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The Ultimate European Road Trip Covers 45 Cities in 14 Days

Early last month, data scientist Randy Olson took an algorithm he devised for finding Waldo and used it to map out the ultimate U.S. road trip—a 13,699-mile, 50-stop journey that could be completed in nine non-stop days of driving. As it turns out, shortly after that wanderlust-inducing exercise, Olson also created a European version, a 45-stop itinerary that ensures the fastest route between each destination with the least amount of backtracking. The result, seen above, illustrates how you can technically cover 16,287 miles in 14 days—though to actually enjoy the sights, you should probably budget at least three months.

Fully aware that he won't be able to please everyone, Olson decided to base his itinerary off a Business Insider article, "50 Places In Europe You Need To Visit In Your Lifetime"— and then eliminated those that can't be reached by car.

Here are the stops in order:

Innsbruck, Austria

Munich, Germany

Pag, Croatia

Venice, Italy

Tuscany, Italy

Florence, Italy

Rome, Italy

Vatican City

Amalfi, Italy

Gozo, Malta

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Santorini, Thira, Greece

Rila Monastery, Rilski manastir, Bulgaria

Istanbul, Turkey

Sighisoara, Mures County, Romania

Budapest, Hungary

Vienna, Austria

Prague, Czech Republic

Krakow, Poland

Jägala Waterfall, 74205 Harjumaa, Estonia

Lapland, Finland

ICEBAR, Marknadsvägen, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Bergen, Norway

Copenhagen, Denmark

Berlin, Germany

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Keukenhof, Stationsweg, Lisse, Netherlands

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Inverness, United Kingdom

Ballybunion, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher, Clare, Ireland

Cornwall, England

Stonehenge, Amesbury, United Kingdom

London, United Kingdom

Brussels, Belgium

Paris, France

Pamplona, Spain

Lagos, Portugal

Granada, Spain

Ibiza, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Luberone, Bonnieux, France

Nice, France

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Interlaken, Switzerland

Finally, here's an interactive version of the map and instructions for how to use Olson's code to optimize a custom road trip to your heart's content.

· Computing the optimal road trip across Europe [Randol Olson via Lifehacker]
· The Ultimate U.S. Road Trip, According to a Data Scientist [Curbed National]