Three-Week European Summer Journey: Dublin to Albania via Tuscany

Day 1: Welcome to Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on July 9, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Enjoy a classic Irish breakfast at Queen of Tarts, known for its homemade pastries and cozy atmosphere, setting the perfect start to your Dublin exploration.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Trinity College and The Book of Kells

Visit Trinity College to see the magnificent illuminated manuscript, The Book of Kells, and the stunning Long Room of the Old Library. Open 9am-5pm daily.
EUR16, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Savor modern Irish cuisine with quality local ingredients at The Woollen Mills, located near the Ha'penny Bridge and the River Liffey.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Explore the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the history of Ireland’s iconic stout and enjoy a pint with panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar. Open 9:30am-7pm.
EUR26, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll in St Stephen's Green

Relax with a leisurely walk in St Stephen's Green park, a lovely urban green space offering peaceful gardens and a lake.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Church Café

Dine in a unique setting at The Church Café, a converted 18th-century church offering an atmospheric ambiance and Irish-European fusion dishes.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 2: Discover Galway

Galway, Ireland on July 10, 2026

7:00am

Travel to Galway

Take an early morning train from Dublin Heuston to Galway (approx. 2.5 hours), enjoying scenic Irish countryside en route.
EUR25, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Ard Bia at Nimmo’s

Enjoy a fresh, locally inspired breakfast at Ard Bia, a charming café with an eclectic atmosphere near the Spanish Arch.
EUR15, 1h

11:30am

Explore Galway City Centre

Walk through the lively streets of Galway, visiting Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, and the Galway City Museum. Many shops and markets to explore along the way.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Quay Street Kitchen

Relish hearty Irish dishes with a twist at this popular restaurant in Galway’s Latin Quarter.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Salthill Promenade

Enjoy a refreshing walk along the seaside promenade including views of Galway Bay, perfect for an afternoon stroll or quick dip.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kai Café & Restaurant

Dine at Kai, celebrated for its organic, seasonal food and locally sourced ingredients offering a memorable Galway dining experience.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Nice

Nice, France on July 11, 2026

7:00am

Flight Dublin to Nice

Catch a direct morning flight from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), approximately 2.5 hours flight time.
EUR80, 3h including airport time

11:00am

Check-in and Relax

Check into your accommodation and freshen up before heading out to explore the French Riviera city of Nice.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café de Turin

Famous for its seafood, enjoy fresh oysters and local specialties at Café de Turin, a Nice culinary staple by the old port.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Promenade des Anglais Walk

Stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, enjoying the azure skies and Mediterranean views. Perfect way to get acquainted with Nice.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Explore the narrow streets, baroque churches, and lively markets of Vieux Nice. Don't miss the Cours Saleya Market, open until 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Rossettisserie

Taste perfectly roasted meats and traditional Provencal dishes at this cozy, popular restaurant in the old town.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 4: Nice and surroundings

Nice, France on July 12, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Emilie’s Cookies & Coffee

Start your day with excellent coffee and handmade cookies in this artisanal café located in central Nice.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Hike or take the elevator up Castle Hill for panoramic views over Nice, the Baie des Anges, and the Promenade des Anglais. Open 8am-10pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Day Trip to Èze Village

Take a short bus or taxi ride to Èze, a picturesque hilltop village with charming alleys and the exotic Jardin Exotique offering stunning views. Open daily 10am-6pm.
EUR5 for bus, Garden entry EUR6, 4h

3:00pm

Coffee Break at La Chèvre d'Or

While in Èze, enjoy a coffee or light snack at this Michelin-starred hotel terrace with breathtaking views.
EUR20, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Nice

Head back to Nice center to relax before dinner.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant JAN

Indulge in fine dining at Restaurant JAN, a Michelin-starred eatery offering contemporary French-South African fusion cuisine.
EUR80, 2h

Day 5: To Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy on July 13, 2026

7:00am

Travel Nice to Lake Garda

Fly from Nice to Verona Airport, then take a transfer or train to Lake Garda region (approx. 2h).
EUR100, 5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Bella Italia in Bardolino

Enjoy Italian traditional dishes by the lake, focusing on fresh fish and local wines.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Bardolino Town

Walk through the charming lakeside town with narrow cobblestone streets and lakeside views.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit the Olive Oil Museum (Museo dell’Olio)

Learn about olive oil production native to the region, open 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
EUR5, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Loggia

Savor lakeside dining featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties with a view of Lake Garda.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Welcome to Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy on July 14, 2026

8:00am

Travel Lake Garda to Tuscany

Take a morning train or drive to Tuscany region, aiming to arrive to your base (e.g., Florence or Siena) by midday. Travel approx. 3-4 hours.
EUR40, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria All’Antico Vinaio, Florence

Taste one of Florence’s famous panini at this popular spot, known for its hearty and delicious sandwiches.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Florence City Centre

Visit landmarks such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and admire Renaissance art in the open air.
Free to explore, 3h

5:30pm

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Prebook your ticket to the Uffizi Gallery, home to world-renowned works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Open 8:15am-6:45pm.
EUR20, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Experience traditional Tuscan cuisine in this beloved Florence eatery, perfect for sampling hearty dishes like ribollita or bistecca alla fiorentina.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Tuscan Countryside

Tuscany, Italy on July 15, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or a local café

Begin with a leisurely Italian breakfast featuring cappuccino and fresh pastries.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Tuscan Wine Tour in Chianti

Take a guided day trip through Chianti’s vineyard-lined hills, sample local wines and olive oils at historic wineries. Tours typically run 9am-5pm.
EUR90, 7h

5:30pm

Return to base and rest

Unwind at your accommodation to refresh after a full day of tasting and touring.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Treat yourself to elegant Tuscan cuisine in an intimate setting with pasta and game dishes specially recommended.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 8: Tuscan Culture

Tuscany, Italy on July 16, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy artisan coffee and healthy breakfast options preparing you for a cultural day.
EUR12, 45m

9:00am

Visit Siena

Travel to Siena (approx. 1.5 hours by bus or car) and explore the stunning Piazza del Campo, the Siena Cathedral, and historic medieval streets. Museums generally open 10am-7pm.
EUR15 for cathedral and museums, 5h

3:00pm

Coffee and Gelato break at La Vecchia Latteria

Relax with a gelato in the heart of Siena’s old town.
EUR8, 30m

4:00pm

Return to Florence or accommodation

Head back to your base in Tuscany for your last evening here.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Il Latini

Enjoy a lively farewell dinner featuring classic Tuscan fare served in family-style portions in a traditional setting.
EUR40, 2h

Day 9: Travel to Corfu

Corfu, Greece on July 17, 2026

7:00am

Travel to Corfu

Fly from Florence or nearby Pisa Airport to Corfu, typically via Athens, arrange a morning flight to maximize your day on the island.
EUR120, 6h including layover

1:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Taverna Agni

Settle into your hotel and then enjoy fresh Greek seafood at Taverna Agni, known for its waterfront setting and fresh catches.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Corfu Old Town

Discover the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town with its Venetian architecture, narrow alleys, and vibrant street life. Many shops and cafes to explore.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Etrusco Restaurant

Dine at this fine-dining venue in a historic building offering modern Greek and Mediterranean dishes with a gourmet touch.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 10: Corfu Beaches

Corfu, Greece on July 18, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Liston

Enjoy a café-style Greek breakfast along Corfu’s famous Liston promenade.
EUR12, 45m

9:00am

Boat trip to Paleokastritsa

Take a half-day boat tour or drive to Paleokastritsa beach, known for its crystal clear waters, caves, and a historic monastery nearby. Monastery open 9am-1pm and 4-7pm.
Boat tour EUR35, Monastery entry free, 5h

3:00pm

Return and Relax

Return to your hotel to rest and freshen up after the beach and boat excursion.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taverna Stefanos

Sample traditional Corfiot home cooking with fresh local ingredients in a cozy tavern atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 11: From Corfu to Albania

Albania on July 19, 2026

8:00am

Travel from Corfu to Albania

Take a ferry from Corfu to Saranda, Albania (approx. 1 hour), an easy gateway to southern Albania’s coast.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Explore Saranda

Wander the seaside town of Saranda, visit its waterfront promenade, and enjoy the lively market.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Limani Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood with waterfront views at Limani, popular among locals and tourists alike.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Butrint National Park

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, an ancient city with ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian periods. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR10, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Saranda and Dinner at Restaurant Taverna Pupi

Enjoy traditional Albanian dishes in a warm and welcoming setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 12: Albanian Coast

Albania on July 20, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation in Saranda.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Day trip to Ksamil Beaches

Spend the day at Ksamil’s beautiful beaches, famous for turquoise waters and nearby islets. A perfect spot to relax and swim.
EUR5 for beach access, 6h

3:30pm

Return to Saranda

Relax back in town and freshen up.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mare Nostrum Cuisine

Experience contemporary Albanian seafood dining, known for fresh ingredients and elegant presentation.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 13: Albanian Adventures

Albania on July 21, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy coffee and fresh baked goods.
EUR6, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Gjirokastër

Take a morning drive to Gjirokastër (about 1.5 hours), known as the 'City of Stone' with its Ottoman-style houses and massive castle.
Bus approx. EUR10, 1h30m

11:00am

Tour Gjirokastër Fortress

Explore the fortress and its museum with spectacular views. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR5, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kujtimi

Enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine in the heart of Gjirokastër.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ethnographic Museum

This former home of Enver Hoxha displays traditional Albanian artifacts. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR3, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Saranda

Travel back to Saranda for your last evening.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Haxhi

Taste authentic Albanian dishes with locally sourced ingredients in a rustic setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 14: Departure Day

Saranda, Albania on July 22, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast and Pack

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast and prepare for your onward journey.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Airport or Next Destination

Head to your departure point, likely via Tirana Airport or ferry back to Corfu for connections, depending on your plans.
Varies, Varies