25 days in Europe Itinerary

You might consider the city of Budapest, divided by the Danube River into two distinctive cities--Buda and Pest--to be essentially one large World Heritage Site.

Budapest is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Fisherman's Bastion, make a trip to Heroes' Square, pause for some photo ops at Shoes on the Danube Bank, and take in the views from Szechenyi Lanchid.

To find photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Budapest road trip planning tool.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Budapest is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. In December, Budapest is a bit cooler than Amsterdam - with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Ljubljana.

Sitting astride the Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana is marked with picturesque bridges and a marketplace, designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik.

Change things up with these side-trips from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave (in Postojna) and Bled (Bled Island, Bled Castle, &more). There's lots more to do: test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, snap pictures at Dragon Bridge, get a sense of history and politics at Town Hall, and contemplate the waterfront views at Ljubljanica River.

To see other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Ljubljana trip itinerary tool.

You can drive from Budapest to Ljubljana in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Ljubljana are 5°C, while nighttime lows are -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) so you can drive to Zagreb.

Zagreb boasts a combination of Austro-Hungarian and Socialist architecture, but it is beloved for its outdoor cafe culture.

Zagreb is known for sightseeing, museums, and fun & games. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, don't miss a visit to Tkalciceva Street, explore the different monuments and memorials at Mirogoj Cemetery, and examine the collection at Museum of Broken Relationships.

To see ratings, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Zagreb trip planner.

Traveling by car from Ljubljana to Zagreb takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a train. In December, plan for daily highs up to 7°C, and evening lows to -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Zadar.

Situated along the Adriatic Sea, Zadar preserves a medieval old town that is entirely contained on a peninsula.

On the 22nd (Thu), contemplate the long history of Church of St. Donat, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Zadar Cathedral, and then delve into the distant past at Zadar Land City Gates. Keep things going the next day: don't miss a visit to The Forum, then don't miss a visit to Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), then make a trip to Greeting to the Sun - Il Saluto al Sole, and finally take in the local highlights with Walking tours.

To see photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Zadar vacation website.

Traveling by flight from Zagreb to Zadar takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Zagreb in December: highs in Zadar hover around 15°C, while lows dip to 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) early enough to drive to Split.

Experience an authentic Adriatic lifestyle in Split, the largest city along the sea's coast.

When in Split, make a side trip to see Historic City of Trogir in Trogir, approximately Trogir away. The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at Diocletians Dream, explore the world behind art at Galerija Mestrovic, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of St. Roko, and steep yourself in history at Diocletian's Palace.

For photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Split online tour planner.

Drive from Zadar to Split in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Split when traveling from Zadar in December, with lows around 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Dubrovnik.

Along the Dalmation Coast, the city of Dubrovnik has become famous for its pedestrian-only Old Town surrounded by fortress walls, and its historical heft has earned it World Heritage Site status.

Dubrovnik is known for historic sites, adventure, and nature. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Walls of Dubrovnik, make a trip to Pile Gate, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and explore the world behind art at Red History Museum.

To find reviews, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Dubrovnik trip app.

Fly from Split to Dubrovnik in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 15°C, and evening lows to 6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Sarajevo.

Nearly destroyed by war during the 1990s, the riverside city of Sarajevo now serves as one of the region's major educational, cultural, and commercial hubs.

On the 31st (Sat), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. There's much more to do: take an in-depth tour of War Childhood Museum, admire the masterpieces at Galerija 11/07/95, brush up on your military savvy at War Museum, and make a trip to Latin Bridge.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Sarajevo sightseeing planning site.

Traveling by car from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of bus and train. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Mon) to allow enough time to fly back home.