Best Europe itinerary order for September?
September route planning for Germany, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Croatia, and Santorini
If you’re stitching together those destinations in September, the smoothest path is to start in Central Europe and end in the Eastern Mediterranean—both to reduce backtracking and to keep you moving roughly west-to-east.
A practical order
- Germany (start here)
- Amsterdam, Netherlands (quick hop northwest)
- Switzerland (move back toward the Alps)
- Croatia (head to the Adriatic for coast time)
- Santorini, Greece (finish in the Greek islands)
Why this order matters
- Geography and routing: Germany → Amsterdam is a direct regional movement, and Amsterdam → Switzerland is a manageable transfer into the Alps. From Switzerland, going to Croatia avoids a major leap back across Europe before you reach the coast.
- Ends with island time: Santorini is most comfortable as a “finale” stop because you can structure the trip around ferry/flight connections and settle into a slower pace after the heavier sightseeing leg.
- Weather alignment for shoulder season: September is commonly used to balance last warm-season beach days with calmer crowds. Ending with Croatia and then Santorini gives you seaside continuity.
In-trip logistics to plan for
- Buffer days between long legs, especially if you’re mixing countries with different day-trip rhythms (city touring vs. coastal time).
- Book Switzerland and Adriatic connections early if you’re following popular rail routes and aiming for specific travel windows.
- If you’re adding short stays (e.g., one-night stopovers), place them on the easier hops (Germany↔Amsterdam, then onward) rather than between Croatia↔Santorini.
Done this way, your trip keeps a logical travel arc and helps you avoid doubling back before you reach the Mediterranean.