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Many of us don't have the time or the budget for an old-school grand tour of Europe's great cities, but perhaps we can swing a four-day trip to one city or small country — especially if it’s easy to get to (lots of direct flights) and has plenty to see and do within a small area. These five destinations are our picks for wonderful short getaways in Europe. Check out the itineraries below and start planning.
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Ireland
![tourists walking along Galway, Ireland tourists walking along Galway, Ireland](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/travel/travel-tips/international/info-2018/weekend-getaways-in-europe/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_travel_main_body/container_travel_body/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par2/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/travel/international/2018/07/1140-galway-ireland-getaway.jpg)
It’s a small country, so travelers can zip from city to city with plenty of time to see medieval sites, wander historic streets and stop in a pub for a Guinness (or two). This road-trip vacation takes you through parts of western Ireland, from Galway to Limerick, Cork and Kilkenny, flying round trip to and from Shannon Airport.
Amsterdam
![Stadhuis, city hall market in Amsterdam Stadhuis, city hall market in Amsterdam](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/travel/travel-tips/international/info-2018/weekend-getaways-in-europe/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_travel_main_body/container_travel_body/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par4/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/travel/international/2018/07/1140-delft-townhall.jpg)
Find out how to make the most of a short stay in and around the Dutch capital, known for its mix of world-class museums and art, rich history, and lively nightlife, with visits to the Heineken Experience, the Anne Frank House, the famous flower auction and more (including, if you wish, a tour of the red-light district).
Budapest
![Cruise ship passing the Parliament on the Danube, Budapest, Cruise ship passing the Parliament on the Danube, Budapest,](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/travel/travel-tips/international/info-2018/weekend-getaways-in-europe/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_travel_main_body/container_travel_body/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par6/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/travel/international/2018/07/1140-budapest-cruise.jpg)
Once a capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the beautiful Hungarian city offers a taste of Eastern Europe’s history and culture, including a stunning range of architectural styles. Resilient after a 20th century of hardship and occupation, Budapest is a world-class travel destination. We suggest the ideal itinerary.
Iceland
![woman on a hill taking photos on Videy Island, Iceland woman on a hill taking photos on Videy Island, Iceland](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/travel/travel-tips/international/info-2018/weekend-getaways-in-europe/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_travel_main_body/container_travel_body/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par8/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/travel/international/2018/07/1140-videy-island-iceland-getaway.jpg)
Iceland’s hot, for good reason. This four-day Icelandic adventure gives you two nights in the capital city of Reykjavík and a third in the beautiful, rugged West Region, about an hour to the north. You’ll see spectacular landscapes and experience the Icelandic way of life — including a warming dip in a geothermal pool.
Lisbon
![Lisbon Aquarium in Portugal Lisbon Aquarium in Portugal](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/travel/travel-tips/international/info-2018/weekend-getaways-in-europe/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_travel_main_body/container_travel_body/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par10/articlecontentfragme/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/travel/international/2018/07/1140-lisbon-aquarium.jpg)
With a mile-and-a-half suspension bridge, innovative cuisine and steady ocean breezes, Lisbon feels like an Iberian San Francisco, without the crowds you’ll find in other European capitals. You can pack a lot of fun and culture into a four-day visit and will probably spend less than you would in the continent’s higher-profile destinations.