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16-Day Mid‑Range Spain & France: Barcelona → San Sebastián → Paris with Normandy WWII Day Trip (May 2026)

Viewed by 98 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Stroll

Barcelona, Spain on May 3, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Granja Viader or Brunch & Cake

Classic Catalan café for coffee and pastries or a popular brunch spot; good first taste of Barcelona. Both open around 8:00am—confirm opening times for May.
EUR8, 1h0m

10:00am

Gothic Quarter & Cathedral walk

Wander medieval lanes, Plaça Reial, and Barcelona Cathedral to get orientated—great for photos and local atmosphere.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — La Boqueria market (small plates)

Sample fresh tapas, seafood or jamón at the market stalls; casual and lively—most stalls open 9:00–15:00 but check individual vendors.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

La Rambla & El Born neighborhood

Stroll La Rambla briefly (touristy) then explore El Born's boutiques and the Picasso Museum (book ahead if you plan to visit).
EUR12, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner — Tapas in El Born (e.g., Cal Pep)

Enjoy a relaxed tapas dinner in one of the city’s best mid-range tapas bars—arrive early or expect a wait; many open 7:00pm onward.
EUR30, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening walk Barceloneta beach

Sunset stroll along the seafront to unwind after travel; nice way to experience Barcelona’s maritime vibe.
EUR0, 1h0m

Day 2: Gaudí Icons

Barcelona, Spain on May 4, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Federal Café (Sant Antoni)

Popular café with good coffee and brunch dishes; opens early and is comfortable for planning your Gaudí day.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Sagrada Família (book timed entry)

Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece—book tickets in advance for a morning slot to avoid crowds; must-see for architecture lovers. Typical opening in May: ~9:00am–7:00pm—confirm 2026 hours.
EUR30, 1h45m

12:00pm

Lunch — Cervecería Catalana or nearby bistro

Mid-range tapas/brasserie near central Barcelona—great for sampling Catalan specialties between attractions.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:00pm

Park Güell (pre-booked ticket)

Gaudí’s colorful park with city views—buy a timed ticket and allow time to walk up to the monumental zone. Usually open from ~9:00am–7:30pm in May.
EUR13, 1h30m

5:00pm

Passeig de Gràcia — Casa Batlló & Casa Milà (exterior or interior visit)

Admire Modernisme façades; book interior visits if interested (Casa Batlló/Casa Milà have evening openings some days).
EUR35, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Local restaurant (pasta/seafood/mid-range)

Choose a comfortable mid-range restaurant on Passeig de Gràcia for Catalan cuisine and wine.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Montjuïc & Museums

Barcelona, Spain on May 5, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Brunch & Cake or local café

Fuel up with a substantial breakfast before a museum day; many cafés open from 8:00am.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya)

Extensive Catalan art collection and panoramic city views from the museum steps; typically opens around 10:00am—check May hours and book special exhibits in advance.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Poble Sec pintxos (Carrer de Blai)

Carrer de Blai is famous for affordable pintxos and a lively lunch scene—open midday into evening.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Montjuïc Cable Car & Castle

Take the cable car for city and harbor views, explore Montjuïc Castle and surrounding gardens—cable car usually runs during daylight hours.
EUR14, 1h30m

5:30pm

Magic Fountain (seasonal schedule)

If operating in May, early evening fountain/music shows are a fun spectacle—check the Magic Fountain schedule for 2026 (shows often run Thu–Sun in high season).
EUR0, 1h0m

8:15pm

Dinner — Restaurant in Poble Sec

Try a mid-range restaurant offering modern Catalan plates in the Poble Sec neighborhood.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Day Trip — Montserrat

Montserrat (from Barcelona), Spain on May 6, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — Light hotel breakfast

Quick breakfast before an early train/drive to Montserrat to maximize time on the mountain.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Montserrat (train + rack railway or drive)

Journey is ~1–1.5 hours; trains depart from Plaça Espanya. Travel time varies depending on connection—book morning departure.
EUR10, 1h30m

10:15am

Montserrat Monastery & scenic hikes

Visit the basilica and the Black Madonna; short walks/hikes offer dramatic views—site open mornings through late afternoon (check schedules).
EUR5, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Restaurant at Montserrat or picnic

Simple mountain restaurant or packed picnic with local cheeses and bread—expect modest mid-range prices.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Barcelona & free time

Afternoon at leisure—shop or relax at a café; consider visiting the Picasso Museum if you didn't earlier (book ahead).
EUR12, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Seafood in Barceloneta

Enjoy grilled fish or paella at a comfortable seafood restaurant near the beach (many open evenings from 7:30–10:30pm).
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 5: Markets & Modern Art

Barcelona, Spain on May 7, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast — Sant Antoni Market cafés

Local neighborhood feel; try local pastries and coffee before museum hopping.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Picasso Museum or MACBA (modern art)

Choose Picasso Museum (El Born) for early works or MACBA for contemporary art in Raval—both are popular so prebook timed slots.
EUR12, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — El Xampanyet (tapas) or similar

Lively tapas bar in El Born—great for small plates and cava; opens at midday for lunch service.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Free afternoon — beach, shopping or extra museums

Relax on Barceloneta beach, browse boutiques on Passeig de Gràcia, or return to any museum you missed.
EUR0, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Flamenco show + dinner (Tablao)

Experience live flamenco with mid-range dinner packages; shows typically start around 8:00–9:00pm — book in advance.
EUR45, 2h0m

Day 6: Relax & Pack

Barcelona, Spain on May 8, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Local café near your accommodation

Easy morning with leisurely coffee and pastries; use the time to pack or check travel connections to San Sebastián.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

Last-minute shopping / short museum revisit

Return to favorite spots or pick up souvenirs; many shops open by 10:00am in May.
EUR20, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Mercado de Sant Antoni or tapas

Casual lunch before departure—markets and cafés are ideal for a quick meal.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to San Sebastián (flight or train)

Recommend an early afternoon flight (~1h15) to San Sebastián (EAS) for speed; alternately a scenic train/bus takes ~5–6 hours. Book mid-range carriers or Renfe/airlines early for best prices.
EUR70, 2h30m

6:00pm

Check in & unwind

Settle into your mid-range hotel in Donostia-San Sebastián and freshen up for evening pintxos.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Pintxos crawl in Parte Vieja (Old Town)

Sample multiple pintxos bars (Gandarias, La Cuchara de San Telmo); Old Town bars typically open from early evening onward.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 7: Beaches & Views

San Sebastián, Spain on May 9, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast — Pastelería Oiartzun or local café

Try local pastries and coffee before heading to the bay; many bakeries open early.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

La Concha Beach & promenade

Famous crescent beach ideal for a morning walk or light swim; public access is free and lifeguards are on seasonal duty (check local safety info).
EUR0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Seafood at a mid-range harbor restaurant

Fresh Basque seafood with views of the bay—great spot to sample local fish and txakoli wines.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Monte Urgull walk & Castillo de la Mota

Short hike for panoramic views and history; museum and castle areas usually accessible in daylight hours.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Aquarium or relax at Playa de Ondarreta

Visit the Aquarium’s sea tunnel (check opening hours, typically 10:00–19:00 in spring) or chill on a quieter beach.
EUR12, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Pintxos evening in Gros neighborhood

Gros offers modern pintxos bars and tapas with a younger vibe; many restaurants open from 7:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 8: Basque Coast Day

San Sebastián, Spain on May 10, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Hotel or local café

Light breakfast then head out for a coastal excursion to Getaria or Zumaia.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:15am

Day trip to Getaria (by car or local train/bus)

Charming fishing village (30–40 minutes) with txakoli wineries and Cristóbal Balenciaga museum options—great for scenic seaside lunch. Verify train/bus schedules for May.
EUR15, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — Seafood and local wine in Getaria

Enjoy grilled fish and txakoli in a waterfront restaurant—mid-range pricing and typically open 13:00–15:00.
EUR30, 1h15m

5:00pm

Return to San Sebastián & free time

Evening at leisure—spa, stroll or relax at a café before dinner.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Asador or Basque grill (mid-range)

Try local meat or grilled fish at a comfortable diners’ choice to round off the Basque coastal experience.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 9: Bilbao & Guggenheim

Bilbao (day trip from San Sebastián), Spain on May 11, 2026

7:45am

Breakfast — Quick café in San Sebastián

Early light breakfast before the ~1h train or drive to Bilbao for a full day in the city.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:15am

Travel to Bilbao (train or car)

Scenic one-hour trip; trains run regularly—check Renfe/Euskotren times for May.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Iconic Frank Gehry museum for modern art; buy timed tickets (opens typically around 10:00am).
EUR16, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Pintxos in Plaza Nueva or riverside restaurant

Savor Basque pintxos or a riverside meal in the atmospheric old town.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Casco Viejo & shopping

Explore Bilbao’s old town, shops, and cathedral; plenty of cafés for an afternoon break.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to San Sebastián

Evening travel back; use the later night to rest before the transfer to Paris the next day.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Light tapas near hotel

Unwind with a simple tapas dinner close to your accommodation.
EUR20, 1h0m

Day 10: Travel to Paris

San Sebastián → Paris, France on May 12, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel buffet or café

Pack and have breakfast before your morning flight to Paris; confirm check‑in times.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Flight San Sebastián (EAS) → Paris (CDG/ORY)

Direct flights are ~1h30; alternatively fly via Bilbao. Book a mid‑range airline and aim for morning departure to maximize Paris time.
EUR90, 4h0m

2:00pm

Arrive Paris & check-in

Transfer from airport to city center (RER, TGV or shuttle depending on airport) and settle into your mid-range hotel.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Late afternoon — Île de la Cité & Sainte-Chapelle

Walk around Notre-Dame’s exterior and visit Sainte‑Chapelle for its stained glass (typically open 9:00–19:00 in May; check 2026 hours).
EUR11, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner — Bistro in Latin Quarter

Classic French bistro for a relaxed first-night meal with mid-range prices; many restaurants open from 7:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 11: Louvre & Seine

Paris, France on May 13, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Café near hotel

Typical Parisian breakfast of coffee and croissant; cafes open from early morning.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Louvre Museum (timed entry)

Plan at least 2–3 hours for highlights (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo); book timed tickets in advance. Typical hours: 9:00–6:00 (closed Tue) — verify 2026 schedule.
EUR17, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Café Marly or riverside bistro

Lunch with a view near the Louvre; mid-range menu ideal after a museum morning.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk along the Seine & Île Saint‑Louis

Leisurely riverside walk and ice cream on Île Saint‑Louis; a relaxing way to see historic bridges and architecture.
EUR6, 1h0m

6:00pm

Seine sunset cruise (Bateaux Mouches)

One-hour cruise gives great evening views of monuments lit up—departures in evening are frequent in May; book ahead for popular time slots.
EUR18, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Saint-Germain bistro

Enjoy classic French dishes in a mid-range restaurant in Saint‑Germain-des-Prés.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 12: Eiffel & Champs

Paris, France on May 14, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Local patisserie

Pastries and coffee before a full day of sightseeing; many patisseries open early.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Eiffel Tower (book summit or 2nd floor tickets)

Morning visit to avoid larger crowds; prebook your ticket for the elevator time you prefer. Opening hours usually from morning until late evening—confirm 2026 hours.
EUR28, 1h30m

11:30am

Trocadéro & photo stop

Best viewpoints for photography and a short walk around the gardens before heading to central Paris.
EUR0, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Champs-Élysées brasserie

Casual brasserie for a midday meal after exploring the avenue and nearby shops.
EUR28, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arc de Triomphe & avenue walk

Climb the Arc for views over Paris and stroll down the Champs‑Élysées; Arc typically open 10:00–22:30 (verify seasonal hours).
EUR13, 1h15m

5:00pm

Relax at café or shopping

Free late afternoon to shop or rest at a café before dinner.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Crêperie in Montparnasse

Casual crepes and cider in Montparnasse—mid-range and filling, great for a lighter evening meal.
EUR20, 1h15m

Day 13: Montmartre & Museums

Paris, France on May 15, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast — Café in Montmartre

Start in the hilltop neighborhood with a coffee and tartine; many cafés open early for locals.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Montmartre — Sacré‑Cœur & Place du Tertre

Enjoy sweeping views of Paris from Sacré‑Cœur and the bohemian atmosphere of Place du Tertre with artists—church open daily typically from morning to evening.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Musée d'Orsay (impressionists)

Late morning visit to this world-class museum housed in a former railway station—timed tickets recommended. Typical hours: 9:30–6:00 (closed Mon); check 2026 hours.
EUR16, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — Bistro in 7th arrondissement

Mid-range lunch close to the museum or along the Seine.
EUR28, 1h0m

3:30pm

Latin Quarter & Luxembourg Gardens

Wander the historic streets and relax in the gardens—ideal for a quieter afternoon.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Wine bar with small plates

Enjoy a relaxed meal focusing on wine and local cheese/charcuterie in a friendly mid-range wine bar.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 14: Normandy D‑Day Tour

Normandy (day trip from Paris), France on May 16, 2026

6:00am

Breakfast — Early hotel breakfast or takeaway

Very early start required for a full‑day guided Normandy D‑Day tour; have coffee and a light breakfast before departure.
EUR8, 0h30m

7:00am

Guided Normandy WWII full‑day tour (coach/minivan)

Full‑day guided visit covering Omaha Beach, American Cemetery at Colleville‑sur‑Mer, Pointe du Hoc and the village of Arromanches; tours depart central Paris early and last ~11–13 hours—book a reputable operator and confirm pick‑up point and timings.
EUR130, 12h0m

8:30pm

Return to Paris & light dinner

Expect to arrive back in Paris in the evening; choose a nearby bistro for a simple late dinner after a long day.
EUR25, 1h0m

Day 15: Free Day & Specialties

Paris, France on May 17, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Local patisserie

Sleep in a bit after the Normandy day—enjoy a leisurely Parisian breakfast.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

Optional Versailles half-day or Musée Rodin

If you want another major site, visit Versailles (allow ~4–6 hours including travel) or stay in Paris for Musée Rodin and shopping; check Versailles timed entry openings (typically 9:00am onward).
EUR25, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — Market or bistro near your hotel

Casual meal; enjoy local specialties like confit de canard or a salade niçoise.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping & pastries — Le Marais or Galeries Lafayette

Browse boutiques in Le Marais or head to Galeries Lafayette for souvenirs and rooftop views; stores typically open through early evening.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner — Classic Parisian restaurant

Choose a comfortable mid-range restaurant for a memorable last dinner in Paris; book a table in advance for a Saturday evening.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 16: Depart

Paris, France on May 18, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast — Hotel or nearby café

Final coffee and light breakfast; confirm airport transfer time and allow ample time for check‑in and security.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:30am

Check-out & transfer to airport

Take RER, taxi or airport shuttle depending on airport (CDG/ORY); aim to arrive 2–3 hours before international departures.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Flight home / onward travel

Departure—safe travels. If you have extra hours, enjoy a last stroll or coffee near the hotel earlier in the morning.
EUR0, 0h0m
0
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