Europe Tour from India — Budget, Itinerary & Schengen Visa Guide
Planning Europe from India? Here's the real budget, the Schengen visa process, the best routes, and a practical 10-day itinerary for first-time European travellers.
Europe remains one of the most dreamed-about destinations for Indian travellers — and with better flight connectivity, Schengen visa processes that have improved, and a weaker Euro making it more affordable, 2026 is a strong year to go. Here is everything you need: visa, flights, a sample itinerary, and what Europe actually costs.
The Schengen Visa — What Indians Need to Know
A Schengen Visa allows you to travel across 27 European countries with a single visa. Indian passport holders need one — it is not available on arrival. Apply at the consulate or VFS centre of the country you will enter first or spend the most time in.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €90 (~₹8,000) per person |
| Processing Time | 2–6 weeks (apply 3 months ahead minimum) |
| Validity | 90 days within a 180-day period |
| Key Documents | Passport, bank statements, flight booking, hotel booking, travel insurance |
| Travel Insurance | Minimum €30,000 cover required |
| Where to Apply | VFS Global centres in major Indian cities |
Apply at the right country's consulate
If your first stop is France and you'll spend 5 days there vs 3 days elsewhere, apply at the French consulate. If multiple countries have equal stays, apply at the country of your first entry. Applying at the wrong consulate can get your application rejected without review.
Best Europe Routes from India
| Route | Countries | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Europe | Paris → Amsterdam → Brussels → Rome | 10–12 days | First-time visitors |
| Western Europe | London → Paris → Barcelona → Lisbon | 12–14 days | Culture + beaches |
| Central Europe | Vienna → Prague → Budapest | 8–10 days | History, budget-friendly |
| Swiss Alps + Italy | Zurich → Lucerne → Milan → Venice → Rome | 10–12 days | Scenic, romantic |
| Eastern Europe | Krakow → Warsaw → Riga → Tallinn | 10–14 days | Budget, off-beat |
Sample 10-Day Golden Europe Itinerary
First-time Europe trip from India (Paris entry):
- Day 1–3: Paris — Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Seine cruise, Versailles day trip
- Day 4: Paris → Amsterdam by Thalys train (3.5 hours) or flight
- Day 5–6: Amsterdam — Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, canal cruise, Keukenhof (if spring)
- Day 7: Amsterdam → Brussels by train (2 hours) — Grand Place, waffles, Belgian beer
- Day 8: Brussels → Rome by flight (2.5 hours)
- Day 9–10: Rome — Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, flight home
Total Budget: Europe Tour from India (10 Days)
| Expense | Budget Travel | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (return) | ₹45,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹65,000 – ₹90,000 | ₹1,20,000+ |
| Accommodation (10N) | ₹15,000 – ₹22,000 | ₹35,000 – ₹55,000 | ₹80,000+ |
| Food (10 days) | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹40,000+ |
| Transport (Eurail/buses) | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹30,000+ |
| Sightseeing & entries | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹30,000+ |
| Visa + Insurance | ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹12,000+ |
| TOTAL PER PERSON | ₹90,000 – ₹1,30,000 | ₹1,55,000 – ₹2,30,000 | ₹3,20,000+ |
Best months for cheap Europe flights from India
March, April, October, and November offer the best balance of good weather and affordable flights. July and August are peak — flights and hotels cost 40–80% more. December has Christmas magic but is expensive. Book flights 3–4 months ahead for the best fares.
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See Europe PackagesFrequently Asked Questions
Is Europe affordable for Indian tourists in 2026?
More affordable than it used to be. The Euro has weakened slightly and competition on India–Europe flights has grown. Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland) is genuinely budget-friendly. Western Europe (Paris, London, Amsterdam) requires more budget but is doable at ₹1,20,000–₹1,50,000 per person for 10 days including flights.
Do I need separate visas for UK + Schengen?
Yes. The UK is not part of the Schengen Zone — you need a separate UK Standard Visitor Visa (SVV) to visit the UK. If combining UK + Europe, apply for both visas separately. UK visa fee is £115 (~₹12,000) and takes 2–3 weeks.
What is the cheapest European country for Indians?
Generally, Eastern European countries — Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania — are the most affordable. Accommodation, food, and entry fees are 40–60% cheaper than Western Europe. Prague, Krakow, and Budapest offer stunning architecture and culture at a fraction of Paris costs.
How much cash should I carry for 10 days in Europe?
Most payments in Europe can be made by card — even street food and small cafes are increasingly cashless. Carrying €200–€300 (~₹18,000–₹27,000) cash for emergencies, small markets, and countries outside the Euro (Czech Republic uses Czech Koruna, Hungary uses Forint) is sufficient.
Which airline is best for India to Europe?
IndiGo and Air India offer increasingly competitive fares. For comfort and connections, Emirates, Lufthansa, KLM, and Swiss are popular. Avoid ultra-long connections — a 1-stop via Dubai, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam is ideal. Non-stop Delhi–London Air India flights are also now available.
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