Europe in One Week 2025: Itinerary + Packing List (Tool-First Guide)

This guide follows a question → tool → solution → example → recommendation format so you can reuse it for any European loop. Numbers are from 2025 fares (Trainline/DB SNCF price ranges) and airline carry-on limits. If a policy changes, verify with the linked tool—callouts are marked “verify if updated”.

Question

How do I plan a 7-day Europe trip with minimal transfers, predictable costs, and only a carry-on?

Tools

• Transport search: Trainline (aggregates SNCF/DB/NS), Omio, Google Flights.
• Fare checks: DB and SNCF direct sites for saver fares.
• Packing rules: TripPlugin Packing Rules.
• Plug types & SIM: TripPlugin Plug Checker and SIM Tool.

Solution (process)

1. Pick 3 hubs within 4–6 hour rail hops (reduce transit time).
2. Book trains 30–60 days out; saver fares can be 40–60% cheaper.
3. Use contactless/Apple Pay for metros; skip paper tickets.
4. Pack to 7–10 kg; avoid low-cost carrier luggage fees.

Example: Paris → Amsterdam → Berlin (7 days)

• Day 1–2 Paris: Stay near Châtelet for RER/metro access. Metro single €2.15 (Jan 2025). Museum timeslot tickets required for Louvre.
• Train to Amsterdam: Thalys/Eurostar 3h20; advance fares often €45–€95 (Trainline data Jan 2025). Verify if fare bands change.
• Day 3–4 Amsterdam: Use GVB 1-day ticket €9; bike rental €10–€15/day.
• Train to Berlin: ICE 6h20; saver fares €39–€69 when booked ~30 days out (DB site).
• Day 5–7 Berlin: AB 24-hour ticket €9.90; museums on Museum Island €12–€19 each—book online.
• Budget (excluding flights/hotels): Transit/activities €170–€230 per person for the week.

Packing list (carry-on, 7–10 kg)

• 5 tops, 3 bottoms, 1 mid-layer, 1 rain shell.
• Comfortable shoes + packable slip-ons for hotels.
• Universal adapter + surge protection (see gear picks).
• 1L toiletry kit (100 ml containers); solids where possible.
• Offline maps + transit apps downloaded.

Recommendation summary

• Choose three cities with direct trains; avoid same-day flight hops.
• Book rail 30–60 days out; check both aggregator and rail operator for the lowest fare.
• Travel carry-on only to dodge €30–€70 low-cost baggage fees.
• Use contactless in metros; no need for paper tickets in most EU capitals.

Gear picks

Double-check fares and luggage rules before booking; operators update pricing bands periodically—treat above numbers as directional and verify at checkout.