annecy offers one of Europe’s most picturesque lake landscapes, framed by the French Alps. Use the first half of your trip to cycle the full lake loop, hike the Semnoz or the Parmelan, swim in crystal-clear water, and explore the canals of the Old Town. Day trips to Chamonix or grass-alpine villages are easy if you crave bigger mountain views. Evenings here are slow and charming; wine bars, fondue terraces, and lakeside promenades. You can find a detailed itinerary for Annecy and the Alps here

Week 2: French Riviera

Travel south by train (around 5 hours) and enter an entirely new vibe. Base yourself in Antibes for easy access to beach clubs, Cap d’Antibes coastal walks, and the historic Old Town. Take simple train hops to Cannes, Nice, and the clifftop village of Èze, or rent a boat for a day trip to the Lérins Islands. This week gives you the Mediterranean climate, turquoise coves, and long, warm evenings perfect for seafood feasts. A classic summer contrast to Annecy’s fresh alpine air. You can find a detailed itinerary for the French Riviera here.

3) Alsace & Northern Italian Lakes

The storybook buildings of Alsace are unique to the region

Two Weeks of Fairy-Tale Villages Followed by Lakeside Elegance

Week 1: Alsace: Half-Timbered Towns, Wine Routes & Cosy Markets

Base yourself between Colmar and Strasbourg to explore the villages of the Alsace Wine Route. Visit Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim for cobbled streets, wine tastings, pâtisseries, and colourful medieval architecture. Enjoy day trips to castles such as Haut-Koenigsbourg and sample local dishes like tarte flambée. Alsace is small and easy to navigate, making it perfect for a charming, slow-paced first week. You can find a detailed itinerary for Alsace here.

Week 2: Northern Italian Lakes: Como, Garda or Maggiore

Travel to Italy (5–6 hours by train via Basel or Milan) and switch to one of Europe’s most glamorous landscapes. Choose Lake Como for luxurious villas and dramatic mountains, Lake Garda for outdoor adventure and water sports, or Lake Maggiore for elegant gardens and quiet waterside promenades. Spend your days ferry-hopping between towns, hiking panoramic ridges, exploring old-world villas, and swimming in warm, glassy water. It’s a soothing, scenic counterpart to Alsace’s storybook villages. You find a detailed itinerary for Italy’s Northern lakes here.

4) Tuscany & The Amalfi Coast

Florence at dusk

Italy’s Dream Combination: Rolling Hills & Clifftop Villages

Week 1: Tuscany: Art, Vineyards and Golden Landscapes

Spend your first week in Tuscany, basing yourself between Florence, Siena or a rural agriturismo. Visit medieval hilltop towns like San Gimignano, Montepulciano and Pienza, enjoy winery tours with tasting menus, wander olive groves, and take pasta-making classes. Day trips to Florence or Lucca offer Renaissance culture without needing to change hotels. Tuscany sets the tone with slow mornings, incredible cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. You can find a detailed Tuscan itinerary here.

Week 2: Amalfi Coast: Boat Trips, Lemon Groves & Dramatic Scenery

Travel to Naples by high-speed train (2h 40m from Florence) and continue to Amalfi or Positano. Spend your days taking coastal ferries between towns, hiking the Path of the Gods, and relaxing on small beaches tucked beneath the cliffs. Book a boat day to Capri or swim into caves around Praiano. Evenings here revolve around seafood, sunsets, and terraces overlooking the sea. It’s the perfect contrast to Tuscany’s countryside tranquillity.

5) Croatia (Istria & Plitvice) + Northern Italy’s Dolomites or Lakes

Plitvice Lakes offer some of the best natural beauty spots in Europe.

A High-Energy Outdoor Adventure Paired with Iconic Italian Scenery

Week 1: Istria & Plitvice:  Kayaking, Waterfalls & Wild Swimming

Start in Istria for coastal kayaking, snorkelling, and rugged seaside hikes around Rovinj, Pula and Cape Kamenjak. Then head inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park to experience its waterfall-filled turquoise pools and wooden walkways. Camping, adventure sports and fresh seafood define this week. It’s active, nature-heavy and refreshing. For a detailed 1 week adventure itinerary around Plitvice lakes, have a look here.

Week 2: Dolomites or Lake Garda: Big Mountains or Soft Italian Lakeside

Cross into Italy (3–4 hours by car or bus) and choose your preferred landscape:

• Dolomites for via ferrata climbs, panoramic cable cars, alpine huts, and crisp mountain air.

• Lake Garda for swimming, paddleboarding, medieval lakeside villages and easy ferry routes.

Both areas offer excellent food, breathtaking scenery, and a gentle shift from Croatia’s wild edge to a softer Italian holiday experience. See a detailed 1 week itinerary that combines the northern lakes and the Dolomites here.

Conclusion: How to Choose Your Perfect 2-Week Europe Itinerary!

Combining two neighbouring regions is one of the best ways to experience Europe without burnout. These itinerary pairings let you enjoy two holidays in one, while keeping travel days simple and manageable. Whether you want a two-week France and Spain food itinerary, an Italy coast-and-countryside trip, or an adventure-to-relaxation European route, each combination balances variety with practicality.

For travellers seeking a memorable, well-paced escape with rich landscapes and culture at every turn, these five routes are some of the best 2-week European holiday ideas you’ll find.

FAQ: Planning a Two-Week Multi-Destination Europe Itinerary

Is two weeks enough to visit two European regions?

Yes, two weeks is an ideal amount of time to explore two nearby European regions without feeling rushed. Most pairings in this guide require only 2–6 hours of travel between destinations, which helps you maximise sightseeing time and minimise transit days. It’s all in the planning, if you book the essentials in advance and know roughly what activities are top of the bucket list, it’s more than doable.

How do I choose which two European destinations to combine?

Choose destinations based on contrast and convenience. For example, pairing a beach destination with a countryside region gives you variety, while choosing regions linked by easy rail or road routes keeps travel stress-free. Look for combinations that offer different experiences: culture and coastline, mountains and wine regions, or adventure and relaxation. Think about what you want from each week, and then look for combinations that tick the boxes.

What is the easiest way to travel between two European destinations on a single trip?

Trains are generally the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between neighbouring regions, especially in France, Italy and Spain. For destinations not connected by rail, short bus rides or car hire work well. Each pairing in this article can be travelled in a single travel day without flying. Again planning is key, get your hire car or book your trains in advance of your trip.

How far in advance should I book accommodation for a two-week Europe itinerary?

For popular summer destinations like Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, or San Sebastián, it’s best to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. For shoulder-season travel (spring and autumn), booking 1 to 3 months ahead is usually enough. And often this is the best time to go.  Rural regions such as Dordogne or Tuscany fill up quickly during festival periods and harvest season.

What is the best time of year to take a two-week European holiday?

May–June and September–early October offer the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices. Summer is ideal for beaches and lakes, but expect high demand. Winter is best for Christmas markets in places like Alsace, or for combining cities with ski destinations.

How many places should I visit during a two-week Europe trip?

For a relaxed, well-paced trip, stick to two main base destinations and take day trips from there. Moving every 2–3 days usually leads to burnout. A two-region itinerary gives you more variety than staying in one place, but still keeps the trip enjoyable and manageable.

Can I do these itineraries without renting a car?

Yes! All five two-week itinerary pairings can be done using public transport. Trains connect destinations such as Annecy–Nice or Florence–Naples, and buses link regions like Istria–Trieste or San Sebastián–Bordeaux. Renting a car is optional if you prefer flexibility, especially in rural regions like Dordogne or Tuscany.

What should I budget for a two-week holiday in Europe?

Budgets vary by region, but most travellers spend on average:

• £1,500–£2,500 per person for mid-range two-week trips,

• £2,500–£4,000 plus for higher-end or luxury itineraries,

• £1,200–£1,800 if travelling in shoulder season and staying in simpler accommodation.

Food, transport and activity prices differ widely between countries, but planning two regional bases helps keep costs predictable. Happy planning!