24 days in Europe Itinerary

For centuries one of Germany's major coal and steel centers, Essen offers some of Germany's best shopping, religious sites, and historical atmosphere.

Change things up with these side-trips from Essen: Marienkirche (in Dortmund), Dorfkirche Stiepel (in Bochum) and Muenster (Muenster Cathedral (St. Paulus Dom), Aasee, &more). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen, take a stroll around Gasometer Oberhausen, admire the masterpieces at Museum Folkwang, and admire the striking features of Villa Hugel.

For traveler tips, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Essen trip itinerary builder site.

Dusseldorf to Essen is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. On the 2nd (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Umea.

Umeå is a town in northern Sweden. Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Wed): admire the masterpieces at Bildmuseet, then admire the striking features of Umea Ostra Railway Station, then get engrossed in the history at Vasterbottens Museum, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Umea stads kyrka. Keep things going the next day: get into the urban bustle at Umea Folkets Hus, then examine the collection at Guitars the Museum, and then identify plant and animal life at Grossjon Nature Reserve.

For reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Umea tour itinerary planner.

Explore your travel options from Essen to Umea with the Route module. Expect a daytime high around 20°C in June, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Thu) early enough to travel to Helsinki.

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Helsinki is known for historic sites, shopping, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the striking features of Temppeliaukio Church, browse the eclectic array of goods at Market Square Kauppatori, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, and tour the pleasant surroundings at The Esplanadi Park.

For where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary builder site.

You can drive from Umea to Helsinki in 10 hours. Another option is to fly. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Umea to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Umea in June since evenings lows in Helsinki dip to 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Mon) so you can travel to Tallinn.

A historic city with its eye firmly on the future, Tallinn blends medieval fortifications, gleaming skyscrapers, and charming boutiques with a spattering of Soviet relics.

Tallinn is known for historic sites, museums, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take a stroll through Tallinn Old Town, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Olaf’s Church, explore the historical opulence of Toompea Castle, and walk around Kadriorg Park.

To find traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Tallinn trip maker app.

Getting from Helsinki to Tallinn by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: ride a ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. In June, daytime highs in Tallinn are 21°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Gdansk.

Although its history goes back a thousand years, Gdansk represents one of Poland's most modern urban centers, its thriving economy boosted by a lively tourism sector.

Take a break from Gdansk with a short trip to Muzeum Zamkowe w Malborku in Malbork, about 56 minutes away. There's much more to do: stop by Old Town, steep yourself in history at Westerplatte, learn about all things military at Museum of the Second World War (Muzeum II Wojny Swiatowej), and pause for some serene contemplation at Archikatedra Oliwska.

To see where to stay, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Gdansk journey maker tool.

Traveling by flight from Tallinn to Gdansk takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Eastern European Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is minus 1 hour. In June, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to travel to Wuppertal.

Though its origins date to the 12th century, Wuppertal has been at the forefront of technological development since the German Empire.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): make a trip to Historische Stadthalle Wuppertal, then stop by Briller Viertel, then meet the residents at Zoo Wuppertal, and finally pedal to the sights with Nordbahntrasse. On the 21st (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the local landmark of Jubilaeumsbrunnen, step into the grandiose world of Schloss Burg, then stroll around Elisenturm, and finally examine the collection at LWL-Freilichtmuseum.

To see reviews, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Wuppertal trip builder tool.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Gdansk to Wuppertal. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) early enough to go by car back home.