March 29, 2025

Travel 12 European Countries for Less Than an Organized Tour

An Unforgettable Itinerary to Explore Europe on a Budget

If you've always dreamed of traveling across Europe, exploring its most iconic cities, and having an unforgettable experience without spending a fortune, this route is for you!

By combining buses, trains, and low-cost flights, you can travel economically and enjoy the best of each destination.

Unlike organized tours that can cost thousands of euros, this itinerary allows you to explore 12 countries with a budget ranging from €850 to €1,300, depending on your travel style and planning level.

25-Day Budget-Friendly Europe Itinerary

Day 0 - MADRID, SPAIN

Arrival and Preparations:

Land at Barajas Airport.
Get an affordable SIM card in the city center (avoid buying at the airport).
Recommended accommodation: hostels in the Atocha area.

Day 1-3 - BARCELONA, SPAIN

Top Attractions:

La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter.
Relax at La Barceloneta Beach.
Overnight bus from Madrid: €20-30.

Day 4-6 - PARIS, FRANCE

Exploring the City of Love:

Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Champs-Élysées.
Boat ride on the Seine River.
Low-cost flight from Barcelona: €40-50 (if booked in advance).

Day 7-8 - BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

Belgian Charm:

Grand Place, Atomium, and delicious waffles and chocolate.
Bus from Paris: €12-18.

Day 9-10 - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Culture and Canals:

Bike tour around the city.
Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.
Bus or train from Brussels: €15-25.

Day 11-13 - BERLIN, GERMANY

History and Nightlife:

Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and East Side Gallery.
Overnight bus from Amsterdam: €20-30.

Day 14-16 - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Medieval Charm:

Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock.
Flixbus from Berlin: €18-25.

Day 17-18 - VIENNA, AUSTRIA

City of Music:

Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna Opera House.
Train from Prague: €20-30.

Day 19-20 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Pearl of the Danube:

Széchenyi Thermal Baths and Hungarian Parliament.
Train from Vienna: €15-20.

Day 21-22 - ZAGREB, CROATIA

Exploring the Balkans:

Historic center and Dolac Market.
Flixbus from Budapest: €20-25.

Day 23-24 - VENICE, ITALY

City of Canals:

Gondola ride and St. Mark’s Square.
Train from Zagreb: €35-45.

Day 25 - ROME, ITALY

End of the Trip:

Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.
Return flight from Rome to your home city.

Key Tips to Save Money on Your Eurotrip

Book transport in advance: Use apps like Omio, Rome2Rio, and Skyscanner to find the best deals on buses, trains, and flights.
Avoid buying SIM cards at airports: Purchase one at local stores in each city for better prices and data plans.
Use overnight buses: Save on accommodation and maximize sightseeing time.
Find cheap accommodations: Use Hostelworld, Booking, or Couchsurfing for budget-friendly stays.
Eat at local markets: Instead of expensive restaurants, opt for markets and supermarkets for affordable meals.

👉 Free tour 👉 Book excursion 👉City Pass 👉

Estimated Budget for 25 Days in Europe

Transport (buses, trains, low-cost flights): €250-350
Accommodation (hostels, Couchsurfing, Airbnb): €500-800
Food and local transport: €200-300

Total Estimated Cost: €850 - €1,300, depending on your travel style.

Essential Tools for Planning Your Trip

Transport: Omio, Rome2Rio, Skyscanner
Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking, Couchsurfing
Offline Maps: Download Google Maps before traveling.

Share Your Experience!

If you find this route useful, share it with your fellow backpackers! Leave us a comment:

Where would you start your journey? Which cities would you add?

Based on your responses, we’ll create a second edition with new routes and recommendations from real travelers like you.