21 days in Western Europe Itinerary

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.

Munich is known for sightseeing, museums, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Marienplatz, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Michael's Church, explore the world behind art at Alte Pinakothek, and admire the landmark architecture of St. Peter's Church.

To see reviews, photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Munich tour itinerary planning site.

San Diego, USA to Munich is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Central European Standard Time (CET), which is usually a 9 hour difference. Traveling from San Diego in June, plan for little chillier nights in Munich, with lows around 52°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Bamberg.

First mentioned in historical records from the year 902, Bamberg retains today the medieval, old-world charm that has defined its past development.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Bamberg: Rothenburg (Town Walls & Kathe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Shop) and Wurzburg (Marienkapelle, Market Square, &more). There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Bamberg Altstadt and pause for some serene contemplation at Bamberg Cathedral.

For traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Bamberg route maker app.

Drive from Munich to Bamberg in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. In June, daytime highs in Bamberg are 73°F, while nighttime lows are 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) so you can drive to Heidelberg.

A vibrant university city, Heidelberg is nestled in the picturesque Neckar river valley.

Change things up with these side-trips from Heidelberg: Baden-Baden (Rosengarten auf dem Beutig & Lichtentaler Allee) and Stuttgart (Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten, Mercedes-Benz Museum, &more). Next up on the itinerary: step into the grandiose world of Schloss Heidelberg, steep yourself in history at Student Jail (Studentenkarzer), take in the views from Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge), and get engrossed in the history at Museum of the Palatinate (Kurpfalzisches Museum) and restaurant.

For ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Heidelberg holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Bamberg to Heidelberg takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In June in Heidelberg, expect temperatures between 70°F during the day and 56°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) early enough to drive to Strasbourg.

Strasbourg is famous for its beautiful historical center, the Grande Île, which was the first city center classified entirely as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Strasbourg is one of the nine largest cities in France with nearly half a million inhabitants in the metropolitan area crossing the river to the German city of Kehl, on the eastern bank of the Rhine River.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Thu): make a trip to Barrage Vauban, take a stroll through La Petite France, then get engrossed in the history at Alsatian Museum, and finally see the interesting displays at Musée historique de la ville de Strasbourg. Keep things going the next day: admire the landmark architecture of Gare de Strasbourg, walk around Parc de l'Orangerie, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.

To find maps, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Strasbourg trip planner.

Drive from Heidelberg to Strasbourg in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. While traveling from Heidelberg, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Strasbourg, ranging from highs of 77°F to lows of 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sat) to allow 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.

Take a break from Paris with a short trip to Palace of Versailles in Versailles, about 48 minutes away. There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Louvre Museum, appreciate the extensive heritage of Montmartre, explore the different monuments and memorials at The Paris Catacombs, and contemplate the long history of Eiffel Tower.

To see ratings, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Paris day trip planning website.

You can take a train from Strasbourg to Paris in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train, shuttle, and flight; or drive. In July in Paris, expect temperatures between 79°F during the day and 60°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a train to Brussels.

The allure of the multi-cultural capital, Brussels, stems from its mix of political intrigue, artistic influence, historical significance, and a thriving social scene.

Venture out of the city with trips to Bruges (Church of Our Lady Bruges, The Markt, &more). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Grand Place, examine the collection at Atomium, appreciate the history behind Manneken Pis, and browse the different shops at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

To see maps, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Brussels online tour planner.

Traveling by train from Paris to Brussels takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. When traveling from Paris in July, plan for little chillier days in Brussels, with highs around 73°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 56°F. On the 9th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.