If you are planning a trip to Europe, one of the first questions you may ask is, “How many days do I really need?”
My honest answer is this:
Seven days is too short. Ten days is the minimum, but fourteen days is best.
When travelling from Canada, your arrival and departure days take up more time than many people realize. Add jet lag, transportation between destinations, hotel check-ins, and the occasional unexpected delay, and a seven-day trip can feel rushed.
By the time you arrive, settle in, and adjust to the time difference, it is almost time to come home. Europe is too special, and the investment is too significant, to spend most of your vacation watching the clock.
With ten days, you can comfortably focus on one country or combine two nearby destinations. For example, you could explore Rome and the Amalfi Coast, experience Athens and a Greek island, or divide your time between Lisbon and Porto.
Fourteen days gives you more breathing room. You can slow down, enjoy longer meals, discover smaller towns, and leave space for those unexpected moments that often become your favourite memories.
I have always believed that travel is not about checking as many places as possible off a list. It is about truly experiencing a destination, learning about its culture, enjoying the food, and returning home feeling fulfilled rather than exhausted.
