14-Day West-to-East then South Grand Tour: London to Naples — Classic European Cities by Train and Short Flights

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Day 1: London start

London, UK on November 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club (Soho)

Classic British/European breakfast spot open from 8:00am offering full breakfasts and good coffee to get you ready for a busy day in central London.
GBP12, 1h0m

9:30am

Tower of London

Historic fortress and former royal palace; see the Crown Jewels and medieval towers. Typically open 9:00am–5:30pm (check seasonal hours).
GBP33, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Borough Market

One of London’s best food markets with street food, cheeses, and British specialties; market stalls usually open from around 10:00am to late afternoon.
GBP15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Westminster & Houses of Parliament walk

Walk by Westminster Abbey (open typically 9:30am–3:30pm) and the exterior of the Houses of Parliament; good photo stops and local history.
GBP0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner in Covent Garden

Numerous bistros and modern British restaurants in a lively area; many restaurants open into the evening (reservations recommended).
GBP35, 1h30m

8:00pm

Thames evening cruise (optional)

Sightseeing cruise to view illuminated landmarks along the Thames; typical evening departures around 6:00–9:00pm depending on operator.
GBP18, 1h0m

Day 2: Paris transfer

Paris, France on November 28, 2025

7:00am

Eurostar to Paris (London St Pancras → Paris Gare du Nord)

Fast train ~2h15m; book in advance for best fares. Arrive mid-morning in Paris city center (check train timetable for exact departure).
EUR70, 2h15m

10:30am

Breakfast / Coffee near Gare du Nord

Grab a croissant and coffee at a nearby café; French bakeries open early and are ideal for a quick, authentic start.
EUR6, 0h30m

11:30am

Louvre Museum

World-famous art museum (open 9:00am–6:00pm, closed Tuesdays) housing the Mona Lisa and vast collections—plan must-see highlights to make the most of limited time.
EUR17, 2h30m

2:15pm

Lunch at Café Marly (Louvre arcades)

Elegant lunch spot with views of the Louvre courtyard; good for people-watching and classic French dishes.
EUR28, 1h15m

4:00pm

Seine stroll & Île de la Cité

Walk along the Seine to see Notre-Dame exterior (reconstruction ongoing) and the flower stalls; relaxed afternoon exploring Parisian riverbanks.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner in Montmartre (bistro)

Head to Montmartre for dinner and a sunset view from Sacré-Cœur; many restaurants open nightly—ideal for classic French cuisine.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Belgian charms

Brussels & Bruges, Belgium on November 29, 2025

8:00am

Train Paris → Brussels (Thalys)

High-speed train ~1h22m to central Brussels; early departures available—book ahead for best fares.
EUR40, 1h22m

10:00am

Grand Place & Manneken Pis (Brussels)

UNESCO-listed Grand Place square and the famous Manneken Pis; the square is open anytime and is best seen in the morning light.
EUR0, 0h45m

12:00pm

Express train to Bruges

Short intercity train ~1h to medieval Bruges for an afternoon exploring canals and cobbled streets.
EUR17, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Bruges — Belgian mussels or Flemish stew

Try regional specialties in a canal-side brasserie; many restaurants open midday (11:30–14:30) and offer hearty local dishes.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Boat tour & Belfry visit

Take a 30–45 minute canal boat tour to see Bruges from the water, then climb the Belfry (if open) for town views; boat tours run throughout the day, Belfry hours ~9:30am–5:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Return to Brussels & dinner

Back in Brussels for dinner — try waffles, chocolate shop browsing and a cozy Belgian beer bar open late into the evening.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 4: Dutch canals

Amsterdam, Netherlands on November 30, 2025

7:30am

Train Brussels → Amsterdam (Thalys/Intercity)

Direct high-speed options take ~1h50m; arrive in central Amsterdam mid-morning—buy tickets in advance.
EUR35, 1h50m

10:30am

Anne Frank House (prebooked)

Powerful, small museum best visited with prebooked timed tickets; typical opening 9:00am–7:00pm but hours can vary—book months in advance if possible.
EUR14, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Jordaan district

Charming neighborhood cafés serving Dutch and international dishes; relaxed midday meal before canal explorations.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Canal cruise & Rijksmuseum exterior

One-hour canal cruise shows Amsterdam’s historic canal ring; Rijksmuseum open ~9:00am–5:00pm if you want to go inside (allow 2+ hours).
EUR20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner in De Pijp

Trendy neighborhood with a mix of Dutch and international restaurants; many spots open late for dinner.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 5: Rhine & Cologne

Cologne, Germany on December 1, 2025

8:00am

Train Amsterdam → Cologne (Intercity/ICE)

Comfortable high-speed train ~2h30m; scenic ride into Germany—arrive before lunchtime.
EUR40, 2h30m

11:00am

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

Gothic masterpiece next to the main station; open typically 6:00am–7:30pm (tower climb has separate hours). A must-see for architecture lovers.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Kölsch and local fare

Try a traditional Kölsch beer and hearty Rhineland dishes at a local Brauhaus; lunchtime service is standard 12:00–14:30.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Rhine river promenade & Museum Ludwig

Walk or take a short boat ride along the Rhine and visit Museum Ludwig (modern art) open typically 10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner near Old Town

Relaxed German dinner with local specialties; many restaurants in Old Town open into the evening.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 6: Berlin city

Berlin, Germany on December 2, 2025

8:00am

Train Cologne → Berlin (ICE)

Long-distance high-speed train ~4h30m; take an early departure to maximize your afternoon in Berlin.
EUR60, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch near Alexanderplatz

Casual lunch in central Berlin with many international and German options; good base to start sightseeing.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag

Iconic Berlin landmarks; Reichstag dome visits require online registration (open ~8:00am–midnight).
EUR0, 1h30m

4:15pm

Holocaust Memorial & Topography of Terror

Sombre, essential sites documenting WWII history; memorial is outdoors 24/7, Topography usually open ~10:00am–8:00pm.
EUR0, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner in Kreuzberg

Vibrant neighborhood with eclectic eateries—try contemporary German or Turkish-influenced cuisine; many places open late.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 7: Prague medieval

Prague, Czech Republic on December 3, 2025

8:00am

Train Berlin → Prague (EuroCity/IC)

Regional express ~4h30m; morning departure arrives midday—scenic approach across the German-Czech border.
EUR40, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Old Town (Staré Město)

Enjoy Czech specialties like goulash or schnitzel in a historic square with great people-watching.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Charles Bridge & Prague Castle

Walk across the medieval Charles Bridge to Prague Castle complex (St. Vitus Cathedral open ~9:00am–5:00pm). Allow time for castle grounds and views over the city.
EUR10, 2h30m

6:00pm

Astronomical Clock & Old Town Square

See the famous clock and lively square; restaurants and cafés around the square operate into the evening.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner with Czech beer tasting

Try regional beers and traditional fare at a cellar restaurant—great way to round out a day of sightseeing.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 8: Imperial Vienna

Vienna, Austria on December 4, 2025

8:00am

Train Prague → Vienna (Railjet)

Comfortable high-speed rail ~4h; scenic Central European landscapes—arrive early afternoon to explore Vienna’s imperial sights.
EUR35, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Wiener Schnitzel

Try the classic Viennese schnitzel at a traditional restaurant near the Ringstrasse; most are open midday to early evening.
EUR22, 1h0m

2:00pm

Schönbrunn Palace or Hofburg

Visit imperial palaces: Schönbrunn (grounds open daily; palace tours typically start ~9:00am) or Hofburg (museums open ~9:00am–17:30).
EUR20, 2h30m

5:30pm

Coffee and cake at a traditional Viennese café

Experience Vienna’s coffeehouse culture—cafés typically open all day and are ideal for an afternoon pause.
EUR10, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner & optional classical concert

Enjoy Austrian cuisine then consider an evening concert at one of Vienna’s famed venues (concerts often start 7:30–8:00pm; book ahead).
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 9: Budapest baths

Budapest, Hungary on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Train Vienna → Budapest (Railjet)

Fast international train ~2h30m; convenient morning departures connect city centers directly.
EUR25, 2h30m

11:30am

Lunch on the Danube promenade

Enjoy Hungarian dishes with a river view—many bistros open midday and offer hearty portions.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

One of Europe’s largest thermal bath complexes (open daily ~6:00am–10:00pm); perfect for relaxation and a unique local experience.
EUR20, 2h0m

4:00pm

Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion

Afternoon visit for panoramic city views and historic architecture; areas accessible anytime, some museums have varying hours.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner in a Hungarian restaurant with live music

Sample goulash, paprikash and local wines while enjoying traditional music in the evening.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 10: Slovenian calm

Ljubljana, Slovenia on December 6, 2025

7:00am

Morning train/flight Budapest → Ljubljana (via Zagreb option)

Direct flights are short (~1h) and save time; trains typically involve a change (total ~7–8h). Recommend an early flight to maximize the day.
EUR80, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast and stroll in Ljubljana Old Town

Compact, walkable center with riverside cafés and pastel façades—perfect for a relaxed morning exploring bridges and markets.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:00pm

Day trip to Lake Bled (optional)

Classic Slovenian lake with an island church and castle—about 45min drive or bus from Ljubljana; castle open typically 9:00am–6:00pm.
EUR20, 4h0m

5:00pm

Return to Ljubljana & light dinner

Try Slovenian tapas or regional dishes at a riverside restaurant—ideal for a calm evening after exploring the lake or city.
EUR18, 1h0m

Day 11: Venetian canals

Venice, Italy on December 7, 2025

8:00am

Train Ljubljana → Venice (regional/EuroCity)

Direct trains take ~2h30m; arrive in Venice Santa Lucia and step straight onto the canals—morning arrival gives more time for sights.
EUR25, 2h30m

11:00am

St. Mark’s Square & Basilica

Iconic Venetian plaza and basilica (Basilica typically open 9:30am–5:15pm; check service times); book basilica/museum tickets or a skip-the-line pass for peak times.
EUR6, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — cicchetti & seafood

Small plates at a bacaro (Venetian tapas bar) are perfect for sampling local seafood and regional wines; many open midday.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Gondola or vaporetto ride

Short private gondola rides (~30min) are iconic though pricier; alternatively take a vaporetto public boat along the Grand Canal (cheaper, runs frequently).
EUR80, 0h30m

5:00pm

Explore Dorsoduro galleries (Gallerie dell’Accademia)

If art interests you, galleries are typically open ~8:15am–2:00pm or later depending on the museum; check hours and plan ahead.
EUR12, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner on a canal-side terrace

Enjoy Venetian cuisine—risotto al nero di seppia or fresh fish—reserve ahead for popular spots.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 12: Tuscan art

Florence, Italy on December 8, 2025

8:30am

Train Venice → Florence (Frecciarossa/Italo)

Fast trains ~2h—arrive in Florence for a full day of Renaissance art and architecture.
EUR30, 2h0m

11:00am

Uffizi Gallery (prebook)

World-class Renaissance collection (open ~8:15am–6:50pm; closed Mondays); booking is highly recommended to avoid long lines.
EUR30, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch near Ponte Vecchio

Lunch with views of the Arno and the historic bridge—try Florentine cuisine and Tuscan wines.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Duomo climb & Baptistery

Climb Brunelleschi’s dome or visit the cathedral and baptistery (Duomo complex hours vary; dome tickets often timed—book ahead).
EUR20, 1h30m

6:30pm

Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo & dinner

Walk or short bus ride to the viewpoint for sweeping city panoramas, followed by dinner at a trattoria serving bistecca alla Fiorentina.
EUR28, 2h0m

Day 13: Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on December 9, 2025

8:00am

Train Florence → Rome (Frecciarossa)

High-speed train ~1h30m; arrive in Rome mid-morning to begin exploring ancient sites.
EUR25, 1h30m

10:30am

Colosseum & Roman Forum (prebook)

Iconic ancient amphitheater and adjacent ruins; guided tours and timed-entry tickets recommended—Colosseum hours typically 8:30am–4:30pm but vary by season.
EUR18, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch near the Pantheon

Enjoy Roman pasta classics (cacio e pepe, carbonara) in the historic center close to the Pantheon—many restaurants open lunchtime until mid-afternoon.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica (timed entry)

Extensive art collections and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel; Vatican Museums usually open 9:00am–6:00pm (closed Sundays except last Sunday of month), so afternoon visits require prebooked slots.
EUR30, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner in Trastevere

Atmospheric neighborhood with lively restaurants and narrow streets—perfect for a relaxed final-night dinner in Rome.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 14: Naples & Pompeii

Naples, Italy on December 10, 2025

7:30am

Train Rome → Naples (Frecciarossa)

Fast train ~1h10m; arrive early in Naples to make a day trip to Pompeii or explore the city’s historic center and cuisine.
EUR25, 1h10m

9:30am

Pompeii archaeological site (from Naples)

Short Circumvesuviana train from Naples (30–40min) to Pompeii—open typically 9:00am–5:00pm; allow 2–3 hours to explore the extensive ruins.
EUR18, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Naples — authentic Neapolitan pizza

Back in Naples, savor original Neapolitan pizza at a classic pizzeria (many open from lunchtime through evening).
EUR12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Historic Center & Royal Palace or Museo Archeologico Nazionale

Wander Spaccanapoli and visit archaeological museum (open ~9:00am–7:30pm) for Pompeii artifacts if you prefer museums to more ruins.
EUR15, 2h0m

6:30pm

Farewell dinner overlooking the Bay of Naples

Finish the trip with seafood and views of Vesuvius—many restaurants in the seafront districts stay open late for a memorable final meal.
EUR35, 1h30m
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