4 Weeks in Western Europe
- Tasnia Mozammel
- Dec 10, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 13, 2020
July 15-August 7, 2017
For my secondary school graduation, my parents had gifted me with a family trip to Western Europe. The trip itinerary was beautifully prepared by my mother as we visited 11 cities in 7 countries all in four weeks. The geographical location of the continent and the proximity of the interconnected states make Europe trips fascinating as travellers can explore a multitude of cultures in short periods. Our visit consisted of short flights, trains, and drives.
This Western Europe route included the following countries (in particular order of destination): Paris (France), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Berlin (Germany), Rome (Italy), Vatican City, Milan (Italy), Madrid (Spain), Toledo (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Bath (U.K.), London (U.K.).
NOTE: There are two major differences between Western and Central European states and cities to keep in mind when traveling.
Unlike Central European countries, Western European states possess a multitude of historically rich and touristy cities. Thus, short visits are not recommended as there will be several attractions you may miss. For instance in countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and the U.K., each city is significantly different and has attractions that contribute vastly to nation's uniqueness; versus, countries in the central region such as the Czech Republic, where a 3-day visit to Prague and Brno is deemed enough.
Contrasting from Central European states, Western European countries are not safe. According to the Government of Canada's Travel Advisory, most Western European countries are considered of high risk. This is not to scare travellers, but also not to be taken lightly, however, to practice precaution. I would advise to beware pickpocketers and to travel in pairs or groups.
PARIS, FRANCE
July 16-18, 2017
We began our journey in London, spending one day with our family and then traveling via EuroStar Rail to Paris (4 hours). During our time, we toured the French capital with family friends and visited the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame.
Paris, the global center for art, fashion, and French culture possesses a unique cityscape with beautifully layered boulevards. The exceptional view from the Eiffel Tower (Paris's famous landmark) showcases the city's 19th-Century crisscross architectural streets surrounding the sparkling River Seine.
Below is a photo of my parents and I during our visit to Eiffel. Our stay in Paris was too short, let alone all of France. We hope to return to the beautiful country shortly.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
July 18-19, 2017
We arrived in Amsterdam mid-day from Paris via EasyJet (3.5 hours; 35 euros). Amsterdam was incredibly safe and tourist-friendly. The city is popularly known for its artistic heritage, and 17th Century elaborate architecture (narrow houses and canal). Although the city is relatively small, there are a number of must-see attractions from the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank House. The capital is as historically and culturally rich as it is fun. I highly recommend purchasing tickets to attractions in advance, however. The Anne Frank House, for instance, requires booking almost a year in advance.
BERLIN, GERMANY
July 19-22, 2017
We travelled from Amsterdam to Berlin via EasyJet (1.5 hours; 41 euros). Four days in Berlin was a good amount of time to explore the city and its cultural and historical heritage. Although the capital dates back to the 13th Century, Berlin is popularly visited for its turbulent 20th Century WWII Holocaust memorials and historical wall remains.
Although Berlin has progressed significantly post-WWII especially in comparison to many of Germany's neighbouring states, I still found the vibe of the city affected by its past. Unlike many other cities, walking through Berlin thoroughly reminds both inhabitants and tourists of the tragedies that took place in the region. Berlin was one of our favourite stops during our tour of Western Europe as my father and I are critical historians.
ROME, ITALY
July 22-27, 2017
After our memorable experiences in Berlin, my parents and I flew to Rome via RyanAir (2 hours; 50 euros). Rome was my absolute favourite stop during our trip. I grew up reading Classical Literature, from Ovid's "Metamorphoses" to Virgil's "The Aeneid." Thus, being in the center where much of classical literature was deconstructed and reproduced was fascinating to me.
The special commune of Italy, Rome, is built in layers, and so has historical records from architecture to monuments in every corner. There is a myriad of attractions to visit in the sparkling capital, the Colosseum and Fontana di Trevi being my favourites.
Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain was a highlight of Rome. My parents and I went to visit the magical fountain right before sunset. If you're looking to capture some instagrammable shots, I would recommend going at sunrise when the attraction is also less crowded. I look forward to visiting the magnificent site again.
VATICAN CITY
July 22-27, 2017
Vatican City is a country in Western Europe and is surrounded by the city of Rome. I highly recommend making a visit Roman Catholic Church Headquarters while your stay in the city and tour its marvellous art and iconic architecture.
MILAN, ITALY
July 27, 2017
During our time in Rome, we also made a day trip to Milan, the global capital for fashion and design. One day was good enough to explore Milan's popular attractions, Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Milan is not the most tourist-friendly city you will visit, however, the famous financial hub is known for its cuisine and oldest active shops. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is located right beside Duomo.
MADRID, SPAIN
July 27-31, 2017
We arrived in Madrid from Milan EasyJet (2 hours; 45 euros). During our stay, we were joined by my extended maternal-side family. Our time in Madrid lacked sightseeing as we spent more time with each other and simply exploring the city spontaneously. The Spanish capital is known for its elegant boulevards and its artistic heritage.
TOLEDO, SPAIN
July 27-31, 2017
During our time in Madrid, my family and I took a day trip to Toledo. This was a highlight of our visit to Spain. Toledo is an ancient city known for its Arab and Christian influences after being conquered during the Medieval Times. The city is surrounded by elaborate Muslim architecture.
Some portraits in Toledo are by my younger cousin, Zain; a gifted photographer (pictured in the second photo below during our zip-lining, fourth from the left).
BARCELONA, SPAIN
July 27-31, 2017
We traveled to Barcelona from Madrid as a group via car and spent two days in the city before heading to London where some of my cousins reside. Our Barcelona trip was very short and leaves us needing to visit again. We took a Hop-on-Hop-off tour bus and explored much of Barcelona in one day, whilst spontaneously running shopping errands the next. Spain is extravagant in fashion, culture, cuisine, and historical art.
Travelling with family is exceptional, however, I highly recommend spending double the amount of time at a destination as every individual seeks to spend time according to diverging interests. For instance, some members wanted to spend a day at the beach, whilst the boys desired to spend hours at Camp Nou (FC Barcelona Stadium), and I wished to spend at least half a day Park Güell. All in all, it was all a laugh and tremendous fun.
LONDON, U.K.
July 31- August 7, 2017
We flew from Barcelona to London via EasyJet (1.5 hours; 60 euros). We intended to spend the most time in London as we celebrated my youngest cousin, Aaron's birthday and met with friends and family. The trip to London was exceptional as my father took us back to where he studies and spent 7 years of his life.
NOTE: Because my London trips are made so frequent, I will share details of Instagram-worthy spots and eateries in a following post.
BATH, U.K.
July 31- August 7, 2017
During our extended time in London, my family and I took a day trip to Bath, where we visited my father's lifelong friends, Aunt Nickie and Uncle Mickey. Bath, today a World Heritage Site, is the largest city in Somerset district and is popularly known for its ancient Roman Baths.
The city's architecture and landscaping is an absolutely stunning combination of greenery and Mesolithic structures.
Bath is also known for its museums and as the home of Jane Austen.
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