European Highlights: Barcelona, Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome

Viewed by 74 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona

Morning: Fly from Calgary to Barcelona, land at El Prat Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Gothic Quarter. Freshen up and enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Stroll down La Rambla and explore the vibrant Mercado de La Boqueria. Take in the street performers and sample some local tapas.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant on Barceloneta Beach and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean. A leisurely walk along the waterfront rounds off the day.

Book a Hotel

Day 2: Gaudí’s Masterpieces

Morning: Visit the iconic Sagrada Família, marveling at its towering spires and intricate façades. Book a skip‑the‑line ticket to maximize time.

Afternoon: Wander through the colorful mosaics of Park Güell, enjoying panoramic views of the city. Stop by the Gaudí House Museum for additional insights.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of traditional Catalan cuisine in the El Born district, followed by a relaxed drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated Casa Milà (La Pedrera).

Book a Hotel

Day 3: Art & History

Morning: Explore the extensive collections at the Picasso Museum, focusing on his early Barcelona years.

Afternoon: Head to the historic Gothic Quarter to visit the Barcelona Cathedral and the ancient Roman walls.

Evening: Experience a flamenco show with dinner in the lively Poble Sec neighborhood.

Book a Hotel

Day 4: Montjuïc & Waterfront

Morning: Take the cable car up to Montjuïc Castle for sweeping city views and a touch of military history.

Afternoon: Relax in the lush gardens of Montjuïc, visiting the Magic Fountain and the National Art Museum (MNAC).

Evening: Savor fresh seafood at a harbor restaurant near the Olympic Port, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade.

Book a Hotel

Day 5: Day Trip to Monte Carlo

Morning: Depart early by coach for a scenic drive along the Costa Brava to the French Riviera.

Afternoon: Arrive in Monte Carlo, explore the opulent Casino de Monte‑Carlo and stroll the luxurious harbor.

Evening: Return to Barcelona, where you can unwind with a late‑night tapas crawl in the Raval district.

Book a Hotel

Day 6: Travel to Venice

Morning: Check out of your Barcelona hotel and fly to Venice, arriving at Marco Polo Airport.

Afternoon: Transfer by water taxi to your hotel on the island of San Marco and settle in.

Evening: Enjoy a gondola ride through the canals at sunset, followed by dinner at a trattoria serving fresh lagoon fish.

Book a Hotel

Day 7: St. Mark’s Square

Morning: Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and climb the terrace for a breathtaking view of the piazza.

Afternoon: Explore the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, including the Bridge of Sighs and the prison cells.

Evening: Dine in the Cannaregio district, sampling cicchetti and local wines.

Book a Hotel

Day 8: Venetian Islands

Morning: Take a vaporetto to the island of Murano, famous for its glassblowing workshops.

Afternoon: Continue to Burano to admire its pastel‑colored houses and enjoy a seafood lunch.

Evening: Return to Venice and stroll along the Zattere promenade, ending with gelato by the water.

Book a Hotel

Day 9: Travel to Florence

Morning: Board a high‑speed train from Venice to Florence, arriving in the heart of Tuscany.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel near the Duomo and begin exploring the historic center.

Evening: Savor a Tuscan dinner of bistecca alla Fiorentina and Chianti wine in the Oltrarno neighborhood.

Book a Hotel

Day 10: Renaissance Highlights

Morning: Tour the magnificent Duomo di Firenze, climbing the dome for sweeping city vistas.

Afternoon: Visit the world‑renowned Uffizi Gallery, admiring masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo.

Evening: Walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, browsing its jewelers before enjoying a sunset aperitivo.

Book a Hotel

Day 11: Art & Gardens

Morning: Discover the exquisite frescoes in the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David.

Afternoon: Relax in the tranquil Boboli Gardens, taking in the sculptural pavilions and panoramic views.

Evening: Attend a classical music concert in a historic Florentine church.

Book a Hotel

Day 12: Day Trip to Siena

Morning: Take a bus to Siena, wandering the medieval streets to the stunning Piazza del Campo.

Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Siena Cathedral and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch.

Evening: Return to Florence for a relaxed evening, perhaps sampling gelato near the Arno River.

Book a Hotel

Day 13: Travel to Amalfi Coast

Morning: Catch a train to Naples and transfer by private car to your seaside resort on the Amalfi Coast.

Afternoon: Check in and take a leisurely walk along the cliff‑side promenade of Positano.

Evening: Dine on fresh limoncello‑infused dishes while watching the sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Book a Hotel

Day 14: Amalfi Exploration

Morning: Drive the scenic coastal road to Amalfi, visiting the historic Cathedral of St. Andrew.

Afternoon: Continue to Ravello, exploring Villa Rufolo’s gardens and enjoying panoramic vistas.

Evening: Return to Positano for a beachfront dinner featuring locally caught seafood.

Book a Hotel

Day 15: Capri Day Trip

Morning: Board a ferry to the island of Capri and ride the funicular to the town center.

Afternoon: Take a boat tour around the famous Blue Grotto and wander the Gardens of Augustus.

Evening: Sail back to the mainland, enjoying a relaxed dinner back in your Amalfi Coast hotel.

Book a Hotel

Day 16: Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

Morning: Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, walking the streets frozen in time.

Afternoon: Hike up Mount Vesuvius for spectacular views of the Bay of Naples.

Evening: Return to the coast and unwind with a casual dinner at a pizzeria in Sorrento.

Book a Hotel

Day 17: Leisure Day on the Coast

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on your terrace, then spend time sunbathing on the pebbled beach.

Afternoon: Take a private boat ride along the coastline, stopping at hidden coves for swimming.

Evening: Celebrate with a wine tasting of regional Campanian wines followed by a candlelit dinner.

Book a Hotel

Day 18: Travel to Rome

Morning: Depart the Amalfi Coast and travel by train to Rome, arriving at Termini station.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel near the historic center and begin exploring the nearby Pantheon.

Evening: Enjoy a classic Roman dinner in the Trastevere neighborhood, sampling carbonara and tiramisu.

Book a Hotel

Day 19: Ancient Rome

Morning: Tour the monumental Colosseum and the adjoining Roman Forum, immersing yourself in imperial history.

Afternoon: Walk up the Palatine Hill for panoramic views and visit the Arch of Constantine.

Evening: Stroll to the illuminated Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin for good luck before a nightcap.

Book a Hotel

Day 20: Vatican City

Morning: Explore the awe‑inspiring Vatican Museums, culminating with the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Afternoon: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, climbing to the dome for a breathtaking view of Rome.

Evening: Dine in the Prati district, enjoying Roman specialties and a leisurely walk along the Tiber River.

Book a Hotel

Day 21: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a final Italian espresso at a local café.

Afternoon: Transfer to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport for your flight back to Calgary.

Evening: Arrive home with unforgettable memories of a spectacular European adventure.

Book a Hotel

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Sagrada Família – 2 hours – $30
  • Park Güell – 2 hours – $15
  • La Rambla & Mercado de La Boqueria – 3 hours – $0
  • Montjuïc Castle – 2 hours – $12
  • Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – 1.5 hours – $25
  • Picasso Museum – 2 hours – $20
  • Day Trip to Monte Carlo – 8 hours – $150
  • St. Mark's Basilica – 2 hours – $20
  • Doge's Palace – 2 hours – $25
  • Gondola Ride – 1 hour – $80
  • Duomo di Firenze – 2 hours – $18
  • Uffizi Gallery – 3 hours – $30
  • Ponte Vecchio – 1 hour – $0
  • Amalfi Coast Scenic Drive – 6 hours – $0
  • Meals on Amalfi Coast – 2 hours – $50
  • Pompeii Archaeological Site – 3 hours – $20
  • Capri Boat Tour & Blue Grotto – 5 hours – $120
  • Colosseum – 2 hours – $25
  • Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica – 4 hours – $35
  • Trevi Fountain – 1 hour – $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $675

Tips

If you need more time, consider adding an extra day in Florence to visit the Tuscan countryside or a wine tour in Chianti. For a shorter trip, you could combine the Amalfi Coast and Rome into a single 6‑day segment, skipping the day trip to Capri and reducing the Monte Carlo excursion to a half‑day visit. Adjusting travel days between cities by using night trains or early flights can also free up additional sightseeing hours.

0