4 Week Europe Summer Itinerary
Extend your adventure and immerse yourself in the very best of Europe’s sun-drenched coastlines and historic cities. Over four weeks, explore the glamour of the French Riviera, the charm of Italy’s iconic towns, and the breathtaking beauty of the Greek Islands, all while capturing unforgettable sunsets, vibrant streets, and postcard-perfect beaches along the way.
Week 1
Day 1-3: Nice
Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, capturing the sparkling Mediterranean and iconic seaside views, then wander through Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its colorful streets, bustling markets, and charming cafés. Take a day trip to Èze village, a picturesque hilltop town offering breathtaking panoramic views of the French Riviera. For some relaxation, spend time on Plage Beau Rivage or enjoy the luxury of one of the area’s private beach clubs.
Day 4: Cannes
Take the train from Nice for a scenic 40-minute journey to Cannes. Once there, stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette and the picturesque harbor, soaking up the glamorous film festival vibes. Capture sunset photos on the sandy beaches, then consider an optional excursion to Île Sainte-Marguerite, where turquoise waters and charming landscapes provide perfect Instagram-worthy moments.
Day 5: Saint-Tropez
Relax on Pampelonne Beach, where crystal-clear waters and luxurious beach clubs set the scene for a perfect summer day. Wander around the Port of Saint-Tropez, capturing stunning sunset shots and colorful yachts. Don’t miss the charming La Ponche old town, with its cobbled streets, quaint cafés, and picturesque corners that are perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.
Day 6: Monaco
Take a day trip from Nice, just a scenic 30-minute train ride away, to glamorous Monte Carlo. Explore the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, wander through the Prince’s Palace, and stroll the beautifully manicured cliffside gardens, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean coast—perfect for capturing unforgettable summer photos.
Week 2
Day 7 - 9: Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made up of five charming villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Capture the beauty of the colorful cliffside houses, stroll along the romantic Via dell’Amore, and snap photos at the scenic harbors in each village. Take short hikes between the villages for breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline, then unwind and soak up the sun on Monterosso’s sandy beach.
Optional Venice substitution (2-3 days)
Venice is a city of romance and color, perfect for photography lovers. Explore St. Mark’s Square, admire the Rialto Bridge, and take a classic gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Venture to Burano Island, famous for its vibrant, pastel-colored streets that are perfect for Instagram shots. Travel to Venice from Cinque Terre by train (~4–5 hours), enjoying scenic views along the way.
Day 10 - 11: Florence & Pisa
Florence & Pisa are must-see highlights of Tuscany. In Florence, explore the iconic Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery, and don’t miss sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking cityscapes. Take a short trip to Pisa to snap photos at the famous Leaning Tower, then continue your journey through the stunning Italian countryside.
Week 3
Day 12 - 14: Positano & Amalfi Coast
Positano & the Amalfi Coast are a dream for sun, sea, and Instagram-worthy views. Wander through pastel-colored houses cascading down cliffs, relax on Spiaggia Grande with its vibrant umbrellas, and explore the charming streets lined with boutiques and cafés. Take a day trip to Amalfi town and Ravello to enjoy stunning terraces and infinity-view gardens. For a unique perspective, consider a boat trip to Capri and the famous Blue Grotto.
Day 15: Sorrento
Sorrento charms visitors with its quaint streets and fragrant lemon groves, perfect for leisurely strolls and aesthetic photos. Enjoy a seaside lunch at Marina Grande beach, capturing the colorful boats and sparkling waters. Don’t miss the stunning views over the Bay of Naples, where panoramic vistas of the coastline and distant Mount Vesuvius create unforgettable Instagram-worthy moments.
Day 16 - 17: Naples / Pompeii
Naples & Pompeii offer a fascinating mix of history and stunning scenery. Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, walking through streets frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. For adventure and panoramic views, consider a climb up Mount Vesuvius itself, where you can gaze over the Bay of Naples and surrounding countryside—a perfect backdrop for dramatic photos.
Week 4
Day 18 - 20: Mykonos
Mykonos is the ultimate Greek island getaway, offering a perfect blend of sun, fun, and Instagram-worthy charm. Spend your days on Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, soaking up the sun and vibrant party vibes. Explore the iconic windmills of Mykonos and the colorful waterfront of Little Venice for unforgettable photos. Wander through the whitewashed alleys adorned with bougainvillea, capturing every picturesque corner of this stunning island.
Day 21 - 23: Santorini
Santorini is a dream destination for photographers and sunset lovers. Visit Oia to marvel at the iconic blue-domed churches and capture unforgettable sunset views. Explore Fira, the cliffside town with panoramic caldera vistas and charming alleyways. Relax or take photos at Perissa’s black sand beach and the dramatic Red Beach, where striking cliffs meet turquoise waters. For a unique perspective, consider a caldera boat tour to capture the island from the sparkling Aegean Sea.
Day 24 - 28: Crete
Crete is a sun-soaked paradise with a mix of stunning beaches, charming towns, and dramatic landscapes. Visit Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, and Vai Beach with its famous palm forest for breathtaking coastal views. Wander through Chania’s old town, where the Venetian harbor and colorful streets are perfect for Instagram photos. Adventure lovers can explore the Samaria Gorge for dramatic hiking and scenic vistas. End your days with sunset dinners overlooking the Cretan Sea, soaking up the relaxed island atmosphere before flying home from Heraklion or Chania Airport.
Travel Tips & Substitution Notes
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French Riviera: Fast trains between Nice, Cannes, and Monaco.
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Italy: Flights or trains from Cinque Terre → Venice or Florence → Naples.
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Amalfi → Rome substitution: High-speed train (~1 hr Naples → Rome).
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Italy → Greece: Direct flights from Rome or Naples to Mykonos or Santorini.
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Santorini → Crete: Short flight (~45 min) or ferry (~2-3 hrs).
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Crete: Rent a car to reach remote beaches and villages.