14-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey through Madrid, Italy, Greece, and Barcelona

Day 1: Madrid Exploration

Madrid, Spain on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with the famous Spanish churros and hot chocolate at this iconic spot, open from 6:00am to 1:30am daily.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Explore the stunning Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, with impressive architecture and artworks. Open 10:00am - 8:00pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of Spanish tapas and fresh seafood at this vibrant market, open from 10:00am to midnight.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Prado Museum Visit

Discover world-class art from Spanish masters like Velázquez and Goya. Museum open 10:00am - 8:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Stroll Retiro Park

Relax at the beautiful Retiro Park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before dinner. Park open from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world's oldest restaurant offering classic Spanish cuisine like roast suckling pig. Open 1:00pm - 12:00am.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 2: Madrid Culture and Shopping

Madrid, Spain on July 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this popular bakery near Puerta del Sol, open 7:00am - 10:00pm.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Visit

Visit this exceptional museum for a diverse collection of art from medieval to modern times. Open 12:00pm - 7:00pm; closed Mondays.
EUR14, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at El Botánico

Savor Mediterranean dishes in a charming garden atmosphere, open 1:00pm - 11:00pm but reservations recommended.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping at Gran Via and Puerta del Sol

Explore Madrid's main shopping streets with international and local brands, perfect for souvenirs and fashion finds.
Varies, 3h0m

6:00pm

Visit Plaza Mayor

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this historic square, ideal for people-watching and casual strolls.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Try the famous 'huevos rotos' in this traditional Madrid eatery, open 1:00pm - 12:00am.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 3: Madrid to Rome Travel

Madrid, Spain to Rome, Italy on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a quick and light breakfast before transferring to the airport.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight from Madrid to Rome

Take a morning direct flight (~2.5 hours) to Rome to maximize your time in the Italian capital.
EUR120, 2h30m

12:00pm

Arrival and hotel check-in

Settle into your accommodation in central Rome.
Varies, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Da Baffetto

Enjoy authentic Roman-style pizza in this popular eatery open 7:30am - 11:30pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Colosseum

Explore the iconic ancient Roman amphitheater, open 8:30am - 7:00pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through ruins of ancient government buildings and gardens nearby the Colosseum.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Savor traditional Roman dishes in a cozy trattoria, open 12:00pm - 3:00pm and 7:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 4: Rome Classics

Rome, Italy on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start with quality coffee and pastries at this popular spot open 7:30am - 8:00pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Visit the Vatican’s world-renowned museums and frescoes, open 9:00am - 6:00pm (last admission 4:00pm).
EUR32, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Zanzara

Chic bistro offering inventive Italian dishes near the Vatican, open 12:30pm - 3:00pm and 7:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

St. Peter’s Basilica visit

Marvel at the grandeur of the Basilica and, if desired, climb to the dome for panoramic views, open 7:00am - 7:00pm.
Free (dome climb EUR10), 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Piazza Navona

Relax and admire Baroque fountains and street artists in this lively square.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Classic Roman cuisine in an elegant setting, open 12:30pm - 3:00pm and 7:30pm - 11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 5: Rome to Florence

Rome to Florence, Italy on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Light breakfast before departing for Florence.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Train from Rome to Florence

Take the high-speed train (~1.5 hours) to Florence for an afternoon arrival.
EUR50, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and refresh

Settle into your accommodation near Florence city center.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample Tuscan specialties and fresh produce at this bustling market, open 10:00am - midnight.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Admire the magnificent cathedral and consider climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome, open 10:00am - 5:00pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Ponte Vecchio

Enjoy scenic views along the historic bridge lined with jewelry shops.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Relish traditional Florentine dishes in a lively, casual environment, open 12:00pm - 3:00pm and 7:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 6: Florence Art & Gardens

Florence, Italy on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Start with specialty coffee and fresh pastries, open 8:00am - 8:00pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Uffizi Gallery Visit

Explore masterpieces of Renaissance art by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, open 8:15am - 6:50pm.
EUR20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Prosciutteria

Taste Tuscan charcuterie and sandwiches in a cozy setting, open 11:00am - 11:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boboli Gardens

Wander through grand Renaissance gardens behind Pitti Palace, open 8:15am - 6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Piazza della Signoria

Enjoy the outdoor sculpture gallery with famous statues like Neptune Fountain.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine in a lively family-style restaurant, open 7:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 7: Fly to Athens

Florence to Athens, Greece on July 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Light breakfast before heading to Florence airport.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight Florence to Athens

Fly direct or via connection to Athens (~3.5 hours), arriving midday.
EUR150, 3h30m

1:00pm

Check-in at Athens hotel

Settle into your accommodation in central Athens.
Varies, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Enjoy traditional Greek meze and cured meats at this popular spot, open 12:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Acropolis Museum

Explore ancient artifacts and exhibits related to the Acropolis, open 8:00am - 8:00pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Dine with views of the Acropolis and enjoy modern Greek cuisine, open 1:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 8: Athens History

Athens, Greece on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Taste fresh pastries and Greek coffee at this local favorite, open 7:30am - 3:00pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

8:30am

Acropolis and Parthenon Visit

Visit the iconic ancient citadel and temple, open 8:00am - 8:00pm.
EUR20, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at O Thanasis

Enjoy famous souvlaki and traditional dishes in Monastiraki, open 12:00pm - 2:00am.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Plaka Neighborhood

Wander the charming streets full of shops and cafés beneath the Acropolis.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

National Archaeological Museum

Visit Greece's largest museum featuring extensive ancient artifacts, open 8:00am - 8:00pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Experience contemporary Greek-Italian fusion cuisine with Acropolis views, open 7:00pm - 11:30pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 9: Athens to Santorini

Athens to Santorini, Greece on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departure.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Santorini

Fly approximately 45 minutes to Santorini for island exploration.
EUR60, 0h45m

10:30am

Check-in and relax

Settle in your hotel or villa with caldera views.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Metaxi Mas

Taste authentic local dishes with incredible views, open 12:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Oia Village

Explore famous whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ammoudi Bay

Dine on fresh seafood at this picturesque harbor, open 5:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 10: Santorini Outdoors

Santorini, Greece on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local café

Start your day with fresh Greek yogurt and fruit.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Hike Fira to Oia

Enjoy the scenic 6-mile trail along the caldera edge with breathtaking views, avoid midday heat and bring water.
Free, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Oia at Pelekanos

Relax with a meal in this cozy restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes, open 12:00pm - 10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax on Perissa Beach

Enjoy black sand beach and swim, a perfect afternoon spot.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Red Beach

Witness the stunning natural scenery of this unique beach during sunset.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Selene

Experience fine dining with a focus on local ingredients and wines, open 7:30pm - 11:00pm.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 11: Santorini to Barcelona

Santorini to Barcelona, Spain on July 19, 2025

7:30am

Light breakfast at accommodation

Prepare for travel with a quick breakfast.
EUR8, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight to Barcelona

Fly from Santorini to Barcelona with one connection (~5 hours).
EUR150, 5h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and rest

Settle into your hotel in Barcelona's city center.
Varies, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit La Rambla and Boqueria Market

Stroll the famous pedestrian street and sample fresh produce at the vibrant market, open until 8:30pm.
Free to explore, food varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ciudad Condal

Popular tapas bar serving a variety of small plates, open 1:00pm - 12:00am.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 12: Barcelona Architecture

Barcelona, Spain on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Granja M. Viader

Enjoy Catalan pastries and milkshakes at this historic café, open 7:30am - 9:00pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Sagrada Família

Tour Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece; booked timed tickets essential, open 9:00am - 7:00pm.
EUR27, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Park Güell

Explore colorful mosaics and architecture with great city views, book tickets in advance; open 8:30am - 8:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at La Paradeta

Seafood self-service restaurant known for fresh daily catches, open 1:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Gothic Quarter

Wander Barcelona’s medieval core with narrow streets and historic buildings.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Famous tapas spot offering great atmosphere; open 1:00pm - 12:00am.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 13: Barcelona Museums & Beach

Barcelona, Spain on July 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Trendy café with great coffee and breakfast options, open 8:00am - 4:00pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Picasso Museum

Explore early works of Picasso, free entry on Thursday evenings; museum open 10:00am - 7:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Barceloneta Beach

Relax or swim at the popular city beach with nearby cafés and promenades.
Free, 3h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Surf House Barcelona

Casual seaside restaurant perfect for fresh seafood and cocktails, open 12:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

Admire Catalan art from Romanesque to modern, open 10:00am - 6:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Can Culleretes

Enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine at Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, open 1:00pm - 11:00pm.
EUR45, 2h0m

Day 14: Departure Day

Barcelona, Spain on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final relaxing breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Check-out and transfer to airport

Prepare for your flight home or onward travel.
Varies, Varies