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.
WhatsApp our travel experts
Get a custom itinerary & quote — usually within 24 hours
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
Build a Europe Trip Budget
| Expense | Budget Travel | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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+ |
Choosing when to travel to Europe
Weather, school holidays, event dates, and seat availability affect each itinerary differently. Compare current flight schedules and fares for your dates, then confirm the hotel and rail plan before booking.
Ready to plan your Europe tour?
Our international travel team handles Schengen visas, itineraries, hotels and rail passes — all in one seamless package.
See Europe PackagesContinue your research
Published tours related to this guide
Compare these relevant itineraries after reading the planning guidance above. Each link goes directly to the full published tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Europe affordable for Indian tourists in 2026?
The total depends on your dates, route, hotel choices, and inclusions. Check current airfare separately from the tour price, and request an itemised itinerary that states which hotels, transport, and sightseeing are included.
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.
Ready to book? Let's plan your trip on WhatsApp
Send us a message and our travel designers will get back to you within 24 hours — with a custom itinerary and transparent pricing.
WhatsApp Us NowOr fill a quick form and we'll call you back