Europe itineraries

Europe is perhaps one of the most coveted continents when it comes to travel bucket lists. From iconic landmarks and unique cuisines to the rich cultures of each country, this continent is nothing short of exciting. And with the year-end soon approaching, take this as a nudge to start arranging your dream Europe itineraries. 

For those who aren’t too fond of planning, we’ve done the work for you. And whether you’re travelling with your SO for the first time or your usual party crew, there’s an itinerary for you. So if you’re ready for your dreamy European getaway, read on to find out more. 

1. For the laid back – Scotland’s countryside tours

Image credit: Joycelyn Yeow

While many of us love the hustle and bustle of our urban jungle, it’s good to take a step back and unwind in nature. Escape from the city craze and start your Eat Pray Love journey in Edinburgh where you’ll be surrounded by mesmerising sights that will make you forget about your phone. 

A place that’s not to be missed is the Edinburgh Castle, a historical landmark with many years of history linked to it. Think Hogwarts, but real. Walk through this mediaeval fortress for an insight into the country’s military past. For those who are all about that bling, there’s also a Crown Room where exquisite jewels are displayed. 

Try spotting the mythical monster.
Image credit: Joycelyn Yeow

Then, plan a visit to the Scottish Highlands – this deserves a full day as there are plenty of sights to cover. You’ll want to include the legendary Loch Ness in your list, as the lake not only houses the legend of childhood stories, but its vast landscape serves the ultimate chill vibes. 

Image credit: Matthew Storer

There’s also Glencoe to check out, a village known for its scenic valleys. In fact, the place is so magical that it’s been featured in the Harry Potter series a couple of times – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was filmed at the western end of this town, while Death Hallows: Part 1 was filmed at the southern end. 

Image credit: @routescape

From Edinburgh, take a ~5-hour car ride to Belfast where you can indulge in both the outdoor and indoor sights at the museums available. Tour the Titanic Belfast Museum that’s all about, you guessed it, the famous sunken Titanic ship. You can also stop by the Ulster Museum, home to over 9,000 years of Irish culture and history.

Reach new heights, literally, at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Image credit: Joycelyn Yeow

Once you’re done visiting the museums in Belfast, drive ~2 hours over to Dublin. Beer lovers can visit the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the industry giant and make your very own pint. After which, drive ~3 hours to the Giant’s Causeway to see the giant basalt rocks. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge nearby is also worth crossing for unblocked ocean views.

And what’s a good trip without a good bargain? DBS/POSB Cardmembers can score up to 10% off when you book your tours through KKday. 

Scotland

• Begin at Edinburgh
• ~5 hours drive from Edinburgh to Belfast
• ~2 hours drive from Belfast to Dublin

2. For artsy folk – France’s museums & wineries

The iconic Eiffel Tower (left) and art pieces at the Louvre Museum (right).
Image adapted from: Joycelyn Yeow

No Europe itinerary is complete without France, where there’s plenty of things to do in Paris. Fellow aesthetes can kickstart their time in France by visiting the historical Eiffel Tower. Whether you choose to go up to the top or admire the tower from the ground, your trip here will have your camera roll filled with tonnes of gorgeous pictures. 

Paris is also a great city to go museum-hopping – and is home to the world-famous Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa portrait. Those planning to drop by can consider doing so on a Sunday, as the museum offers free entry every first Sunday of the month. 

DBS/POSB Cardmembers can also book your activities via Klook and shave off $10 when you spend $60, or $50 when you hit $300. New users booking can score 5% off with a minimum spend of $30 when you use the code <DBSNEW22>.

Orléans is also by the banks of the Loire River – Europe’s longest river.
Image credit: @lacharitesurloiretourisme

Hop in your car and take a ~2-hour drive to the city of Orléans, famous for the heroine Joan of Arc. You can spot statues and glass paintings of her peppered around the city as an homage to her sacrifice. 

A sneak peek of the wine tour at Château Pape Clément.
Image credit: @goglobalwithkids

Wine connoisseurs can take a ~4-hour train ride to Bordeaux, where there are numerous wineries and vineyards to tour. See how the liquid goodness is made, and sample authentic French wines at well-known places like the Château Pape Clément and Château Mouton Rothschild. Just don’t forget to eat a lil’ something to fill your stomach. 

The Les Abattoirs building is an old slaughterhouse.
Image credit: Les Abattoirs 

If your thirst for museums has yet to be satiated, drive over to Toulouse, 2.5 hours away from Bordeaux. You’ll find a trove of history and art museums here too. And those searching for car rental options can consider Rentalcars.com, as DBS/POSB Cardmembers can get up to 10% off. 

France

• Begin at Paris
• ~2-hour drive from Paris to Orléans
• ~4-hour train from Orléans to Bordeaux 
• ~2.5-hour drive from Bordeaux to Toulouse

3. For history buffs – Germany’s historic WWII sites

Pieces of history at the Brandenburg Gate (left) and the Berlin Wall (right).
Image adapted from: Joycelyn Yeow

It’s one thing to flip through your textbooks and attend lectures, it’s another thing to witness the historical WWII sites with your own II eyes. Soak in the rich history of Germany in Berlin, where you’ll find lots of war remains. To name a few: Reichstag Building, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Berlin Wall Memorial, Topography of Terror are places worth bookmarking. 

Image credit: @greta_ziv

A significant event during the war was the bombings by the Allied forces. While many of us are fortunate to have avoided living through that, there are remnants of the affair in Hamburg – namely the St Nikolai Memorial. There’s also the Bunkermuseum Hamburg, an original air-raid shelter, where you can get a glimpse of what it was like to live in the bunkers back in the day. 

The interior of St. Michael Church.
Image credit: Freepik

For a more light-hearted programme, take a stroll through the harbour area and jump on a port cruise tour, or visit the charming St Michael’s Church for some Instagram-worthy shots. 

Image credits: Andy Reeves

Resume your historical touring and drive ~4 hours to Colditz. The city is known for the Colditz Castle, a POW camp for high-ranking officers of the Western Allies. Although the place has been refurbished since the war, parts of the original prewar features like the escape tunnel dug by French escapees remain, so visitors can immerse themselves in the pseudo war experience.

Be transported back to the mediaeval times at the Burg Kriebstein castle.
Image credit: Reiner Schotten

If you still have some time in the city, consider taking a ~30-minute drive to see the gothic Burg Kriebstein castle, or a ~20-minute drive to see the Burg Mildenstein castle that’s been rumoured to be built in the 10th century. Remember to check out Avis for car rental services, where DBS/POSB Cardmembers can score up to 35% off plus a free car upgrade. 

Image credit: Joycelyn Yeow

There’s also the iconic Oktoberfest in Munich for those whose trip will fall between 17th September to 3rd October 2022. Back after a 2-year hiatus, the festival screams all things beer and fun. Entry to the event is free, and you can purchase giant-sized pints from the booths available. 

Germany 

• Begin at Berlin
• ~2-hour train from Berlin to Hamburg
• ~4-hour drive from Hamburg to Colditz 
• ~4-hour drive from Colditz to Munich 

4. For partygoers – Spain’s bar crawls & poppin’ clubs

Image credit: Job Today

Party people unite in Spain where the cities are bursting with the best nightlife. Gather your gang and start at Barcelona, where the city’s famous The Barcelona Bar Crawl is back and better. Or, join the Original Barcelona Pub Crawl – the perfect way to get drinks for cheaper while meeting new people. 

Image credit: @tumzwi

There’s also La Ramblas, Barcelona’s main street that’s bustling with entertaining street performers. Expect to see buskers painted in gold, or seemingly levitating. You can also visit one of the many tablaos for a sensational flamenco show. 

The famous cherry club Pacha.
Image credit: Dreamstime

Your next stop is just a 1-hour flight away. Hit up Ibiza’s renowned clubs such as Amnesia and Pacha. The island’s lit atmosphere and banging electronic dance music scene are just some of the reasons why celebrities are so drawn to partying here. After a night of painting the town red, beaches like Las Salinas, Aguas Blancas, and Cala Bassa are perfect for chilling at.

Medias Puri – a 3-storey nightclub with fun risque performances.
Image credit: Medias Puri

The rave doesn’t stop there. Hop on a ~1-hour flight to Madrid, where the clubs are just as happening. Plan a night out to places including Huertas that’s popular amongst foreigners, Malasaña for those who prefer smaller indie clubs, and Opium Madrid for a fancier option. Refuel at the local restaurants and chow on iconic Spanish food like tapas, tortillas and paella. 

And while partying can cost a pretty penny, DBS/POSB Cardmembers can book their flights on Trip.com and save up to $50 on plane tickets and hotels. 

Spain 

• Begin at Barcelona
• ~1-hour flight from Barcelona to Ibiza
• ~1-hour flight from Ibiza to Madrid

5. For honeymooners – Italy’s romantic sights

Image credit: Joycelyn Yeow 

For the newlyweds, what better way to celebrate than with a trip to what’s arguably the most romantic country? Start your honeymoon at Venice and take a boat ride down the Grand Canal for the photogenic buildings that boast every colour of the rainbow. We recommend booking your ride during the evening to coincide with the sunset. 

Strike a pose with the Leaning Tower of Pisa (left) and capture the colourful houses of Cinque Terre (right).
Image adapted from: Joycelyn Yeow

Picturesque corners are everywhere in Italy. Take a ~3-hour train ride to Florence, where the famous cathedral Duomo awaits you, as well as the Leaning Tower of Pisa where you can take cheeky pictures at. 

Set aside a day to visit the Cinque Terre too, where you can explore the quaint villages and multicoloured houses. Should you fancy spending a night or two here, take advantage of the DBS/POSB Cardmember promos and enjoy 12% off your hotel bookings on Agoda, or up to 15% cashback on Booking.com. Now you can rest easy knowing you’ve scored a good deal. 

Head up to the Asinelli Tower for a complete view of the roofs.
Image credit: Herve Rossano 

Bologna is also another city with charming architecture, where you can perhaps draw some inspiration for your future forever home. A ~1-hour drive from Florence, this city is known for its aesthetically pleasing terracotta roofs. Don’t forget to rent your car through Hertz, as DBS/POSB Cardmembers can enjoy 10% off rentals. 

The view of the San Luca village from the San Pellegrino Park.
Image credit: Nisia Imperato

Stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one along smaller streets like Via Pescherie Vecchie, and chill at the city’s central square Piazza Maggiore. You can also dabao some finger food and have a picnic at the San Pellegrino Park amongst fields of wildflowers. 

Italy 

• Begin at Venice
• ~3-hour train from Venice to Florence
• ~1-hour drive from Florence to Bologna 

Amp up your Europe itineraries with DBS/POSB Cardmember deals

No doubt that Europe is packed with things to do, from visiting vast swathes of the Scottish countryside to club hopping in Spain. With a long lineup of sights to explore and activities to experience, consider bookmarking your preferred Europe itineraries mentioned above so you can make the most of your trip. 

To make your trip an even more memorable – and affordable – one, remember to check out the plethora of DBS/POSB Cardmember deals available: 

Car rental*

• Rentalcars.com: Up to 10% off 
• Avis: Up to 35% off and free car upgrade
• Hertz: 10% off 

Flight tickets*

• Air France: 10% off 
• Emirates (via ShopBack Online): $7 sign-up bonus and 10% cashback
• Finnair: Up to 10% 
• KLM: 10% off 
• Qatar: Up to 10% 
• Qantas: 10% off 
• Trip.com: Up to $50 off flights and hotels

Hotels and activities*

• Agoda: 12% off hotels
• Klook: $10 off with min. spend of $60, $50 off with min. spend of $300. For new users, 5% off with min. spend of $30
• Booking.com: Up to 15% cashback
• KKday: Up to 10% off 
• Expedia: 9% off hotels, 5% off activities, and $15 off flight and hotel bookings with min. spend of $500. 

*Terms and conditions apply.

You can also visit the handy DBS Traveller Kit for the updated curation of travel perks you can cinch, so you can hop from city to city without feeling the pinch. All that’s left for you to do is pack your bags and fly.

Learn more about the DBS/POSB card travel promos

This post was brought to you by DBS.
Cover image adapted from: Matthew Storer, Pacha, Christina Galbato