Major cities, strong economies, layered history
Western Europe is a region of iconic cities, culture, and easy connectivity. It is one of the simplest regions to navigate, with excellent transport links and a high density of countries in a small area.
France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are core catches, all easy to combine in one trip. Ireland and the UK offer familiar but varied experiences, while Luxembourg and Monaco are quick but interesting micro-catches.
🇧🇪 Belgium – Compact country with strong food culture and EU institutions. Brussels mixes politics, history, and diverse neighbourhoods. 
All easy access by train. Eurostar allows free connection to all cities after arriving in Brussels. African museum in Brussels very interesting and can be reached via tram. City centre can be very busy with tourists. Ghent is a wonderful city to visit with amazing times around the river and also hosts the very busy music festival in July. Not far from there are the battlefields of World War one, which are somber but important to visit. The last post at Ypres is sounded every day at 8pm. Can be reached by train but not that frequent. Bruges is also a delight but quite touristy. See more on Belgium here
🇫🇷 France – The most visited country in the world by international tourists and for good reason. Highly diverse regions from Parisian culture to wine country and Mediterranean coast. Food and drink a delight everywhere and varies per region. The South Coast – the Midi – is world renowned but can be very expensive and busy. Try to use Montpellier as a quieter base for the region. Paris needs little introduction with so much to see and do. Good recent improvements after the Olympics and the reopening of Notre Dame. However, Sacre Coeur remains the most romantic place to catch in the delightful Montmarte area. Metor tends to work well and don’t attempt to drive. Other smaller cities such as Rouen and Lille in the north are great for more manageable day trips. The south boasts the world famous wine regions of Bordeaux and Champagne! See more on France here
🇩🇪 Germany – Large economy with efficient transport and strong regional identities. Berlin offers creative energy while Bavaria reflects tradition and industry. Berlin has developed so much recently and the centre is fascinating, dominated by the Reichstag and the open air Holocaust museum. But get out and about to explore some lesser known spaces, see the old Checkpoint Charlie and old Soviet monuments. All can be done by public transport. Bavaria is totally different and famous for its Bierfest. But beer and pretzels can be enjoyed all year round in Munich, which has a village type feel. All other cities are interesting in their own right, including Dresden and Leipzig in the East, which are often neglected. See more on Germany here
🇮🇪 Ireland – Green countryside, literary tradition, and relaxed urban culture. Dublin is lively and compact while the west remains rural and scenic. Dublin is the first stop and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Catch a game of rugby or GAA if you can whilst you are there. The Guinness factory remains a must see visit. The south is famous for golf and some stunning rural scenery. Stay near Shannon for some rustic, peace and very friendly local welcomes. See more on Ireland here
🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Small financial hub with medieval towns and green valleys.
Very small but very beautiful. The capital is easily accessed from many neighboring countries but don’t just skip through. The interior is stunning with some great places to hike.
🇲🇨 Monaco – Dense luxury city state focused on finance and wealth. Home to the rich and famous and the F1. Easy to catch on a day trip from Nice or surrounding areas. Have a drink in one of the cool bars to try to fit in with the local elites.
🇳🇱 Netherlands – Canals, cycling, and urban planning define the landscape. Amsterdam mixes tourism with local life while smaller cities offer calmer experiences. Amsterdam is the most common entry point but can be overly touristy if not well planned. Enjoy the canals and some of the bars outside of the main zones. New direct trains from the UK coming soon. Other cities such as Eindhoven and Rotterdam are equally as interesting with great food. All easily accessible by boat or train from other areas of mainland Europe. Great for cycling through the country is so flat. Perfect English is spoken everywhere. See more on The Netherlands here
🇬🇧 United Kingdom – Dense history, varied regions, and strong cultural influence. London is a global city while rural areas remain distinct and traditional. 4 countries rolled into one all with their own distinct cultures and places to visit. London has enough to visit for a week on its own. Free entry to the House of Commons in Westminster is often overlooked but open to all on Monday to Friday. Bring your passport as ID. Kew Gardens in the South West is great too and can include a visit to Richmond along the Thames. Other notable places in England include the historical and fascinating smaller cities of Cambridge, Oxford, Canterbury, St Albans and Stratford Upon Avon. All easy to catch on a day trip but book trains well in advance as can be very expensive. Rural areas such as the Peak and Lake Districts are incredible too. Wales boasts some wonderful countryside including Snowdon national park with the UK’s largest mountain. Scotland includes Edinburgh where you must drink whiskey, play golf and eat haggis. Go to the Highlands for a more in depth experience to Loch Ness, Inverness and some of the Isles. Don’t forget Northern Ireland with Belfast and the stunning Jurassic coast with the Giant’s Causeway nearby. See more on The United Kingdom here
Back to Europe