2-Week Europe Itinerary for History Lovers: Castles, Ruins & Ancient Cities

(With Anniversary in Paris & a Venetian Escape)

Europe is a dream for history lovers. Where else can you wander medieval castles, explore Roman ruins, and dine steps away from centuries-old churches—all in the same trip? If you’re planning your own unforgettable adventure or dreaming one up, this 2-week Europe itinerary for history buffs combines iconic landmarks with local gems, and sprinkles in just enough magic to celebrate love along the way.

✨ Trip Highlights:

• Paris anniversary with a side trip to Versailles

• Flying to Venice for canal-side serenity

• Exploring Rome, Florence, and possibly Ireland

• Focus on historic cities, ruins, and castles

• Designed for couples and families alike

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1–3: Paris

Start your European journey in the City of Light. You’ll arrive just in time to settle in and prepare for a special celebration: your anniversary on the 17th!

💡 Travel Hack:

Use Booking.com with filters for family rooms (3 adults) and reviews over 8 stars. Once you shortlist a hotel, check the hotel’s own website or email them directly for better deals and accurate room occupancy info.

🏨 Where to Stay:

Look for properties in the 7th arrondissement (Eiffel Tower views!) or near Saint-Germain-des-Prés for charm, walkability, and Metro access.

🏰 Must-See for History Buffs:

• Notre-Dame (still under reconstruction but beautiful to walk around)

• Sainte-Chapelle – a Gothic jewel

• The Louvre – for the ancient artifacts

• Versailles (easy day trip—see more below)

❤️ Anniversary in Paris – July 17th

For an unforgettable evening:

• Dinner cruise on the Seine

• A table at Le Jules Verne (Eiffel Tower) or a cozy bistro in Montmartre

• Evening walk through the Tuileries Gardens or Pont Alexandre III

Versailles Tip: It’s only 45 mins by RER train from Paris. While you won’t see it all in half a day, it’s worth the journey. Start early to beat the crowds.

Day 4: Morning in Paris + Flight to Venice (July 19)

Your last Paris morning will be quick—just time for a flaky croissant and early café stroll before heading to CDG airport.

🚤 Days 4–6: Venice (July 19–22)

Arrive at Marco Polo Airport, and from there take a vaporetto (water bus) into Venice Island—a floating museum of Renaissance beauty.

🛶 Where to Stay:

Choose a hotel on the island, close to a vaporetto stop, but just outside the main tourist corridors (like Dorsoduro or Cannaregio).
With family rooms in short supply due to Jubilee, book early and email hotels directly to confirm sleeping arrangements.

🏛️ History Lover’s Must-Do:

• Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs

• St. Mark’s Basilica (modest dress required)

• Stroll through Jewish Ghetto – one of Europe’s oldest

• Optional: Day trip to Murano or Burano

✈️ Day 7 and Onward: Rome, Florence & Ireland?

You mentioned extending your trip to include Rome—just be sure your hotel has air conditioning. Rome in summer can be intense, but its ruins are unbeatable: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Vatican Museums.

Rome travel hack: Consider train travel between Venice, Florence, and Rome. Fast, scenic, and avoids airport hassle.

☘️ Optional Add-On: Ireland for History Buffs

If your route extends to Ireland, it’s a goldmine of complex and fascinating history—especially surrounding religion and identity. Consider:

• A day trip to Belfast or Derry (personal favorite)

• Explore medieval Dublin – Christ Church & Dublin Castle

• Note: Many Irish cathedrals are Protestant (Church of Ireland), not Catholic

🧳 Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Book hotels early, especially for cities like Venice or Rome during Jubilee or summer

• Email hotels about occupancy rules (Europe is strict!)

• Use train travel to save time between cities

• Always pack modest attire for churches: shoulders and knees covered

• Prepare for language barriers in Mass—services in France and Italy are rarely in English

🌍 Final Thoughts

This Europe itinerary is a dream for lovers of history, romance, and meaningful travel. Whether you’re wandering through medieval alleyways in Paris, gliding through the canals of Venice, or exploring ancient cathedrals in Dublin—you’re stepping into living history.

And best of all, you’re doing it together.