Best Western Europe itinerary: Detailed 9-Day 8-Night Western Europe trip itinerary

Where should you go for a 9-day 8-night Western Europe trip, which countries and cities should you visit? Check out the best Western Europe itinerary (Western Europe trip itinerary) below!

Western Europe is always one of the attractive lands, attracting tourists by the perfect combination of ancient beauty and modernity. Here, you will explore historical cities, diverse cultures and wonderful scenery. The 9-day 8-night Western Europe tour will take you to prominent destinations in Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Italy.

On this trip, you will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent castles in Germany, the peaceful and picturesque scenery of Switzerland, and historical works such as Rome in Italy. Discover the wonders of Western Europe with us on this memorable trip.

Day 1: Departure from Vietnam – Frankfurt (Germany)

Flights from Vietnam to Frankfurt will depart from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). If departing from Hanoi, the flight time is about 12-15 hours, while from Ho Chi Minh City, the flight lasts from 13-16 hours. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Emirates offer flights to Frankfurt, with some stops in Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul.

After landing at Frankfurt Am Main Airport, you complete immigration procedures and move to the hotel to check in and rest. From the airport, you can easily get to the city center by bus (30 minutes, cost from 5-30 Euro), tram (40 minutes, cost from 2.8 Euro), train (20 minutes, about 40 Euro), airport shuttle, or taxi (30 minutes, cost about 80-100 Euro).

In the evening, start exploring Frankfurt by walking around the Römerberg area – the historical center of the city. Here, you will admire the historical buildings such as the Römer Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church, and the Frankfurt Historical Museum. This is also an ideal place to enjoy dinner at local restaurants, enjoy the space and bustle of the city.

Day 2: Frankfurt – Main River, New Old Town, Frankfurt Cathedral, Kleinmarkthalle Market – Heidelberg – Heidelberg Castle, Neckar River

On your first morning in Germany, take the time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Frankfurt with many unique experiences such as walking along the Main River, admiring the modern architecture mixed with ancient features, or visiting the exquisitely restored New Old Town. Frankfurt Cathedral or the bustling Kleinmarkthalle market are also great options to explore before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Leaving Frankfurt, take the train to Heidelberg, with a travel time of about 1 hour. Heidelberg welcomes you with the charming beauty of the Neckar River and the green hills. The first stop not to be missed is Heidelberg Castle, located on the top of Königstuhl hill. This is a historical symbol with unique architecture from the 13th century, where the heroic stories of kings and emperors who were crowned here are preserved. Standing from the castle, you will admire the panoramic view of the city and the poetic river.

After visiting the castle, immerse yourself in the old town of Heidelberg. The cobblestone streets, ancient buildings and bridges across the river create a romantic picture. A dinner at a riverside restaurant will be the perfect highlight before you rest in Heidelberg, ending a complete and memorable day.

Day 3: Heidelberg – Black Forest, Lake Titisee (#Best Western Europe itinerary)

The next morning, you leave Heidelberg to travel to the Black Forest area – one of the most famous natural landscapes in Germany. The journey takes about 2 hours if you go by taxi or rent a car with a driver. If you choose public transport, it will take you about 3.5 hours with train and taxi from Heidelberg station via Karlsruhe to Triberg, then continue to the Black Forest. This is an opportunity for you to experience the poetic beauty along the way, from the city to the rugged mountains.

When you set foot in the Black Forest, you will be overwhelmed by the majestic natural scenery stretching from Karlsruhe to the Swiss border. With an area of ​​over 160 km, this area is a perfect combination of mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. The highlight of the trip is Lake Titisee – the green gem in the heart of the Black Forest. Stroll around the lake via the 6 km long path or challenge yourself with the hiking trail to the top of Hochfirstturm to see the panoramic view of the lake and forest from above.

In the afternoon, you can participate in interesting activities such as rowing, renting a bike to ride around the lake or explore the surrounding villages. As the sun sets, the peaceful atmosphere here seems to take you into a fairy tale. At the end of the third day, you stay overnight in the Black Forest area, enjoying the fresh air and tranquility of nature.

Day 4: Luxembourg – Viaduc Bridge, Old Town Luxembourg, Chemin De La Corniche

Day 4 of your Western Europe itinerary, you leave Germany for the beautiful country of Luxembourg. After about 3.5 hours by car or 5 hours by train, you will arrive in this charming city. Your journey of discovery will begin with the Viaduc (Passerelle) bridge, which opens up a panoramic view of the city with two unique levels: the old town above and the modern areas below.

After lunch at a local restaurant such as Lux’Burgers or Matelots, take a stroll through Luxembourg’s old town. This is a small, easy-to-explore area with many highlights such as Place d’Armes square, the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, or the Grand Ducal Palace – the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

At the end of the day, you stroll along Chemin de la Corniche – the “most beautiful balcony in Europe” – and explore the peaceful Grund area with its cafes, flower gardens and poetic canals. End your trip with dinner at a fine dining restaurant like Clairfontaine or a more intimate experience at Ambrosia.

Day 5: Zurich (Switzerland) – Zurich Old Town, Lake Zurich

Continuing the itinerary for day 5 of your Western European exploration, you leave Luxembourg for Switzerland. The train journey lasts about 7-8 hours if you choose a regular train, and if you choose an express train, the shortest travel time will be about 4 hours and 20 minutes. During the long trip, take advantage of the beautiful natural scenery along the way.

Arrive in Zurich in the afternoon, Zurich Old Town will be an ideal stop to explore the history and culture of the city. It is marked by small cobblestone streets, ancient buildings and charming squares. Notable landmarks such as the Fraumünster Church with its exquisite stained glass windows, the majestic Grossmünster, or Peterskirche with the largest clock in Europe always attract the eye. Bridges like Münsterbrücke and Rathausbrücke are also great places to take photos, with Lake Zurich and the Alps creating an impressive backdrop.

After walking around the old town, Lake Zurich is a great place to relax. This is one of the most famous lakes in Switzerland, offering a peaceful space and memorable experience. Visitors can row a boat, take a ferry across the lake to explore small islands like Lützelau or Ufnau, or simply stroll along the lakeside, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery.

Day 6: Zurich – Milan (Italy) – Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Florence (Italy) (#western europe trip itinerary)

Italy will be the next destination in the 9-day, 8-night itinerary to explore Western Europe. From Zurich, you take the train to Milan with a travel time of about 3 to 4 hours. The journey through the majestic Alps and poetic lakes of Italy will give you the opportunity to admire the wonderful natural beauty. Sitting on the comfortable train, you will feel the harmony between the Swiss mountain scenery and the rich land of Lombardy in Italy.

The first stop on the journey is Milan, where the Milan Cathedral – a famous Gothic architectural symbol will welcome you. Built in 1386, the church stands out with thousands of marble statues and elaborately carved domes. From the top of the church, you will have the opportunity to take in the panoramic view of the vast city of Milan.

After visiting the church, stop by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious shopping area with a quiet beauty. With a unique glass and iron dome, it gathers famous brands such as Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and high-class restaurants. Don’t forget to try the ritual of turning your heel on the bull mosaic in the central area for good luck.

In the evening, you will take a high-speed train to Florence, Italy’s famous city of art and culture, a trip lasting about 2 hours. Upon arrival in Florence, enjoy dinner with local specialties such as Fiorentina steak – a famous delicious grilled beef dish, ribollita – a traditional vegetable soup with rich flavors, or pappardelle al cinghiale – pasta served with wild boar sauce.

Day 7: Florence – Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral, Signoria Square, Pisa Tower – Siena

The seventh day of the Western European journey is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural and artistic beauty of Florence, the city considered the cradle of the Renaissance. The first destination is the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, a Gothic architectural work with a giant dome designed by Brunelleschi.

Outside, the walls are covered with exquisite three-color marble, while the space inside shines with brilliant stained glass windows and many valuable works of art. Next, Piazza della Signoria opens up a vibrant space, displaying famous sculptures and historical buildings such as Palazzo Vecchio or the Neptune Fountain.

Leaving Florence, the trip takes you to Pisa to admire the Leaning Tower of Pisa – a timeless symbol of creativity and engineering. This work is not only attractive for its unique architecture but also associated with interesting historical stories.

The final stop of the day is Siena, a city of peaceful beauty. Here, take a stroll through the famous Piazza del Campo, enjoy the romantic atmosphere and enjoy a Tuscan dinner. A glass of light wine will be the perfect ending, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories of this land rich in culture and history.

Day 8: Siena – Rome – Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Square

The eighth day of the journey will take visitors to Rome – the city known as the center of Western history and art. Departing from Siena, the train ride of about 2 hours and 45 minutes not only offers a relaxing time but also an opportunity to prepare for the vibrant experiences in the Italian capital.

For lunch, enjoy Italian cuisine at a famous local restaurant. From rich Carbonara pasta to traditional Pizza Margherita, each dish reflects the culinary quintessence of this land. Then, Gelato with countless attractive flavors will be a great choice to cool down the midday sun.

In the early afternoon, the journey of discovery begins at the Colosseum, a symbolic work of the Roman Empire. With impressive architecture and fascinating history, this place was once the venue for dramatic gladiator matches. Leaving the Colosseum, visit the Trevi Fountain – a masterpiece of sculpture combined with clear water to create an unforgettable beauty. Don’t forget to drop a coin into the fountain to send a wish to return to Rome.

The next destination is the Spanish Square, famous for the stairs leading up to the Trinità dei Monti church. From here, the poetic scenery of Rome opens up before your eyes, combined with the bustling shopping space at the nearby Via Condotti to create a colorful experience. End the day, try fried artichokes in the Jewish quarter and sip a cool Gelato to fully enjoy the beauty of the city. Stay overnight in Rome, feel the unique blend of history and modernity in every breath.

Day 9: End of the European Discovery Journey – Return to Vietnam

After breakfast, you will have about 3-4 hours to explore the attractive shopping spots in Rome. Via del Corso street is an ideal destination if you want to buy items from international and Italian brands, from clothes, shoes to accessories and cosmetics.

In particular, the cafes along the street will be a great place to relax after a bustling shopping session. If you want to find products from famous brands at preferential prices, Castel Romano Designer Outlet is an option not to be missed. This is a large shopping complex, not far from the city center, with many famous brands always having attractive discount programs.

And if you want to experience a luxurious shopping session, Via Condotti will be the perfect choice. This street is famous for high-end fashion stores such as Gucci, Prada and Bulgari, bringing a classy space for fashion lovers. After finishing the morning with your favorite items, you will move to Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) to prepare for your flight back to Vietnam. Make sure you leave enough time to complete procedures and security checks before boarding the plane.

Tips for Western Europe Trip Itinerary 9 Days 8 Nights for Independent Travelers

When planning a trip to Western Europe, careful preparation will help you enjoy the trip to the fullest. Here are some tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Plan in detail: Arrange a specific schedule so as not to miss the main attractions, but also be flexible to explore interesting local places.
• Use public transport: The train and bus networks in Western European cities are well-developed, cost-effective and convenient.
• Book tickets online: Avoid waiting in line by purchasing tickets in advance for famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum.
• Enjoy local cuisine: Don’t miss out on the typical dishes of each place, such as pizza in Italy or croissants in France.
• Bring an international credit card: For convenient and safe payment when traveling.
• Choose a hotel near the center: Helps you save travel time and easily explore the highlights.

How much does it cost to travel to Western Europe for 9 days and 8 nights?

To make your dream of traveling to Western Europe for 9 days and 8 nights come true, detailed planning, especially in terms of budget, is indispensable. Let’s take a look at the main cost categories so you have an overview and plan accordingly for your upcoming trip.

Type of cost	Price range (USD)
Airfare (round trip)	697.54 - 1,162.57
Schengen Visa	116.26 - 193.76
4G SIM & Insurance	19.38 - 27.13
Accommodation	271.27 - 465.03
Eat and drink	581.28 - 1,162.57
Fun & Sightseeing	271.27 - 581.28
Shopping	193.76 - 581.28
Other costs	77.50 - 193.76
Estimated total cost	2,732.04 - 5,192.81

(*) Note: This is just an estimate. Actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your choices. Plan carefully, compare prices and book in advance to get the best price. You should also prepare a reserve fund to handle unexpected situations.

The 9-day, 8-night Western Europe itinerary will give you the opportunity to explore the beauty of historical and modern cities. You will admire famous architectural works such as the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, and immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere of the streets. This journey will definitely leave many deep memories, broaden your horizons and bring unforgettable experiences.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Rome you can refer to

• Private Fiumicino Airport (FCO) Transfers for Downtown Rome
• Shared Fiumicino Airport Transfers (FCO) for Rome by Terravision
• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour
• [Buy 1 Get 1] Rome Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Rome to Florence Day Tour
• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket in Rome
• 1 Roma Pass for 45+ Attractions
• OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card
• Vatican & Rome Combo Sightseeing Tour
• Venice Excursion Day Trip
• Day Trip to the Ruins of Pompeii
• Positano and Amalfi Coast Day Tour
• I Love Rome Hop On Hop Off Panoramic Bus Tour
• Rome Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Are you looking for more Italy travel guide: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And top things to do in Rome here.