19 days in Europe Itinerary

Few places manage to capture the world's imagination quite like Greece, a land of sun-kissed coastlines, tranquil whitewashed villages, lively seaside towns, and well-preserved ancient sites. One of the world's top tourist destinations since ancient times, the country draws nearly 20 million visitors each year. Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, continues to attract the biggest crowds and serves as a base for exploring the country and its 227 inhabited islands. Away from its cities, Greece features a picturesque countryside of olive groves, vineyards, and tiny settlements nestled against rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges. Explore the old mainland on foot and discover the islands on a guided boat or ferry tour.

Aside from the crystal azure waters and the soft sandy beaches in Malta, there is more ancient, medieval, and Baroque architecture here than most visitors have time for. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation spent people-watching and sun-bathing or a history lesson filled with fortified cities and catacombs, Malta lets you hop from island to island with a plethora of options. And with so much coastline wherever you are in Malta, opportunities for water sports abound, including snorkeling and diving. Despite the thriving tourism, many areas feel uncrowded due to lack of residency, leaving you space to enjoy the sun and sea at your own pace.

Italy is a land of high fashion, fine art, exquisite architecture, luxury sports cars, outstanding cuisine--and an insatiable taste for "la dolce vita." It's also home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites in the world, making it an ideal place for your next holiday. The country boasts a varied landscape of mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and coastal towns, so it's no wonder travelers often refer to it as the bel paese (beautiful country). With so many places to visit, visitors often have a difficult time planning their itinerary. The smaller villages each feature a distinct character and a blend of architecture, art, and cuisine. In the country, you'll find countless archeological sites dating back to Roman times and beyond. The country's cities and seaside resorts are cosmopolitan powerhouses with museums, galleries, restaurants, shops, open-air markets, and pedestrian-friendly historic areas.

One of the smallest but most successful countries in the world, the German-speaking microstate of Liechtenstein is known primarily for two things: its gorgeous Alpine location and strong economy. Due to its size, Liechtenstein is culturally influenced by its neighboring countries, Austria and Switzerland. It is also quite similar to them geographically, with a mountainous landscape that draws scores of tourists for winter holidays. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy here year-round, with numerous hiking and biking trails. As the second-richest nation in the world with one of the lowest unemployment rates, Lichtenstein's charm nevertheless lies in the pride its citizens take in their country's independence and natural splendor.

Immerse yourself in a snow-capped mountain wonderland in Switzerland's serene Alpine setting. See the world-renowned Matterhorn, Switzerland's second-highest mountain at 4,478 m (14,962 ft) tall, or zoom down the mountains on toboggan, ski, or snowboard. In the warmer seasons hike around the rolling green hillsides covered with pine trees and picturesque aqua blue lakes. Luxurious cities dotted with cozy wooden chalets and colorful flowerbeds balance quaintness with first-class cultural offerings. Indulge in the country's opulence of milk chocolate, cheese fondue, and keg-carrying St. Bernard dogs.

One of the three richest countries in the world, Luxembourg celebrates its wealth of natural and historical sites as well. Landlocked by Belgium, France, and Germany, this nation represents a blend of cultures, which are evident as you explore the nation's villages, outdoor attractions, and capital. If you prefer city living, discover Luxembourg City's old town, with World Heritage status. This small nation's rolling countryside is equally charming, offering castles and plenty of opportunity for recreation and leisure. Go for a bike ride, hike the country's mountainous region, or spend time at renowned vineyards.

A small country packing a big punch in terms of tourist attractions, Belgium sits at the crossroads of Western Europe, its cities soaked in history and famed for their lively arts, fashion, and dining scenes. Although it advertises itself simply as "A Food Lover's Dream," this country of just 11 million people boasts a rich architectural heritage, world-famous breweries, pristine natural areas, and touching memorials marking major battlegrounds from both World War I and World War II. Put the country's elegant cities of Brussels and Bruges at the top of your itinerary, but don't forget that Belgium's less-explored countryside offers dense forests, rolling hills, and lush valleys.

The Netherlands literally means "Low Country", inspired by the country's low and flat geography, where only about 50 percent of the land exceeds one meter (three feet) above sea level. Since the late 16th century, large, flat land areas called "polders" have been reclaimed from the sea and lakes and protected by dikes, amounting to nearly 17 percent of the country's current land mass. The Netherlands is. This is small, densely populated country lies mainly in Western Europe but also includes three islands in the Caribbean; it's the main constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The European part of the Netherlands borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest, sharing maritime borders with Belgium, the United Kingdom and Germany. Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam serve as the three largest and most important cities in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is the country's capital, while The Hague holds the Dutch seat of government. The port of Rotterdam claims the title as the largest port in Europe, in fact, it's as large as the next three ports combined.