18 days in Europe Itinerary

Aptly nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is the birthplace of the Roman Empire, one of the world's greatest civilizations ever.

Rome is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: delve into the distant past at Pantheon, admire the local landmark of Trevi Fountain, steep yourself in history at Palatine Hill, and make a trip to St. Peter's Basilica.

To see more things to do, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Rome vacation planner.

Saint Louis, USA to Rome is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 7 hours traveling from Saint Louis to Rome. In May, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 58°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) so you can catch the train to Florence.

Considered a cultural, artistic, and architectural jewel of Italy, Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

On the 5th (Thu), explore the world behind art at Florence Academy of Fine Arts, look for gifts at MIO Store - Firenze, then admire the masterpieces at Pitti Palace, then make a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo, and finally snap pictures at Ponte Vecchio. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza del Duomo, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, enjoy breathtaking views from Campanile di Giotto, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza della Signoria, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Baptistery of St. John.

To see traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Florence vacation site.

You can take a train from Rome to Florence in 2.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. Traveling from Rome in May, expect slightly colder with lows of 52°F in Florence. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Venice.

Virtually unchanged for the last six centuries, Venice is actually a group of islands made famous by a series of canals, bridges, monuments, piazzas, and narrow pedestrian lanes.

Get out of town with these interesting Venice side-trips: Padua (Piazza delle Erbe, Basilica of St. Anthony, &more). There's still lots to do: explore the activities along Canal Grande, appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza San Marco, explore the world behind art at Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and take in the views from Ponte dei Sospiri.

To find other places to visit, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read our Venice day trip tool.

Getting from Florence to Venice by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In May in Venice, expect temperatures between 72°F during the day and 55°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can fly to Munich.

Often described as the city of laptops and lederhosen, Munich is an international center of business, engineering, research, and medicine that still maintains a rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Tue): contemplate the long history of Nymphenburg Palace, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Asamkirche, then make a trip to Marienplatz, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Peter's Church. On the next day, see the interesting displays at Munich Residenz, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Michael's Church, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Frauenkirche, and finally explore the activities along English Garden.

To see more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Munich trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Venice to Munich in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of car and train. In May, Munich is little chillier than Venice - with highs of 64°F and lows of 46°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) early enough to drive to Grindelwald.

As one of the country's oldest ski resorts, Grindewald serves as a prime example of a cozy Swiss ski town.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Thu): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Jungfraujoch and then take in the dramatic scenery at Staubbach Waterfall. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the activities along Lake Brienz and then admire the sheer force of Trümmelbachfälle.

To see more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Grindelwald trip itinerary planning tool.

You can drive from Munich to Grindelwald in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to drive to Beaune.

The Wine Capital of the Burgundy region in the Côte-d'Or department, Beaune is a walled city with features remaining from the pre-Roman and Roman eras in eastern France.

On the 14th (Sat), savor the flavors at Food & Drink.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Beaune itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Grindelwald to Beaune takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. May in Beaune sees daily highs of 67°F and lows of 47°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) to allow enough time to take a train to Paris.

A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.

When in Paris, make a side trip to see Palace of Versailles in Versailles, approximately Versailles away. There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Louvre Museum, walk around Luxembourg Gardens, admire the striking features of Arc de Triomphe, and pause for some serene contemplation at Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre.

To find maps, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Paris trip itinerary planning website.

Getting from Beaune to Paris by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. May in Paris sees daily highs of 64°F and lows of 49°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.