Hello escapers! ✈️
Ready for an epic adventure across Europe? In this blog, I bring you a detailed itinerary to explore the main cities of the Old Continent in 15 days. It is an itinerary focused mainly on those who have never visited Europe and want to know the most famous cities of this continent. Get ready to explore cultural, historical and gastronomic wonders that will take your breath away.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Madrid – Puerta del Sol, Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor
We start in the heart of Madrid, at the emblematic Puerta del Sol. Admire the sculpture of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, symbol of the city, and let ourselves be carried away by the hustle and bustle of this meeting point.
Let’s continue to the majestic Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Let’s tour its luxurious rooms, admire the works of art that decorate its walls and feel the grandeur of Spanish royalty.
We culminate our first day in Madrid with a walk through the lively Plaza Mayor, the scene of cultural and social events since the 17th century. Let’s enjoy a traditional “tapeo” in one of the restaurants that surround it, savoring the exquisite cuisine of Madrid.
Day 2: Madrid – Prado Museum and La Latina Neighborhood
Let’s immerse ourselves in the world of art at the Prado Museum, one of the most important art galleries in the world. Admire masterpieces by artists such as Velázquez, Goya and El Greco, and explore the different rooms that house a wide collection of Spanish and European art.
Let’s continue our artistic journey at the Reina Sofía Museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Let’s explore the temporary and permanent exhibitions, discover works by artists such as Picasso, Dalí and Miró, and reflect on the different artistic movements of the 20th century.
Let’s experience the authentic Madrilenian life in the Barrio de La Latina, a labyrinth of narrow streets full of bars and restaurants. Let’s enjoy a delicious dinner in a traditional tavern, accompany our meal with a good Spanish wine and let ourselves be carried away by the music and the festive atmosphere.
Day 3: Madrid – Barcelona – Sagrada Familia and Rambla
Let’s say goodbye to Madrid and take the AVE high-speed train to Barcelona, a comfortable and fast trip that will take us to the Ciudad Condal in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Upon arriving in Barcelona, we cannot miss the opportunity to visit the Sagrada Familia, an unfinished masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, which will captivate us with its unique architecture and religious symbolism. Let’s tour its crypts, admire the façade and dream of the day when this masterpiece is finally finished. I recommend buying the ticket well in advance and save hours of queuing.
Let’s stroll along the emblematic Rambla, the heart of Barcelona. Let’s enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, watch the street performers, buy souvenirs in the shops and enjoy a handmade ice cream while we mingle with the crowd.
Day 4: Barcelona – Park Güell and Barceloneta Beach
Let’s be carried away by Gaudí’s imagination in Park Güell, a magical park full of mosaics, sculptures and extravagant architecture. Let’s walk its paths, admire the panoramic views of the city and feel the overflowing creativity of the Catalan genius.
Let’s go to Barceloneta Beach, the most famous beach in Barcelona, and enjoy the sun and the sea. Let’s relax on the sand, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean or practice some water sport.
Let’s savor the delicious Catalan cuisine in the Gothic Quarter, the historic center of Barcelona. Let’s enjoy a dinner in a traditional restaurant, taste typical dishes such as paella or “pan tumaca” and enjoy the medieval atmosphere of the cobbled streets.
Day 5: Andorra – Casa de la Vall and Grandvalira
Let’s take a bus from Barcelona to Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra, a journey of approximately 3 hours that will allow us to enjoy the mountainous landscapes of the Pyrenees.
Upon arriving in Andorra la Vella, let’s visit the Casa de la Vall, the seat of the Andorran parliament. Let’s learn about the workings of this small independent country and admire the traditional architecture of the building.
If it’s winter season, let’s experience the excitement of snow sports in Grandvalira, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees. Let’s slide down the snowy slopes, enjoy the adrenaline rush of snowboarding or simply relax in a cozy mountain refuge.
Day 6: Andorra – Incles Valley and Andorra la Vella
Let’s wake up to the energy of nature in the Incles Valley, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Let’s embark on a route along its marked trails, admire the waterfalls and snowy peaks, and breathe in the pure mountain air.
Let’s return to Andorra la Vella and explore its streets full of shops and restaurants. Let’s take the opportunity to buy typical souvenirs, try the delicious Andorran cuisine or simply stroll and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the city.
Let’s say goodbye to Andorra with dinner in a traditional restaurant. Let’s savor dishes such as “escudella i carn d’olla”, a typical winter stew, or “trinxat”, a mixture of potatoes, cabbage and bacon.
Day 7: Toulouse – Place du Capitole and Garonne River Cruise
Let’s take a bus from Andorra la Vella to Toulouse, the “Pink City” of France, a journey of approximately 3 hours that will allow us to get to know the Occitanie region.
Upon arriving in Toulouse, let’s admire the majesty of the Place du Capitole, the main square of the city. Let’s observe the city hall building, with its Renaissance style, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square.
Let’s walk along the Garonne River and admire the city from a different perspective. Let’s enjoy a dinner on the banks of the river, observe the illuminated bridges and let ourselves be carried away by the music and the romanticism of the atmosphere.
Day 8: Toulouse – Cité de l’Espace and Musée des Augustins
Let’s explore the fascinating world of space at the Cité de l’Espace, a museum complex dedicated to astronomy and astronautics. Let’s tour its interactive exhibitions, admire the models of spaceships and learn about the mysteries of the universe.
Let’s travel back in time at the Musée des Augustins, an art museum that houses an important collection of sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Let’s admire works by artists such as Donatello, Ingres and Delacroix, and explore the different rooms that transport us to other times.
Let’s enjoy dinner in a traditional French restaurant and savor the exquisite cuisine of the country. Let’s taste dishes such as cassoulet, duck confit or crème brûlée, and accompany our meal with a good French wine.
Day 9: Paris – Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise
Let’s take the high-speed TGV train from Toulouse to Paris, the City of Lights, a journey of approximately 5 hours that will allow us to enjoy the French landscapes.
Let’s make one of our dreams come true by visiting the Eiffel Tower, the undisputed symbol of Paris. Let’s go up to the top and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Let’s live a romantic experience on a cruise on the Seine River. Let’s sail along the calm waters, observe the monuments that line the banks, and feel the Parisian atmosphere as we pass by emblematic places like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Conciergerie.
Day 10: Paris – Louvre Museum and Moulin Rouge Cabaret
Let’s immerse ourselves in the world of art at the Louvre Museum, one of the most important museums in the world. Let’s admire masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Victory of Samothrace, and explore the different rooms that house a wide collection of universal art.
Let’s visit Notre Dame Cathedral, an icon of French Gothic architecture. Let’s admire its stained glass windows, its gargoyles and its imposing façade, and explore the interior of the cathedral, feeling the solemnity and beauty of the place.
Let’s experience the magic of cabaret at the Moulin Rouge, one of the most famous shows in the world. Let’s enjoy the music, the dance and the sensuality of the dancers, and let ourselves be carried away by the festive and extravagant atmosphere of the place.
Day 11: Rome – Colosseum and Italian Dinner
Let’s take a plane from Paris to Rome, the Eternal City, a journey of approximately 2 hours that will allow us to get to know the Lazio region.
Let’s travel back in time by visiting the Colosseum, the largest Roman amphitheater in the world. Let’s walk through its ruins and admire the majesty of this ancient construction, imagining the gladiatorial battles and the shows that took place there.
Let’s enjoy a delicious dinner in a traditional Italian restaurant. Let’s savor typical dishes such as pasta carbonara, Roman pizza or tiramisu, and accompany our meal with a good Italian wine.
Day 12: Rome – Vatican City and Trevi Fountain
Let’s visit Vatican City, the center of the Catholic Church. Let’s explore St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture, and admire the artistic treasures it houses, such as Michelangelo’s Pietà.
Let’s throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in Rome, to ensure our return to the city. Let’s admire the beauty of the fountain and observe the tourists who gather to throw their coins and make a wish.
Let’s enjoy an opera in Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. Let’s attend a performance on an open-air stage and let ourselves be carried away by the music and the staging of this classical show.
Day 13: Florence – Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio
Let’s take a high-speed train from Rome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes that will allow us to enjoy the Tuscany region.
Let’s visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important museums in the world dedicated to Renaissance art. Let’s admire masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo, and explore the different rooms that house a wide collection of paintings, sculptures and art objects.
Let’s stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, the most famous bridge in Florence. Let’s observe the jewelry stores that adorn it, admire the views of the Arno River and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the city as night falls.
Day 14: Florence – Duomo and Accademia
Let’s climb the dome of the Duomo, the cathedral of Florence, and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Let’s tour the interior of the cathedral, explore the Baptistery and admire Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise.
Let’s visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Let’s admire the beauty and perfection of this Renaissance masterpiece, and explore the gallery to discover other important works of art.
Let’s enjoy a farewell dinner in a typical Florentine restaurant. Let’s savor traditional dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita or pici all’aglione, and accompany our meal with a good Tuscan wine.
Day 15: Venice – Canals of Venice
The Trenitalia high-speed Frecciarossa train connects Florence and Venice in approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. Trains depart several times a day from Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence and arrive at Santa Lucia train station in Venice. Tickets can be purchased online or at train stations.
Upon arriving in Venice, let’s explore St. Mark’s Square, the heart of the city. Let’s admire St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square.
Let’s wander along the canals of Venice in a gondola and admire the city from a unique perspective. Let’s enjoy the romance of the ride, observe the architecture of the buildings and let ourselves be carried away by the music of the gondolier.
Bonus
Day 16: Venice – Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge
Let’s visit the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Doges of Venice. Let’s tour its luxurious rooms, admire the works of art that decorate its walls and learn about the history of this powerful republic.
Let’s cross the Rialto Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in Venice. Let’s admire the views of the Grand Canal, observe the souvenir shops that adorn it and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bridge.
Let’s attend a classical music concert at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a 16th-century building with exceptional acoustics. Let’s enjoy the music of great composers such as Vivaldi or Mozart in a unique setting.
Day 17: Milan – Cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Trenitalia high-speed Frecciarossa train connects Venice and Milan in approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. Trains depart several times a day from Santa Lucia train station in Venice and arrive at Milano Centrale train station in Milan. Tickets can be purchased online or at train stations.
Let’s visit the Milan Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Italy. Let’s admire its white marble façade, its stained glass windows and its majestic dome, and let’s climb to the top to enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
Let’s say goodbye to Europe with a walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the most elegant shopping arcades in the world. Let’s enjoy the windows of the luxury shops, admire the architecture of the arcade and have a coffee in one of its historic cafes.
Additional Tips
- This is just a suggested itinerary, and you can customize it to fit your interests and time constraints. Feel free to adjust the itinerary to match your preferences and the amount of time you have available.
- This itinerary includes two bonus days in Venice and Milan. If you have less time, you can skip these days or customize the itinerary to fit your interests.
- If you want a more personalized itinerary, click on this link. This link will take you to a website where you can create a custom itinerary based on your interests and travel preferences.
- If you are traveling during peak season, it is advisable to book train tickets, flights and tickets to museums and attractions in advance. This will help you avoid disappointment and ensure that you get the best possible prices.
- It is important to check the opening hours, prices and availability of tourist attractions before your trip. This will help you plan your trip effectively and make the most of your time.
- To get around the cities, you can use public transportation, taxis or bicycles. Each city has its own unique transportation system, so be sure to research the options available before you travel.
- Don’t forget to try the local cuisine in each city you visit. Each region of Europe has its own unique culinary traditions, so be sure to sample the local dishes and flavors.
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to improve your experience. Speaking a few words of the local language can go a long way in helping you connect with locals and enhance your travel experience.
- Enjoy your trip to Europe to the fullest and create unforgettable memories! Europe is a continent with a rich history, culture and natural beauty. Take the time to explore all that Europe has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- Consider purchasing a Eurail or Interrail pass if you plan on taking multiple train journeys. These passes can save you money if you are traveling extensively by train.
- Pack light and bring versatile clothing that can be layered. This will help you pack more efficiently and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.
- Be sure to pack a travel adapter and converter if you are traveling from a country with different electrical outlets.
- Learn about the local customs and etiquette before you travel. This will help you avoid any cultural faux pas and ensure that you have a respectful and enjoyable experience.
- Be patient and understanding when interacting with people from different cultures. Everyone has different customs and ways of doing things, so be open-minded and respectful of others.
- Have fun and embrace the adventure! Traveling to Europe is a wonderful opportunity to experience new cultures, see amazing sights and make new friends. So relax, have fun and make the most of your trip!
Estimated Cost of the Itinerary (15 days)
It is difficult to specify the exact cost of the trip, as it depends on several factors such as the time of year, travel style, accommodation preferences and activities, and the exchange rate.
However, to give you a general idea, we can estimate an approximate budget:
Flights
Round trip flight (origin – European City – origin): Between €400 and €800 (depending on the city of origin and season)
Accommodation
Hostel: €30 – €50 per night
Budget hotel: €50 – €100 per night
Mid-range hotel: €100 – €200 per night
Luxury hotel: Over €200 per night
Transportation
Public transportation: Between €10 and €20 per day
Public transportation passes: Between €30 and €50 per week (depending on the city)
Car rental: Between €30 and €50 per day (plus gas and insurance)
Meals
Budget meals: €10 – €15 per meal
Restaurant meals: €20 – €30 per meal
Activities
Entrance fees to museums and attractions: Between €10 and €20 per entrance
Guided tours: Between €20 and €50 per tour
Day trips: Between €50 and €100 per excursion
Approximate Total
Low Budget (hostels, budget food, public transportation): Between €1,500 and €2,000
Medium Budget (hotels, budget restaurants, public transportation): Between €2,000 and €2,500
High Budget (hotels, restaurants, car rental): Between €3,000 and €4,000
Remember
This is just an approximate budget, the actual cost of your trip may vary.
It is important to plan your trip in advance and book flights, accommodation and activities early, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
Don’t forget to include travel insurance in your budget to cover you in case of any unforeseen events.
By following these tips, you can save money on your trip to Europe and have a great time without breaking the bank.
I hope this information is useful for planning your trip to Europe.
Have a good trip, escaper!
Booking a trip soon?
Here are some resources to use:
Book your hotel with BOOKING
Book your trains with TRIP
Book your rent-a-car with GETRENTACAR
Book your day tours with GETYOURGUIDE
Book your travel insurance with SAFETYWING
Book your eSIM with AIRALO
