If I Have Only One Week in Europe, Where Should I Go and What Should I Do?

A week in Europe can be one of the most enriching travel experiences for students and educational groups. It’s enough time to cover a focused route, connect ideas from different countries, and experience the cultural contrast that makes the continent such a valuable classroom outside the classroom.

Educational travel works best when each destination supports a clear objective. If you’re short on time, the key is to plan your itinerary around a theme or subject rather than attempting to cover large distances or ticking off cities.

What Are the Best Cities to Visit in Europe for a One-Week Educational Trip?

The best destinations depend on the subject focus of your trip. For student groups, a structured route connecting two or three key cities allows you to maximise depth over distance. Here are examples of thematic pairings that work well within one week:

History: Berlin and Kraków

Both cities offer a powerful journey through modern European history. Berlin is ideal for topics covering the Cold War, 20th-century German politics, and resistance movements. Kraków provides context for the Holocaust and post-war Europe, including access to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Art and Culture: Paris and Florence

Paris is packed with museums like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, perfect for visual arts students. Florence is home to the Uffizi, Michelangelo’s David, and the legacy of the Renaissance. Together, they offer rich cultural insight and accessible learning.

Politics and Economics: Brussels and Strasbourg

These cities are central to European governance. Brussels houses the European Commission and Parliament, while Strasbourg offers visits to the European Court of Human Rights. This route is perfect for politics, international relations and economics students.

Language and Culture: Andalucía or the South of France

Base the week in one region to support language learning. In southern Spain, students can study Spanish while exploring the culture of cities like Seville, Granada or Córdoba. In France, Nice or Montpellier offers a similar approach with French.

How Much Can You Realistically See in One Week?

A well-paced itinerary should include:

• 2 to 3 destinations maximum

• A mix of educational visits, cultural landmarks and free time

• Structured academic sessions (language, lectures, guided tours) paired with lighter activities (local food, markets, parks)

Trying to visit five countries in seven days makes it difficult to focus, especially for students. Trips that stick to a clear theme are far more effective. For more ideas on multi-country options, see our related guide: How Many European Countries Can I Visit in a 10-Day Tour?

Should You Include the UK in a One-Week Europe Itinerary?

The UK is a strong standalone destination, especially for schools looking to combine education with cultural familiarity. London is a top choice for literature, politics, business and the arts. Beyond the capital, cities like Oxford, Bath and Edinburgh provide a strong academic backdrop.

Travellers arriving from outside Europe often choose to focus on the UK as a full trip rather than adding it to a wider European tour. This avoids travel complications and allows more time for meaningful connections. For UK-specific inspiration, see: What Educational Opportunities Can We Explore Within the UK?

Why Is Europe So Popular for Educational Travel?

Europe is rich in language diversity, shared history and cultural links, making it ideal for group travel built around learning. Distances between cities are short, transport links are efficient, and students are exposed to real-world applications of their studies.

Subjects including art, history, economics, geography, literature and foreign languages can all be experienced through direct interaction with places, people and events. For more background, visit:What Makes Europe Such a Good Option for Schools to Visit?

Practical Planning Tips

• Choose cities connected by rail to reduce travel time

• Prioritise destinations that support your chosen subject

• Build in time for group reflection and cultural engagement

• Use a trusted provider experienced in curriculum-based travel

At Trips To Europe, our academic itineraries are designed with learning outcomes in mind. We help you plan one-week tours that are meaningful, realistic and student-centred.