Europe has been the epitome of romance for centuries, with its rich culture, romantic traditions, sceneries that evoke nostalgia and warm feelings, and diverse cuisine.
Most European countries have all these, so choosing which places to visit can be overwhelming. I created 2-week honeymoon in Europe itinerary options, highlighting the perfect itineraries.
When deciding which places to include in your 14-day honeymoon in Europe, start with a list of activities you want to visit.
Let’s say you love history. With that, Italy, Greece, France and Spain will be great. If you prefer water activities, then Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia will be great. For those who want to go to vineyards, Italy, Spain, and France are great choices.
For hikers, Norway, Madeira Island, Tenerife, Italy, France, and Croatia are awesome destinations. Looking for affordable places? Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, the Baltics, Poland, and Hungary should be considered.
BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR HONEYMOON IN EUROPE
Unsure when to go, the possible cost, or how many days to spend? Don’t worry; below, I will discuss these important details when planning your 2-week honeymoon Europe trip.
When is the best time to travel to Europe
I’ve been to Europe many times, and each season offers something Unique. But overall, I love visiting during the shoulder season, which is March to May and September to November. During these months, it’s not as crowded and the prices are decent.
But if you want a super warm honeymoon, the summer season is from June to August, which is also the busiest and most expensive. Winter season is awesome too, from November to February when you can go skiing and visit Christmas markets.
Are 2 weeks enough for a Honeymoon in Europe
For a honeymoon, 14 days in Europe is perfect. It’s neither too long nor too short. You can visit up to 2 countries covering 3-4 cities or stay in one country and travel a bit slower.
If you enjoy it, maybe for your anniversary, you’ll come back and explore new places together.
How to get around
Europe is incredibly easy to get around. While transportation varies from one country to another, you will still find that most cities are well-connected with rapid railway systems, buses, and even domestic flights.
Let’s focus on countries listed in this 2-week honeymoon in Europe itineraries.
For Italy, going around by train is easy and surprisingly affordable. If you want freedom of your time, you can rent a car. Although, most cars in Italy are in manual transmission, so keep that in mind.
Buses will be the most affordable choice, while planes are reliable too. However, there’s no need to get on a domestic flight if the travel time on air is less than 6 hours or requires a connection. You might find the train a better choice.
For France and Spain, there are also trains you can rely on, and buses will still be the most affordable. Flight might be a better choice, especially if you’re travelling from mainland Spain to Gran Canary Islands. Car rental in Spain and France is also in manual transmission.
When it comes to Greece and Croatia, you’re now talking about many islands, so ferries will play a big part, especially for Greece. In this case, you might want to consider domestic flights if possible.
North Greece and Croatia have a railway system, but mostly in the northern part. Once you reach the coast, you might have to rely on buses or rent a car and drive on your own. Cars in Croatia are manual, while in Greece, they’re automatic.
Finally, for Portugal and Norway, it can be a bit different. For vehicle rental, Norway is about 50:50 on manual vs automatic, while Portugal is mainly manual.
On the other hand, both countries have a broad railway network, a great option if you don’t want to drive. Buses are also an option, but they are slower.
For Norway, you’ll probably look at flying when the cities you plan to visit are too far from one another. The same goes for Portugal, especially getting from mainland Portugal to the Madeira Islands.
Language and currency
In Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia, you can get around with English, especially around touristy areas. Install a translation app as your backup plan.
For France, on the other hand, it can be a bit more challenging. Many French people don’t enjoy speaking English, especially in Paris, but you’ll still find many helpful locals who can communicate in English.
In comparison, almost 90% of Norwegians speak English, so getting around there and talking with the locals should not be a problem.
All the countries mentioned in this 2-week honeymoon in Europe itinerary use Euros except Norway. There, you have to get a local currency, NOK. On the other hand, paying with a bank card in Norway is very common.
Visa
Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, and France have the Schengen Area in place, meaning they share the same visa policy.
Passport holders of most countries in the Americas, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Australia, and Eastern Europe can enter and travel to the above destinations for up to 90 days in a 180-calendar day.
For other travellers, you must first apply for a Schengen tourist visa from the embassy of the country you’re visiting or spend most of your time in advance.
2-week Honeymoon in Europe cost
A honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sure, you can do a second honeymoon, but that would be more like an anniversary celebration. So, it’s understandable that many people want to splurge.
But this trip doesn’t have to be costly; you probably don’t want to start the new chapter of your life in debt. On the other hand, if you can afford it, you can definitely have an extravagant honeymoon.
Europe is not the most affordable destination for honeymoon since many people come here just for that. The demand can drive the cost a bit higher. However, if you’re on the budget, with good planning, it’s doable. Here’s an idea:
- Affordable: Budget around $3,000-$5,000. This includes staying in budget hotels, using public transport, eating at casual restaurants, and enjoying free or low-cost attractions.
- Activities such as hiking, camping, cruises, and road-tripping are great affordable but memorable experiences.
- Mid-Range: Expect to spend $6,000-$12,000. This allows for staying in 3-4 star hotels, dining out more frequently, enjoying some guided tours, and possibly renting a car for part of the trip.
- If you’re visiting during peak season, book your accommodations 6 months in advance to find good deals.
- Luxury: For a high-end experience, budgets can range from $15,000 to $30,000+, including luxury accommodations, fine dining, private tours, and first-class transportation.
- You shouldn’t have a hard time arranging your trip, even at the minute. But to ensure you can reserve a spot in your preferred resort, plan a bit in advance.
These are only estimations; your travel style and expectations could affect the cost, plus the main flight and travel insurance are not calculated here.
Travel arrangement tips
Gon a multi-day cruise is one of the best ways to see so many places in Europe. However, this is something you should book in advance together with accommodation.
Transportation and even tours can be arranged at the last minute. Here are some sites that can help you make some bookings.
MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
2-WEEK HONEYMOON IN EUROPE ITINERARY
The destinations included here are perfect for newlyweds who are wine lovers, nature lovers, history buffs, beach bums, foodies, and art lovers. I also included classic honeymoon places, an itinerary outline, and some tips on when to go for an overall more affordable trip.
There are four travel itineraries here to help you plan. Whether you’re on a budget, looking to splurge or prefer a hiking itinerary, you’ll find something here that suits you.
Itinerary #1: Italy only
The first itinerary option for your 2-week honeymoon in Europe is all about discovering Italy. This country is located in Southern and Western Europe, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
Italy often tops the list of the world’s best honeymoon destinations because of its overall romantic vibe with its stunning beaches, charming vineyards, wonderful architecture, and ethereal sunsets.
A couple of romantic places in Italy are Venice, Lake Como, and Naples, which will be further discussed in the next paragraphs. This is naturally a high-budget itinerary, but you can visit between March and May or August to October if you want a more affordable overall cost of living.
Milan for 3 days (Lake Como)
Milan is a city in Northern Italy. Known as one of the world’s fashion capitals, it has also showcased impressive cityscapes and architectural designs. It is the perfect starting place for your trip because it has everything; from history to romantic getaway – it’s all here.
Some must-visit destinations here are Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, Sforzesco Castle, and La Scala, a premier opera house.
Another great thing about Milan is that you can do tons of day trips from here, including Lake Como, Turin, and Genoa. For football fans, you can check out Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the home stadium for both AC Milan and Inter Milan FCs.
Venice for 3 days
Whenever I read about Venice, my mind always goes to its world-famous canals and the intricate architecture behind its success. With that being said, the Venice Grand Canal is one of the romantic destinations you could visit during your trip.
Try out a gondola ride with your special someone here. Other places to visit here include the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, Gallerie Dell’Accademia, and more.
The distance between Milan and Venice is 270 km (168 mi) long, and the most convenient and scenic route to maximize your trip would be to take the train with a travel time of more than 2 hours.
Other options include taking a bus or driving. You can also fly, but it’s more expensive and would take longer to reach your destination, with a travel time of around 5 hours. Take a look at our 2 weeks in Italy itineraries to give you some more ideas.
Bologna for 3 days
Couples who are foodies would surely enjoy their stay here as Bologna is the food capital of Italy. Aside from that, it’s also well-known for the structure of its ancient churches. The piano that Mozart used can also be found here.
Some attractions in Bologna include Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, Santo Stefano, Leaning Towers, Sanctuary and Portico of the Madonna di San Luca, and more.
The distance between Venice and Bologna is 154.2 km (96 mi), and the most recommended option is to board the train, which also has a travel time of more than an hour. The cheapest option is taking the bus, which might take longer.
Sicily or Naples for 5 days
Sicily is one of the 20 regions of Italy and is the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a perfect place for couples who are on their honeymoon because of its idyllic backdrop involving volcanoes, mountains, charming villages, and authentic winery tours.
The distance between Sicily and Bologna is more than 1,000 km, so it’s best if you to fly, which has a travel time of almost 3 hours.
On the other hand, Naples is the third largest city in Italy. Known as the birthplace of pizza, it is also well-known for its incredible architecture of various establishments such as cathedrals, palaces, squares, and castles.
It is a must-visit for honeymooners who are fond of history and culture as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will uncover a lot of ancient ruins here while enjoying their otherworldly cuisine.
The distance between Bolognia and Naples is 576 km (358 mi), so for this trip, I advise that you take the scenic route of riding the train. It has a travel duration of almost 4 hours.
The cheapest option is riding a bus. Other options include taking the night train, driving, or flying.
It is the perfect place to end your trip because aside from being able to have day trips to Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Salerno, and more, they also have an airport here, so you can opt to take your flight home from Rome.
You can read up on our itineraries for 2 weeks in France and 2 weeks in Spain to give you more travel tips and in-depth ideas.
Itinerary #2: France and Spain
France is a country that is filled with dreamy destinations. Spend time with your significant other in The City of Light, pretend to be royalty at Versailles, visit fairytale-like castles, snow-capped mountains, and storybook country villages, and try out the world-class gourmet dishes.
You’ll also surely fall in love with Spain’s enchanting natural beauty, rich history, and amazing culture, where you can spend your days lounging or sunbathing on Mediterranean beaches, watching entrancing flamenco performances, and trying out their local delicacies, among others.
Please take note, however, that this is a high-budget itinerary, but there are low seasons where the overall cost of living here is lower since there are fewer tourists at these times, and these are from March to May and August to October.
Paris for 4 days
The first city under the second itinerary option for your 14 days honeymoon in Europe is Paris, also known as the city of lights, one of the four big fashion capitals in the world, and the city of love, hence why it is included in this itinerary.
When going to Paris, one must not miss out on going to the Eiffel Tower. The romantic setup of this world-renowned landmark is perfect for couples.
Other must-visit locations are the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. Paris Saint Germain, one of the most famous football clubs’ stadiums, and Parc des Princes can also be found here.
Paris is a perfect starting place because it has so much to offer. Aside from being a city of romance, its gastronomy was granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
For foodies, feel free to explore their wide selection of cheeses as they have 1,600 types of these and a perfect wine to pair with it for adventurers; Europe’s highest mountain can be found here, so see, there’s always something to do in Paris for everyone.
South of France for 4 days (Nice, Marseille, or Toulouse)
The next stop is South of France, with an option between Nice, Marseille, or Toulouse. Marseille is perfect for couples who love the beach and Mediterranean vibes.
People who are fond of seafood and those who want to learn more about history can go here. Toulouse, on the other hand, is perfect for those who are mountain and wine lovers and those who prefer a more laid-back setup.
Nice is perfect for those who are art lovers and are fond of checking out historical architecture and villages such as Old Town.
The distance between Paris to Nice is 932 km (579 miles), with a travel time on the road between 7 to 9 hours, so the most recommended option is to fly, which, fortunately, is also the cheapest, with tickets ranging from $59-$274
Other options include riding the train, riding the bus, driving, or riding the night bus.
Barcelona for 3 days
Barcelona is the capital and the largest city in Catalonia, which is an autonomous region. It is famous for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
In fact, it is considered to be one of the liveliest cities worldwide. In fact, one of its festivals attracts up to 200,000 people, which is the La Merce.
For art enthusiasts and architecture buffs, you can see world-renowned Gaudi’s ethereal architecture here, such as La Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo, Park Guell, and more.
The distance between Nice and Barcelona is 661.9 km (411 mi), the most recommended option would be to fly, which has a travel duration of more than 4 hours. Other options include riding the bus, train, or driving.
Tenerife (Canary Islands) for 3 days
Tenerife is perfect for those who are nature lovers as it is a famous stargazing spot since it has low pollution levels. Other activities to do here include diving, birdwatching, and hiking.
This is also a haven for wine connoisseurs as it is internationally recognized for its wine. One of the biggest waterparks, Siam Park, and Europe’s largest lava tube could also be found here.
Tenerife is quite far from Barcelona, with a distance of 2,489 km, so flying is the most advisable option here. There’s a direct flight, but it’s limited, so make sure to book in advance.
This is the perfect place to end your 2-week honeymoon in Europe because it does not have the usual hectic environment that the previous locations have, it has fewer crowds, and you’re completely surrounded by sand and sky, where you could witness one of the prettiest sunrise and sunsets.
We have 2 weeks in Croatia itineraries and 2 weeks in Greece itineraries – great resources when it comes to putting together a memorable 2-week honeymoon in Europe plan.
Itinerary #3: Greece or Croatia (or Combo)
Greece brings so much history that you can explore, while hiking in Croatia is just magical. Finally, both places have incredible islands for water activities or simply enjoying the sun and water. These two destinations are amazing for those who love the beach, history, and islands.
Greece is a country in Southeast Europe, located on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It is well-known for its ancient archaeological sites, sand and pebbled beaches, natural beauty, fascinating culture, and great climate.
Croatia is a Mediterranean country located at the crossroads of the Balkans and Central Europe. It is filled with warm and welcoming people, unspoiled historical sites, and natural beauty.
These countries generally have lower costs of living compared to the other itineraries above, so if you are looking to have the same experience that is more budget-friendly, then these are the countries to visit.
Athens for 4 days
Athen is the capital of Greece and is suitable for honeymooners who are fond of historical sites and architecture as it is filled with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, ruins, and monuments.
Going here will make you feel like you were transported back in time. Not only that, but it also has a lively night scene.
It is the perfect starting point as almost every location here is walkable, and once you get tired of walking, there are diverse modes of transport: air, sea, driving, and rail. Aside from that, they offer tons of day trips to different locations, including Corinth, Delphi, Olympia, and the Saronic Islands.
Crete or Santorini for 4 days
If I were to choose which is better for honeymooners, I would choose Santorini because it has a more romantic vibe overall. However, I’ll list both of the pros of going to these locations so that you’ll have a clearer grasp of what each location offers.
Santorini is famous for its architectural structure, unmatched sunsets, distinctive wine, and remarkable archaeological sites, while Crete has better beaches (albeit them being more spread out) and more outdoor activities.
The distance between Athens and Santorini is 300 km (186 mi), and the mode of transportation options is by flying and riding a ferry.
Flying is faster, with a travel time of 50 minutes, while riding a ferry lasts 4-7 hours but is cheaper. If you are going to Crete, I suggest that you also fly as the travel time is almost 3 hours while on the ferry, it can reach up to 9 hours.
Dubrovnik for 3 days
Dubrovnik is a city located in southern Dalmatia, Croatia, by the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean area and is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Some of the locations here are also sets from Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and more. A couple of tourist attractions here are the Old City walls, Lokrum Island, Stradun, Fort Lovrijenac, and more.
If you’re coming from Crete and then going to Dubrovnik, I highly suggest that you fly because other travel options take almost 2 days while travelling through flying will take almost 6 hours to reach your destination.
If you’re coming from Santorini, I also urge you to travel by flying, as riding the car ferry and then driving takes almost 19 hours while flying only takes almost 4 hours. Surprisingly, flying is also the cheaper option.
Split or Pula for 3 days
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and is where both modern and ancient coexist seamlessly. It is famous for a UNESCO World Heritage site, Diocletian Palace, and for its crystal clear beaches.
You can even plan a day trip to Hvar Island. On the other hand, Pula has a vibrant nightlife and tons of Roman Ruins, so this is perfect for history-lover couples.
The distance between Dubrovnik and Split is 232 km (144 mi), so riding a bus is the most recommended option for this trip. It has a travel time of almost 4 hours, and tickets cost anywhere between $14 and $28.
Driving is the fastest option, and another option aside from this is taking a ferry. Pula and Dubrovnik are farther from each other, with a distance of 718 km, so you can opt to fly, but it is expensive, with ticket prices ranging from $142 to $321.
Other options include riding the ferry and then taking a bus via Zadar, which has a travel time of 13 hours and driving.
Pula is the perfect place to end your trip as it is less crowded and has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins, including the majestic Arena, which holds various events multiple times a year.
Aside from that, you can also take a day trip to Istria and even watch a movie under the stars during the Pula Film Festival. Brioni National Park, Castello Fortress, Underground Tunnels, and other must-visit locations here.
Itinerary #4: Norway and Portugal (Madeira Islands)
Norway, also known as the land of the midnight sun and northern lights, offers an incredible mix of cultural and natural wonders.
From snowcapped mountains to fjords to museums and cosmopolitan cities, this country caters to adventurers, laid-back honeymooners, and even those who love the hustle and bustle of city life.
Portugal is also a remarkably diverse destination, filled with picturesque coves, enchanting towns, stone-made villages, museums, castles, historic palaces, and 800 km of the Atlantic Ocean coastline.
We will focus, however, on the subtropical island of Madeira, also known as The Garden Isle. All these locations are suitable for couples who love hiking.
This itinerary is ideal for those looking to experience very different activities while discovering two places. While Norway is an expensive destination, Portugal is a bit more affordable, which will balance the cost.
Check out our 2 weeks in Portugal and 2 weeks in Norway itineraries to get more ideas on what to do in each destination.
Oslo for 4 days
Oslo is Norway’s capital and its most populous city. It is also the country’s most ethnically diverse city and is famous for its rich culture, delectable cuisine, and various outdoor activities.
Some must-visit locations here include Fram Museum, Akershus Fortress, The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, MUNCH, and more.
This city is the perfect place to start your trip as it has an international airport and consists of a perfect balance of nature, history, and modernized establishments. It is nestled between forested hills and has numerous beaches, hiking trails, and promenades.
Bergen for 4 days
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and is also called the city of seven mountains. It also features amazing Norwegian fjords and was voted the world’s most unspoiled tourist destination by The National Geographic.
Its tourist attractions include Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, Mount Floyen, Grieg Museum, and more. It is well-known for hosting international events as well, such as Nattjazz Festival, Bergenfest, and Bergen International Festival.
The distance between Oslo and Bergen is 463.5 km (288 mi), so I highly recommend that you take a combination of riding the train and flying as the travel time lasts for 3 hours, while if you solely ride the train, it will take 7 hours to reach your destination. Other options include riding the bus and driving.
Madeira Islands for 6 days
Madeira is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal. It is an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Europe’s tallest sea cliff can be found here, and this is also Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-famous footballer’s hometown.
Some of the tourist attractions here are Sao Vicente Caves, Porto Moniz Natural Pools, Levada Walks, Madeira Botanical Garden, and, of course, a museum dedicated to Ronaldo. Plus, there are over 20 well-marked hiking trails for you to explore.
It would be faster coming from Oslo for those who are planning to go to Madeira Island. The fastest flight is 5 hours and 20 minutes, and the cheapest round-trip flight costs $210.
This is the perfect place to end your trip as you could relax to your heart’s content on this island, what with its natural pools, stunning beaches and flower gardens, vibrant culture, and sumptuous food.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE DURING A HONEYMOON EUROPE (per city)
Bologna, Italy
Milan, Italy
Naples, Italy
Venice, Italy
Sicily, Italy
Paris, France
Nice, France
Madrid, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Tenerife, Spain
Athens, Greece
Santorini, Greece
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Split and Hvar, Croatia
Pula, Croatia
Oslo, Norway
Bergen, Norway
Madeira Islands, Portugal
LOCAL EUROPEAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY
Part of new life as a married couple is discovering new cuisines together and finding out which of your significant other likes the most. Here’s a quick list of must-eat dishes, desserts, and drinks from Europe:
Dishes
- Ćevapi (Croatia)
- Peka (Croatia)
- Coq au Vin (France)
- Bouillabaisse (France)
- Moussaka (Greece)
- Souvlaki (Greece)
- Risotto (Italy)
- Pizza Napoletana (Italy)
- Fårikål (Norway)
- Lutefisk (Norway)
- Bacalhau a Bras (Portugal)
- Polvo à Lagareiro (Portugal)
- Paella (Spain)
- Gazpacho (Spain)
Desserts
- Krempita (Croatia)
- Rožata (Croatia)
- Crème Brûlée (France)
- Macarons (France)
- Baklava (Greece)
- Galaktoboureko (Greece)
- Tiramisu (Italy)
- Gelato (Italy)
- Krumkake (Norway)
- Risengrynsgrøt/Rice Pudding (Norway)
- Pastel de Nata (Portugal)
- Bolo de Bolacha (Portugal)
- Churros con Chocolate (Spain)
- Tarta de Santiago (Spain)
Drinks
- Rakija (Croatia)
- Champagne (France)
- Ouzo (Greece)
- Prosecco (Italy)
- Aquavit (Norway)
- Port Wine (Portugal)
- Sangria (Spain)
BEST PLACES TO STAY DURING A HONEYMOON IN EUROPE
Bologna, Italy
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Milan, Italy
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Naples, Italy
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Venice, Italy
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Sicily, Italy
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Paris, France
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Nice, France
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Madrid, Spain
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Barcelona, Spain
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Tenerife, Spain
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Athens, Greece
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Santorini, Greece
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Split and Hvar, Croatia
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Pula, Croatia
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Oslo, Norway
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Bergen, Norway
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Madeira Islands, Portugal
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SUMMARY OF 2-WEEK HONEYMOON IN EUROPE
Spending your honeymoon in Europe will definitely make your honeymoon one of the most, if not the most, memorable moments in your life as aside from stunning landscapes, architecture, and fascinating history, you can also visit multiple countries within two weeks because of their short distances from each other.
Travelling through countries could be done by train as well as most of the countries share land borders so you’ll get to hear numerous languages, experience diverse cultures, taste a wide variety of cuisines, all these novelties you’ll get to experience if you decide to spend your honeymoon in Europe.
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