Exploring Europe for the First Time: A 14-Day Adventure

Colloseum in Rome, Italy

Everyone dreams of visiting Europe, and I felt both lucky and grateful to spend two unforgettable weeks touring it for the first time. From experiencing a rich blend of culture, history, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery to exploring famous landmarks and hidden local gems, the trip became a memorable introduction to the charm and diversity of Europe. I truly enjoyed every moment and memory along the way, and writing about this experience now brings back so many wonderful memories.

We began our journey in Rome, exploring some of the world’s most iconic sites, the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain. Despite the long flight, the vibrant energy of the city made it all worthwhile. In Pisa, we captured the classic photo with the Leaning Tower, savored authentic Italian pizza and pasta, and enjoyed an Aperol Spritz in the sunny town square. From there, we traveled to Venice, where we witnessed the art of Murano glass making, wandered through narrow alleys, and admired the city from its famous canals. 

As we said arrivederci to Italy, our adventure continued into Austria. Now in Innsbruck, we explored the charming old town and visited the famous Golden Roof, a true piece of history nestled in the heart of the city. On our way to Liechtenstein, we passed through the stunning Austrian Alps and were lucky enough to witness a fresh layer of snow, a beautiful contrast to the sunny, warm days we enjoyed in Italy.

Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Bridge of Sighs canal in Venice, Italy.

        On our 6th day, we made a brief stop in Liechtenstein. Though short, the visit was memorable, we enjoyed a clear view of Vaduz Castle from a close viewpoint and picked up a passport stamp as a fun souvenir from one of the world’s smallest countries.

       It was time for a break from city tours as we visited Mount Titlis in Engelberg, Switzerland, where we rode the rotating cable car, walked along the impressive Cliff Walk, and explored the icy Glacier Cave. The views were breathtaking despite the chilly weather. The Cliff Walk is also the highest suspension bridge in Europe, and the Rotair, the world’s first rotating (360°) cable car, started operating in 1992. Later, we toured Lucerne, admired the historic Chapel Bridge, and shopped for Swiss chocolates and watches. Before leaving Switzerland, we stopped at Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe, a powerful and scenic way to conclude our time in the country.

 

Mt. Titlis and Rhine Falls in Switzerland

        Our first stop was Titisee, a lovely town in the Black Forest known for its peaceful lake, traditional cuckoo clocks, and the famous Black Forest cake. The cool weather made it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold German beer. Next, we explored the charming old town of Heidelberg, where we passed by the former home of Dr. Jose Rizal, adding a meaningful touch of history to our visit. In Cologne, we visited the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It was fascinating to learn about its long history and admire its towering steeples.

Cuckoo Clocks of Titisee and Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany.

On days 10 and 11, our time in Amsterdam was a good mix of relaxation and sightseeing. We took a scenic canal cruise, passing by charming houseboats and well-known landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the bench featured in the movie The Fault in Our Stars. Cruising along the peaceful waterways gave us a different perspective of the city.

        We also squeezed in some last-minute souvenir shopping around Dam Square, where tulip-themed items were a popular choice. A visit to Zaanse Schans followed, a village known for its traditional Dutch windmills, clogs, and cheese-making. Watching a clog-making demonstration and sampling a variety of local cheeses made the stop both fun and memorable. Amsterdam isn’t just about scenic canals and historic museums, it’s also a city full of interesting details that reflect its history and daily life. Two things that stood out to me were the narrow, leaning houses and how bicycles seem to be everywhere.

Cheese and Clog Making in Amsterdam, Netherlands

 

        Afterwards, we traveled to Brussels, Belgium, where we visited well-known sights like the Atomium, the Grand Place, and the quirky Manneken Pis statue. Before the day ended, I made sure to try authentic Belgian waffles and fries a simple treats but definitely worth it, especially knowing that fries actually originated here.

Belgian Waffle and French Fries in Brussels, Belgium

The final days were spent in Paris, and the city truly lived up to expectations. We toured the Palace of Versailles, shopped at La Vallée Village, and visited iconic landmarks like the Louvre Pyramid, Champs Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe. The highlight was heading up the Eiffel Tower for stunning views of the city, followed by some last-minute shopping at Galeries Lafayette, a perfect way to wrap up the trip.

    Eiffel Tower and the interior of Palace of Versailles in Paris, France.

My first trip to Europe was truly memorable, filled with fun, excitement, and priceless moments. It was such a nice and meaningful vacation. I experienced snow for the first time in Switzerland, enjoyed eating a croissant in Paris, and met other passengers who joined the group tour, making the experience even more enjoyable. All thanks to Priceless Europe, a jam-packed tour that took me to all the must-see attractions across Europe.

Blog contributed by: Cj Rayusan

Photos by: Cj Rayusan and  Jona Sagala

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