3 Weeks in Western Europe Itinerary

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The countries listed under Western Europe can conflict depending on which resources you look into. For this article, we’ll only include the far west of Europe: Ireland, the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

If you have 3 weeks in Western Europe, you will get to see at least 3-4 different countries, visit historical spots, try out local dishes, and enjoy the scenic locations.

All these countries are sought-after by international visitors for different reasons. The west of Europe is rich in history, has one of the oldest cultures and governments in the world, and is famous for its beautiful scenery and exciting cuisine.

The Netherlands is located in Northwestern Europe with Caribbean overseas territories. The Netherlands is famous for many things, including cheese markets, wooden shoes, windmills, and bulb fields.

Next is Belgium, bordered by Germany to the east, The Netherlands to the North, France to the southwest, and Luxembourg to the southeast. It is well-known for, you guessed it right, chocolate. Aside from that, they also have medieval castles and modern architecture.

The UK is famous for many things and prominent people, including the Royal Family. England is also the birthplace of some of the most renowned music artists, including the Beatles, Sir Elton John, Queen, and the Bee Gees.

Aside from people, you’ll also find historically-famous structures here, such as Big Ben and London Bridge. The UK consists of 4 countries. Scotland is known for its highlands, whisky distilleries, and lively music.

Wales, the home of the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Northern Ireland is located on the island northwest of the UK. And, of course, England – a globally-diverse country.

ALSO READ: 20 days in Southern Europe itinerary

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO WEST EUROPE

4 images - York Minster in England, windmill and tulip farm in Netherlands, colourful houses in Belgium, and Old Castle in Scotland shoreline - 3 Weeks in Western Europe Itinerary

We all know there are many things to see and adventures to experience in these beautiful countries. But before we proceed with the actual itinerary for your 3 weeks in Western Europe, there are some essential matters that you should know first.

Such as the modes of transportation in the country, the best time to go, the languages and currencies, as well the visa policies.

Perhaps you are travelling with your family who enjoy visiting local events. This list of carnival festivals in Europe is such a great way to plan a unique and exciting adventure for a family.

All this information will help you write and plan your travel itinerary for Western Europe and ensure you will have a great time.

When is the best time to go to West Europe

West Europe’s summer is from June to September, and the peak season is from mid-June to August. If you’re curious about winter activities and foods, the winter season is from December to February.

While October through March/April is the rainy season in Western Europe, these months offer magnificent changes of colours on the trees, flowers, and other plants.

I prefer going during the shoulder season, which is in May and September. There will be fewer people and the cost of accommodation will be lower. Plus, the weather is much bearable, neither too hot nor so rainy.

What to pack

What you need to pack depends on the season you plan to visit. If you want to go to Western Europe in summer, pack breathable and lightweight clothes but also carry one long-sleeved pair of trousers, which will be required to be worn when visiting sacred sites such as churches and cathedrals. Check out our summer packing list for a 3-week trip.

For the winter packing list, you should bring a down jacket and plan to do layering instead of packing a heavy and thick winter jacket. Doing layers means you can bring more clothes and have multiple outfits. You can also remove the layers if some of the days seem to be too hot for a jacket.

READ >> What to pack for a 3-week holiday (comes with free printable)

How to get around

Getting around is very easy in Western Europe. You can have a pick depending on which one you prefer and which is most suitable for you. If you want freedom of your time, renting a car is the best option. But remember that you might have to switch cars whenever you cross international borders.

Trains, in general, are also reliable. Western Europe has an excellent network for riding trains, even between countries. The same goes for taking the bus. It will be slower than the train and driving but cheaper.

You can also take a flight, but remember that you still need to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights. You should check this list of best apps for travelling to Europe as well to help you get around, communicate, and even for payment.

Language and currency

Most people in Western Europe can speak English. UK’s primary language is English. Belgium has three official languages, Dutch, German and French, while the Netherlands has Dutch as its primary language.

The UK uses the Births Pound Sterling (GBP / £) while the Netherlands and Belgium use Euro (€). Paying with your credit card or bank card is convenient in these places; however, carrying some cash with you will be wise.

Are 3 weeks enough for Western Europe

3 weeks in Western Europe is an incredible amount of time. You can visit 2 countries in the UK and 2 other countries (Ireland, Belgium, or the Netherlands). The travel time between these countries should be less than 3-4 hours. You can even reach some destinations in under an hour or less than 2 hours.

Average travel cost for Western Europe

This part of Europe requires high cost. Budget about $100-$150 per day per person ($150 to $400 for two people) for 20 days in Western Europe. If you don’t mind staying in hostels, you can probably squeeze to $80/day. We also have a guide for 3 weeks in Europe on a budget that highlights affordable destinations in Europe.

Accommodation usually is the highest cost, a hotel room will run you at least $40 a night, you can save some money by staying in shared rooms in youth hostels where the bunk bed is around $20 a night.

Transportation is quite a decent price if you plan to use public buses and trains. If you want to rent a car, plan to spend between $15 to $70 per day, depending on the size and type. Both the Netherlands and Belgium are small countries, you can easily get around without a car.

Food can be affordable, but make sure to at least dine at a nice local restaurant at least a few times. Look for family-owned places to have the full experience of the local cuisine. Around $25 per day for 2-3 meals per day will be a decent budget.

You can also reach our specific articles about the average cost of a 3-week trip. We discussed the cost if you’re a single person, for two people, and for a family of four. Plus, tips on how to save some money.

Visa

Since the UK left the EU, it has changed its visa policy for international visitors. EU passport holders can still enter the UK without a visa. But instead of having freedom of movement, you can stay for 6 months maximum.

The same policy applies to travellers holding a passport from the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Namibia, and Botswana.

The rest of the world has to apply for a UK tourist visa beforehand. The processing time can take a while, it’s recommended to submit your application at least 3 months before your intended trip.

Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands are part of the EU and the Schengen States. This means that all three countries have the same visa policy in place.

If you hold a passport issued by another EU member country, you have freedom of movement in these 3 countries. This allows you to stay in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands for an indefinite period of time.

Travellers from most parts of Latin America, North America, Oceania, some parts of East and Southeast Asia, and East Europe can enter and travel around the three countries for up to 90 days in 180 days. You must obtain a Schengen Tourist Visa if your passport is not listed.

Other travel tips

There are now a lot of travel sites and services out there relating to travel arrangements. Honestly, they can be overwhelming. Not to mention the ever-changing travel policies.

This is why I stick to travel sites that offer some free or flexible cancellation policies in case my travel plan changes or some rules become updated.

Below is a list of my personal favourites when it comes to arranging and booking my trip. From finding flights, hotels, tours, and airport pick-up. I also always buy affordable travel insurance for peace of mind. Perhaps you’ll find these helpful too.

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENTAL
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS EUROPE
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
TOUR OPTIONS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
RETURN TICKET
HOSTELS
BIKE RENTAL
CRUISES
AIRPORT PICK UP

MUST-SEE PLACES IN WEST EUROPE (pinned map)

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN WESTERN EUROPE ITINERARY

This itinerary is fantastic because you will be starting in London and finishing the trip in Amsterdam. Both cities have big airport hubs that have flights directly to many countries in the world.

England might be famous for its historical landmarks, but did you know it also has scenic beaches? That’s right, it has an unbelievably stunning coastline where you can unwind and relax.

It has many festivals year-round and even quirky traditions that would be fun to witness, such as chasing a block of cheese down the hill and the apple wassail ceremony.

Meanwhile, Scotland might be a haven for hikers because you can basically hike everywhere. It has more than 2,100 hiking spots listed as of the moment, and they’re adding more up until now.

The hiking trails are also well-marked, making them easy to find and follow if you’re hiking in Scotland for the first time. Aside from hiking trails, this country is abundant in lakes and islands.

Next is Belgium. Besides mouthwatering food, stunning medieval towns, and magnificent castles, Belgium is also the home of the European Union and a remarkably flat country. Regardless, it has one of the most famous pro cyclists in the world, such as Eddy Merckx (most stage wins in Tour de France history – tie with Cavendish).

You’ll find tons of vintage shops and boutique stores in the Netherlands. The biggest flea market in Europe can be located in Amsterdam. Visit the canals, ride a bicycle, and check out its tulip bloom in spring.

If you visit in winter, pack your ice skating shoes because the canals will freeze, and the locals will turn it into a magical skating park.

England for 7 days

Aside from the world-famous music and artists, there are many other things England is famous for, such as Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Windsor Castle, football, drinking tea, and English breakfast.

England is a perfect starting point for your three weeks in West Europe as it offers various day trips from London.

Some day trips to another country include the Cardiff day trip, the luxury Paris day trip, the Brussels visit, a day out in Antwerp, or walking through Medieval Bruges.

These trips are easily accessible, as international flights are regularly available at Heathrow Airport or by train and ferry from England to neighbouring countries.

Day trips within the country include Warner Bros studio Harry Potter tour, London River Thames dinner cruise, Downtown Abbey Village day trip, and more. If you want to only explore England, we have a guide for 3 weeks in England.

TIP: If you have never been to England, I recommend using London as your base then take day trips from there.

2 images - London bridge and The Shambles in York - 3 Weeks in Western Europe Itinerary

Things to do in London

Things to do in Northern England

Accommodations in London

Scotland 4 days

3 weeks in Western Europe must include a visit to the highlands. Scotland has picturesque landscapes that look straight out of a movie scene. You could also do many activities, such as bike riding, skiing, hiking, and visiting well-preserved historical sites.

Scotland is famous for its castles, Loch Ness, where the tales of the Loch Ness monster originated, bagpipes, and more. It’s also close to London, with more than three hours of travel time via plane. Other modes of transportation include driving, riding a bus, or boarding a scenic train.

Scotland’s tourist spots include Edinburgh Castle, Isle of Skye, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Fort William, and Ben Nevis. Go golfing at St. Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club since this sport originated in this country.

You can also simply spend 3 weeks in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) or do the 3 weeks in the UK and Ireland, or 3 weeks in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

From England, you can easily get to Scotland by land. You can either rent a car and drive, take the bus, or the train. The bus will be the most affordable, while the train offers a scenic experience. Driving a car will be the fastest.

2 images - downtown Edinburgh and Urquhart Castle in Lochness - 3 Weeks in Western Europe Itinerary

Edinburgh vs Glasgow

You can choose between these two cities to use as your base while exploring Scotland. Both are of course gorgeous in their own way. Edinburg is a bigger city while Glasgow has a very cool charm and is close to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and less-visited parts of Scotland.

Things to do in Scotland

Accommodations in Edinburgh

Accommodations in Glasgow

Belgium for 4 days

Various incredible architecture and scenic small towns on lakes can be found in Belgium. This country is also one of the most famous in terms of the quality of sweets. Aside from the chocolates, their Belgian waffles are also a must-try, and they can easily be found around the country’s capital – Brussels.

Do you know that the diamond capital of the world is Belgium? It also has the largest courthouse and an abundance of castles. It is also well-known for unusual and astonishing artworks.

Belgium’s tourist spots are the canals, cathedrals, and castles of Ghent, upper Meuse Valley, the Royal Art and History Museum, and Mechelen Old Town, among others.

There are many ways to reach Belgium if you’re coming from Scotland. The most recommended is flying, which has more than 4 hours of travel. The cheapest option is to ride the bus, and other modes of transportation include riding the train, bus, or driving.

2 images - Atomium in Belgium and Royal Garden in Brussels - 3 Weeks in Western Europe Itinerary

Things to do in Belgium

Accommodations Brussels

The Netherlands for 4 days

During your 20 days in West Europe, you plan to stay in the Netherlands for at least 4 days. This will allow you to visit its historical and modern architecture, scenic walking trails, varied craft beers, and coffee shops.

You’ll also see tons of artwork and visit the famous place where the teenage author Anne Frank hid during the German occupation of the Netherlands.

This country is famous for its capital and most populous city, Amsterdam. It has exciting nightlife and world-renowned museums, gorgeous canals, and historical monuments, so it is perfect for everyone, no matter what type of visitor you are.

It’s also where you can visit the beautiful tulip farms, traditional Dutch houses, and the home of the tallest people in the world – where the average person is about 182.5 cm (6 feet).

The Netherlands isn’t that far from Belgium. The most recommended mode of transportation is to board the train, with a travel duration of almost 3 hours and the cheapest option is through rideshare. Other options include driving and riding a bus.

It is perfect to end the trip in this country because there are loads of international flights to and from Amsterdam, so you’ll easily be able to return to your homeland or proceed to your next destination. If you have 3 weeks in Western Europe, it definitely must include the beautiful Netherlands.

2 images - Cube Hoses in Netherlands and windmill around tulip farm in Zaanse Schans Netherlands 3 Weeks in Western Europe Itinerary

Things to do in the Netherlands

Accommodations in Amsterdam

Accommodations in the Netherlands are very expensive. It’s recommended that you book your room in advance, especially if your travel plans fall during the peak season – summer and spring.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN WEST EUROPE ITINERARY

There are tons of sights and sceneries in this part of Europe. 3 weeks in Western Europe and barely scratch the surface. You can even come back later and never see the same locations twice, that’s how diverse everything is here.

From history buffs to landscape enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and foodies – west Europe has something for everyone. If you don’t enjoy big cities, you can easily visit smaller villages and get away from the big crowd of tourists while still experiencing and learning about each country’s history and culture.

I hope you found this travel itinerary for 3 weeks in Western Europe helpful.

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Western Europe, with its iconic landmarks, rich history, diverse cultures, and exquisite cuisine, offers an unforgettable journey. Explore charming cities, medieval towns, artistic treasures, and scenic landscapes in this captivating part of the world. via @threeweektraveller