Europe is a collection of countries and cultures that are vastly different but grouped in what is, relatively speaking, a fairly small space. Some of the most talented and prolific artists and designers have been coming out of Europe for thousands of years now, so any trip to anywhere in Europe means a chance to feast your eyes on massive collections of art as well as homes, castles and other spaces so magnificently designed that you’ll want to set up camp and never leave for the rest of your days. If art and design are the reason for your next European vacation, you need a plan. You need to consider your route, the locations and destinations along the way, and how long it’ll take you to see all of them and make the most out of the experience. Read on to find out how.

First: Choose Your Art/ Design Focus

The net of visual arts is vast: there’s something for everything. This makes for a very inclusive community, but it presents a challenge in choosing which kinds of art and design to see on your trip. Most major cities in Europe have a little of everything, but some destinations focus more on certain things than others. These are the broad definitions.

• Fine Arts: painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, printmaking, photography.
• Decorative and Applied Arts: textiles, ceramics, interior design.
• Commercial and Digital: Graphic design, digital art.

Second: Choose Your Destinations

Most major cities and many smaller towns in Europe have at least something of value to explore in terms of art and design. So, how do you choose which locations to visit? How do you determine which destinations have the most to offer your particular tastes and needs? These are the most art and design-conscious cities on “the continent,” and they’re all definitely worthy of a stop on the tour. The beauty of all these destinations being in Europe is that a private jet charter will take care of all your travel needs: hopping from one of these destinations to the next only means a short flight in the lap of luxury. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!

1.   Paris.

Feast your eyes on classics like the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa in the world-famous and exquisitely designed Louvre.  Impressionists take center stage at the Musée de l’Orangerie, and almost every tiny, cobbled street in the city features some little or large detail that has watched over the city for hundreds of years.

2.   Berlin

Contemporary art lovers, brace yourselves, because Berlin is everything they say. Treat your eyes to the East Side Gallery- an open-air spectacular that is home to part of the Berlin Wall. Eclectic spaces like the König Galerie and BQ Berlin host eclectic, rotating exhibitions indoors. Enjoy severe and cutting-edge design and architecture all over the city.

3.   Helsinki

A surprising addition: Helsinki’s art scene is vibrant and edgy, and the city has an incredible amount of fascinating contemporary and more classic Nordic architecture. Helsinki Central Station (20th century) and Kamppi Chapel (contemporary), as well as an enormous arts festival every summer, will keep you enthralled.

4.   Rome

One of the most obvious choices, the Eternal City is an enormous museum. Intricate, ancient religious art and architecture nestle around every corner, but contemporary galleries here rival the best in the world, too. Rome Art Week takes place around October. MAXXI houses 27,000 square feet of art, and everywhere you look, you see a masterpiece.

5.   Edinburgh

Modern One, Modern Two, National, and Portrait: the Edinburgh collection of National Galleries of Scotland. The halls and vaults of these venerable galleries hold over 120,000 artefacts and paintings by legends like Van Gogh and Sargent. Holyrood and the castle’s fortress are worth touring to better understand and truly appreciate the city’s artistic history.

6.   Amsterdam

Contemporary and classic art rub shoulders in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is a must, of course: a repository of art and artefacts by Dutch masters and more. The Van Gogh Museum is a special place to spend time; the Moco and the Rembrandt House also warrant plenty of time and attention.

7.   London

Last but certainly not least: London. Art lovers likely already know that the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the Tate Modern, and Somerset House make it worthwhile to visit the city, but there’s so much more. The London Art Fair, London Craft Week, Frieze, and Photo London also occur once a year (amongst many other events).

Third: Research Destinations and Events

While most galleries and museums are open year-round, particularly in high season, exhibitions rotate and events only happen on specific dates. Once you’ve chosen your destinations, look at the arts calendars for the cities in question: this will guide you in planning when you’ll land in which city and what you’ll do with your time there to maximize the amount of art you get to appreciate. Do leave yourself some downtime or free time: planning is essential, but appreciating art can’t always be scheduled ahead of time. You may come across a gallery, exhibition, pop-up, or event that feels like kismet: be sure to leave some time to go with the flow.

Fourth: Enjoy

Art is an integral part of human beings expressing themselves and enjoying the beauty, tragedy, joy, and sorrow that life brings. Seeing great and new works with your own eyes is a special thing, so remember to relax and really enjoy the experience.