How to Plan a Europe Honeymoon: Itinerary, Destinations & Tips

Because what could be more romantic than a honeymoon in Europe?
Nice, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France
Photo: Fraser Hall / Getty Images
Laura Itzkowitz
by Laura Itzkowitz
Updated Feb 07, 2024
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

From cosmopolitan cities to glittering beaches and bucolic countryside, a Europe honeymoon after a string of celebrations holds a special allure. Whether you and your spouse are avid travelers or have never left the US, Europe is a fantastic choice for your honeymoon because there's something for everyone.

"Europe offers such a varied array of experiences from historic cities to romantic coastlines, couples can indulge in personalized services, fine wines, and exclusive activities, creating an unforgettable and sophisticated journey," says Janel Carnero, a luxury travel advisor and honeymoon specialist at Embark Beyond. "The seamless transportation and renowned hospitality enhance the appeal, making Europe an exquisite choice for a honeymoon destination."

The challenge of planning a European honeymoon is narrowing down the options and choosing where to go. That's why we've compiled this guide with everything you need to know about planning an incredible honeymoon in Europe. Read on for sample itineraries, the best honeymoon destinations in Europe, and expert tips.

How to Plan a Europe Honeymoon

Montmartre district, Paris for your romantic honeymoon
Photo: Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Do you and your spouse love to explore big cities or are you more keen on slowing down and relaxing on the beach or in the countryside? Does your ideal honeymoon involve museums and cultural attractions, historic sites, outdoor activities, or perhaps all of the above? Do you want to get off the beaten path or focus on bucket list destinations? Are you comfortable driving in Europe or would you rather stick to trains? How much time do you have?

Once you've answered these questions, think about the country (or countries) you'd most like to visit. The Explore feature of Google Flights will give you a sense of flight prices. Keep in mind that the best places to fly into Europe are usually major cities like London, Paris, and Rome. To get to smaller cities or resort destinations, you can often take a train.

Europe Honeymoon Itinerary

Iberian Peninsula 10-Day Honeymoon Itinerary

Romantic honeymoon in Ribeira, Porto, Portugal
Photo: Nick Brundle Photography / Getty Images

If sunny Spain and Portugal are on your wish list, you might want to visit the Iberian Peninsula for your honeymoon. You could fly into Lisbon and spend a few days exploring Portugal's enchanting capital. From there, you could go to Porto or Madrid (both are about a one-hour flight from Lisbon). Continue north toward the Basque Country, where you can see incredible art and architecture in Bilbao and indulge in pintxos and Michelin-starred meals in San Sebastián. End the trip in Barcelona, one of Spain's most fascinating and romantic cities.

Mediterranean 2 Week Honeymoon Itinerary

Portofino, Liguria, Italy for your romantic honeymoon destination
Photo: Markus Gebauer Photography / Getty Images

Within two weeks, you can see a portion of the Mediterranean on a road trip between Italy and France. Fly into Naples and take a boat to the Amalfi Coast. After spending a couple of days there, head north to Rome and spend a few days in the Eternal City. Then rent a car and drive north toward France. Along the way, you can stop in Tuscany and the Cinque Terre or Portofino. Cross the border into France and you'll be on the glittering French Riviera. Spend a couple of days in Nice before continuing west to Antibes and St. Tropez.

European Cities 3-Week Honeymoon Itinerary

European honeymoon spots in London, England
Photo: Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Take advantage of the excellent train connections in Europe to visit some of the continent's most important cities. Start in London, where you can spend a few days visiting museums, enjoying high tea, and exploring neighborhoods like Mayfair and Notting Hill. Then hop on the Eurostar to Paris for a few romantic days in the City of Light. From there, it takes about 90 minutes to get to Brussels by train and Amsterdam is just a couple more hours away. Depending on how much time you want to spend in each city, you might hop on a quick flight to Copenhagen, Berlin, Prague, or Vienna.

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe to Visit

Santorini, Greece

Greece honeymoon for the best european vacation
Photo: Gatsi / Getty Images

This volcanic island in the Cyclades was chosen as one of the Editor's Overall Top Picks for the best honeymoon destinations of 2024-2025 and Carnero confirms that it's one of the most popular honeymoon destinations among her clients too. "The exclusive resorts, each with its private pool, create an intimate atmosphere that feels tailor-made for a honeymoon," she says, praising the "breathtaking caldera views" and the "world-class dining" as well.

How to Get There: Fly to Athens and catch a connecting flight or take a five-hour ferry.

Things to Do: Swim in Ammoudi Bay, one of the most picture-perfect spots on the island, and hike back up the 214 steps to Oia's castle to admire the sunset. After trying the local wine, you might want to visit a vineyard to see how it's made. Immerse yourself in history at Akrotiri, one of the best preserved ancient sites in the Aegean.

Where to Stay: Andronis Arcadia (a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts) offers a luxurious escape just a five-minute walk from the center of Oia. Katikies Santorini is an award-winning member of the Leading Hotels of the World built right into the cliffs.

The Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast in Italy for your european honeymoon
Photo: Aleh Varanishcha / Getty Images

Jutting out into the Bay of Naples, this collection of 13 towns built into the cliffs overlooking the sea is a dream destination for many honeymooners. Carnero cites it as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe and it made our list of the best honeymoon destinations for 2024-2025 too. The Amalfi Coast and Capri have been attracting discerning travelers since the days of the Roman Empire, and they enjoyed a strong resurgence during the heyday of the Dolce Vita era in the 1950s and '60s.

How to Get There: Fly to Naples, then take a ferry or hire a private boat or car transfer through your hotel.

Things to Do: If it's your first time, you'll want to see the most important towns on the coast: Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, and maybe add on a night or two in Capri. Take a boat ride to see hidden coves, sample local specialties like spaghetti alla nerano (spaghetti with zucchini, basil, and caciocavallo cheese) and limoncello at glamorous beach clubs, and indulge in some retail therapy in Capri.

Where to Stay: A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Le Sirenuse is one of the most legendary hotels not just on the Amalfi Coast but in the world. The hottest new hotel in Capri is Hotel La Palma, a member of the prestigious Oetker Collection, which opened in 2023 following a major renovation.

The French Riviera

Villefranche sur Mer, Alpes Maritimes, France
Photo: Pierre Longnus / Getty Images

France's jet-set destination par excellence, the Côte d'Azur comprises cliff top towns with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, charming cities full of history, ultra-luxurious resorts, and easy access to the lavender fields of Provence. This fabled stretch of coast has inspired artists and writers like Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. According to Carneros, "The allure of the Côte d'Azur lies in its ability to embody sophistication and glamour effortlessly." It's also one of the Editor's Overall Top Picks for the best honeymoon destinations of 2024-2025.

How to Get There: Fly to Nice or stop in Paris for a few days and then take a five-hour train ride.

Things to Do: Spend a few days in Nice, which is having a bit of a moment, with luxurious new hotels, a charming historic center full of restaurants, bars, outdoor markets, shops, and museums dedicated to Matisse and Chagall. Then rent a car and drive west, stopping in Cannes, Antibes, and St. Tropez.

Where to Stay: Anantara Plaza Nice opened in 2023 after a two-year renovation that restored the 19th-century building to its Belle Époque glory. The family-run Hôtel Belles Rives was home to F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald in the 1920s and staying there feels like stepping back in time to that era. Hotel Lou Pinet is a chic and tranquil oasis modeled on provencal homes just outside the center of St. Tropez.

Vienna

European honeymoon spots in Austria
Photo: Vladislav Zolotov / Getty Images

Carnero suggests the Austrian capital as an overlooked destination she would recommend for a European honeymoon. We ranked it as one of the 25 best couples vacations around the world for 2024-2025 due to its cultural riches, historic charm, and cozy coffee houses where you and your spouse can canoodle over slices of cake and pastries. "Vienna's imperial charm, classical music, and vibrant coffeehouse culture offer a unique blend of history and romance," Carnero says.

How to Get There: Fly to Vienna or take a train from Salzburg, Budapest, or Prague.

Things to Do: Immerse yourself in imperial splendor at Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace (home to the Sisi Museum dedicated to the misunderstood Empress Elisabeth "Sisi"). Admire Viennese art at the Belvedere and Leopold Museum. You might want to attend a classical concert or even a ball (the city is famous as Mozart's hometown, after all).

Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Vienna—a member of the Leading Hotels of the World—is the city's most opulent grand dame and home to the Original Sacher-Torte. For a more modern take on Viennese style, check into the luxurious new Rosewood Vienna.

Expert Tips for Travel Across Europe

Santorini island, Greece for your perfect european honeymoon
Photo: Gatsi / Getty Images

Consider Shoulder Season

"Opt for less crowded months to enjoy a more intimate experience," Carnero recommends. Keep in mind that seaside destinations in Europe, such as Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and the French Riviera tend to get very crowded in the summer and shut down in the winter, so for fewer crowds and better rates, you might want to visit in the spring or fall.

Find Balance

"Alternate between amazing cities and relaxing resorts for a great balance," Carnero suggests. It might be tempting to check a bunch of major cities off your bucket list, but you risk draining yourselves. Try pairing Paris and the French Riviera or Rome and Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast.

Take Trains

Carnero recommends taking trains "as often as possible," adding it's "much easier and faster than flying." Most European countries have fast and efficient train connections and train stations are usually right in the city center, so you don't have to waste time getting to and from the airport.

Stay Connected

Consider purchasing an international phone plan so you can use language translation apps and Google maps on the go. Most European countries (except the U.K.) use two-pole round-pin plugs, so be sure to buy an adapter so you can recharge your phone.

Up Next
  • the knot travel trends 2025 piece couple travels guests train and more
    The Top Travel Trends and Trip Ideas in 2025