Europe on US$1,000 a week

By Emily Crane

How much does a week in Europe typically cost North American and other visitors for a family of four?  It’s been estimated over and over and, all things considered, the typical price tag is somewhere around $2,500.

We at VoucherCodes.co.uk want everyone to know that traveling to Europe isn’t just for the bourgeois. We put together a seven-day trip through London, for example, a notoriously pricy city, for under US$1,000. How? By choosing things that are cost-effective and priced within a tight budget.

Costs are below with suggested itinerary: 

Monday: cost $181.50

A stroll along the Thames and through the book market under Waterloo, lunch at Caffe Nero, catch a show in Soho, a jaunt through the National Portrait Gallery and dinner for four at Pizza Express topped off with an evening at the royal court theatre.

Tuesday $75.30

Spend the morning at world-famous Westminster Abbey, the setting for some of the most significant moments in British history, most recently the Royal Wedding. After feasting on gourmet burgers, head over to two of London’s more terrifying (and popular) attractions: The London Bridge Experience and The Tower of London for an afternoon of ghoulish yet educational fun. Using The London Pass, a family of four will save $119.85 on today’s attraction entry fees.

Wednesday $108.88

After a hectic day in the metropolis, it’s time to break out into the beautiful countryside that surrounds the city. From Waterloo Station, take the overground to Hampton Court Palace, the former home of Henry VIII  —  60 acres of gardens and a maze to lose the kids in. After a picnic in the fabulous grounds of the Palace, hop on the 267 bus from Hampton Court Station to Kew Bridge Station, where tranquillity awaits at Kew Gardens. Return to the city for half-price pizza and follow with a river cruise at twilight for views of the London skyline.

Thursday $201.16

Make the most of your last day of The London Pass getting to grips with the UK’s military history with visits to HMS Belfast and the Churchill War Rooms. From Westminster, catch a Jubilee Line Tube to Baker Street where you can walk to Regent’s Park for a lovely picnic and a visit to the London Zoo. Save 20 percent on Mexican dining at Chiquito in Leicester Square which is near 99 Club Comedy, where you can save $13.10 per ticket if you book online at Lastminute.com.

Friday $142.10

They say the early bird catches the worm, especially where antiques markets are concerned. Ride the Tube to London Bridge and head to Bermondsey Antiques Market on Bermondsey Square for 6 a.m. Manze’s is a short walk from the market where you can sample a local hearty lunch for under £5 at London’s oldest pie and mash shop. Then jump on the 43 or 141 bus from London Bridge station to Guildhall Art Gallery where you’ll find 2,000-year-old Roman ruins and free tours on Fridays. From here your next visit can be to St. Paul’s Cathedral nearby where you can climb 271 steps to the Golden Gallery for panoramic views.

Saturday $155.22

Saturdays are extremely busy in the Capital so don’t try to do too much. First thing, head down to the National Theatre box office for 9.30 am to pick up Travelex tickets for just $19.70 (normal prices from $30). Then head to Covent Garden Piazza, where you’ll be entertained for hours by the street performers. More of a pleasant shopping experience than Oxford Street, Covent Garden’s shops are dispersed along quaint side streets just waiting to be discovered. If you don’t know where to start with London’s array of free galleries and museums we suggest the Tates for the best of old and new. Take the Tate Boat between the two galleries to avoid traffic. Enjoy 20 percent off British cuisine at one of many Garfunkel’s restaurants in the city centre.

Sunday $49.30

Sundays are best for markets but if you like vintage treasures, and up and coming London artists, we suggest you spend the day in trendy East London. Get up early for a beautiful oasis of flowers at Columbia Road Flower Market followed by free entry to Hackney City Farm where you’ll see evidence of a local community in action. Walking towards Liverpool Street Station you will come across Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane, home to the city’s artists and designers. You can’t come to Brick Lane without having a curry and with all restaurants exercising a Bring Your Own Booze policy, this makes for a very cheap night indeed. You can also negotiate the price of your meal if you’re feeling daring.

Total cost: $913.46

From fashion to baking to arts and crafts, Emily Crane is an expert on all things London. Blogger for VoucherCodes.co.uk, she takes savings seriously and always checks to see if she can offer a voucher with her advice on where to go and what to see.