London to Paris, Normandy, Iberia, Dubrovnik, Bucharest and Bangkok

Afternoon & Journey to Paris

Arrive at London St Pancras International by about 4:30pm for the Eurostar: check-in closes roughly 30 minutes before departure, but allowing 90 minutes gives you time for security and passport control. The train to Paris Gare du Nord takes around 2 hours 15 minutes; buy sandwiches or drinks before boarding, as the onboard café is limited. After arriving around 9:15pm local time, take a taxi, Uber, or Métro to your hotel—allow 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and where you are staying.

Evening

Once checked in, walk along the Canal Saint-Martin for about 45 minutes, heading from Jardin Villemin toward the canal locks and the footbridges around Rue des Récollets. It is particularly pleasant after dark, when the bars and waterside terraces bring the neighborhood to life; keep the walk relaxed rather than trying to cover the whole canal. From there, continue or take the Métro to République for dinner at Bouillon République, a lively, good-value introduction to classic French dishes such as steak-frites, œufs mayonnaise, and profiteroles. Expect approximately €20–35 per person. It can be busy late, so join the queue rather than booking around a rigid time; dinner will usually take about an hour.

Morning

Take the early SNCF TER from Paris Saint-Lazare to Caen, ideally around 7:00am; the journey is roughly two hours. After arriving, collect the rental car near Caen station—allow 30–45 minutes for paperwork, a vehicle check and luggage storage. Drive to the Mémorial de Caen, where the museum usually opens around 9:00am. Spend about 2½ hours here: it is one of the best places to understand the Second World War, the Occupation and the Normandy landings before seeing the beaches themselves. Admission is usually around €19–25, and the museum café is useful if you need a quick coffee rather than a full lunch.

Afternoon & Evening

Return toward the centre and explore the Château de Caen, a short drive or roughly 15 minutes on foot from the station area. The ramparts and grounds are particularly good for a relaxed wander, with broad views across the city; allow about an hour. Entry to the grounds is generally free, while the museums inside may charge separately. From there, walk down toward the Vaugueux quarter, a charming cluster of old lanes and timber-framed houses just east of the castle. Have dinner at Le Bouchon du Vaugueux, reserving ahead if possible; expect approximately €30–45 per person for traditional Norman cooking. Try a dish featuring local cream, cider or seafood, and keep the evening unhurried—tomorrow’s beach circuit will be much better with an early start.

Morning

Start with Pegasus Bridge in Bénouville, arriving around 8:30am before the coach groups. The small museum opens seasonally from about 9:00am; allow 1½ hours for the bridge, glider displays and café. The original bridge has been moved into the museum grounds, while the replacement bridge still carries local traffic nearby. From Caen, allow roughly 20 minutes by car via the D515, with free parking close to the museum; bring a light jacket, as the canal area can feel breezy.

Drive west for about 35 minutes to Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, ideally arriving late morning. This is the key stop for understanding the Canadian role on D-Day, and the exhibits are thoughtfully presented rather than overwhelming. Allow 1½ hours, plus a short walk along the seafront; seasonal opening is generally around 10:00am–6:00pm, with admission approximately €8–10. For a quick lunch, use the cafés around the harbour or buy a galette to eat near the beach—keeping it simple gives you time for the afternoon.

Afternoon & Evening

Continue along the coast for about 30 minutes to Arromanches-les-Bains. At Arromanches 360, the circular film and cliff-top outlook make the scale of the artificial Mulberry harbour immediately clear; allow about an hour. Parking can fill quickly in summer, so use the signed car parks above the town and walk down rather than attempting to drive through the narrow centre. Afterwards, take the D514 for roughly 15 minutes to Longues-sur-Mer Battery, where the preserved guns sit among open fields above the Channel. The site is usually free and accessible during daylight; allow 45 minutes and wear sturdy shoes, since the grass can be uneven. Finish in Bayeux at La Régalade, a relaxed choice for regional cooking and a welcome change from roadside lunches; book ahead for dinner, expect about €30–45 per person, and allow 1½ hours before the short drive back to Caen.

Morning & Drive South

Leave Caen around 7:00am for the long drive to Bordeaux, following the A28 and A10. Allow 6½–7½ hours including breaks, with roughly €80–120 for fuel and tolls. A practical stop is a motorway service area around Le Mans or Tours; keep the break short, as arriving in Bordeaux before late afternoon makes the evening much more enjoyable. On arrival, avoid driving into the historic centre if possible—park at a central garage such as Parking Camille Jullian or Parking Pey-Berland, then leave the car there for the night.

Late Afternoon by the Garonne

After checking in, head first to Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’eau, Bordeaux’s classic riverside scene. Allow about an hour to stroll along the quays, photograph the eighteenth-century façades and enjoy the changing reflections across the shallow water. It is a pleasant walk from the centre, and the square is particularly atmospheric in the softer late-afternoon light. From there, take a taxi or tram toward the Bassins à flot district—allow around 20–30 minutes—and spend roughly two hours at the Cité du Vin. The museum is open late in summer, but check the 2027 session times and reserve a timed entry; tickets are generally around €22–25, including the panoramic tasting area. The modern building and views over the port are as worthwhile as the exhibitions.

Evening Market & Dinner

Return toward Saint-Michel for an early-evening browse through Marché des Capucins, Bordeaux’s largest covered food market. It is best for grazing rather than a formal meal: look for oysters, cheese, charcuterie and regional produce, though individual stalls typically close between late afternoon and early evening, so aim to arrive by about 6:00pm. Then walk north for 15–20 minutes through Saint-Michel and Saint-Pierre to Le Petit Commerce. Book ahead for a seafood-focused dinner—allow €35–55 per person—and ask for the catch of the day. Afterward, keep the evening gentle with a walk through the illuminated lanes around Rue du Parlement Saint-Pierre; Bordeaux’s centre is compact, and this is a good night to rest after the long road day.

Morning

Leave Bordeaux around 8:00am for San Sebastián, following the A63 toward the Spanish border and then the AP-8. Allow roughly 2½–3 hours, plus a short stop if needed. Before setting off, confirm that the rental agreement permits cross-border travel into Spain; tolls, fuel and any cross-border charges may total about €35–60. On arrival, use the underground Parking Txofre or Parking Boulevard rather than trying to find street parking in the centre, then leave the car there for the day.

Afternoon

Take a taxi or local bus toward Monte Igueldo in Antiguo—the funicular is the most enjoyable approach when operating, but check service times locally as they can vary. Allow about 1½ hours for the viewpoint, old-fashioned amusement park and sweeping views across La Concha Bay and the coastline. Admission to the funicular and park is modest, usually around €4–6 return, with rides charged separately. Walk or bus back into the centre, then spend an hour strolling La Concha Beach and its elegant promenade, continuing as far as the Peine del Viento sculptures if you want a little extra sea air.

Evening

Head into Parte Vieja before the dinner rush, when the narrow streets are lively but not yet packed. Begin at Bar Néstor, where the famous tortilla is served in very limited quantities—arrive around 7:30–8:00pm and ask staff about the next serving, as it may sell out quickly. Then make an informal pintxos crawl through the Old Town: try Gandarias for grilled seafood and meat, La Cuchara de San Telmo for richer hot dishes, and A Fuego Negro for more inventive plates. Expect about €3–5 per pintxo and €2–4 for a zurito or cider; two or three bars is plenty. Keep some cash handy, and order one or two items at each stop rather than trying to make a full meal in one place.

Morning & Journey South

The planned road journey from San Sebastián to Praia da Luz is exceptionally long—roughly 10–11 hours of driving—so leave before dawn, ideally around 5:30am. Follow the A-8, A-62, A-66 and A-49, allowing for fuel, coffee and a proper lunch stop; Spain’s motorway service areas are generally more useful than trying to detour into a town. Keep passports and rental documentation handy for the Spain–Portugal crossing, and confirm that the vehicle is authorised for Portugal. In practice, this drive leaves little sightseeing time, so treat the afternoon as an arrival and recovery period rather than trying to add another stop.

Evening in Praia da Luz

After checking in and dropping the car, head straight to Praia da Luz for an easy hour on the sheltered beach. The pale sand and calm bay are particularly pleasant in the early evening, when the heat has eased; bring a light layer, as the Atlantic breeze often picks up. A short uphill walk then takes you to Fortaleza da Luz, where the remaining walls and clifftop position provide broad views over the bay—allow about 45 minutes, though access can be seasonal and sometimes limited, so enjoy the viewpoint even if the interior is closed.

Finish at Boia Beach Bar, right on the waterfront, for a relaxed dinner of seafood, salads or grilled dishes. Expect roughly €25–40 per person with drinks, and aim to arrive around 7:30–8:00pm to secure a table without rushing. After such a demanding drive, this is a good night to stay local: walk back along the seafront, avoid another car journey, and turn in early.

Morning

Start early in Lagos, ideally around 7:30am, for Ponta da Piedade before the heat and boat-trip crowds build. The clifftop viewpoints are free and linked by a short boardwalk, but the best perspective is from the water; boat excursions from Lagos Marina usually take 1–1½ hours and cost roughly €25–40 per person. Check the sea forecast before booking, as trips can be cancelled in rough conditions. From the viewpoints, allow about 10 minutes by car to Praia do Camilo; the steep staircase down to this small cove takes effort, so bring water and reef-safe sunscreen. Spend around an hour swimming or enjoying the beach, but leave enough time to climb back up before the midday sun.

Lunch & Departure

Return to central Lagos and spend 30–45 minutes at Mercado Municipal de Lagos, where the upper floor has fish stalls and the ground level is useful for fruit, pastries and local picnic supplies. It is generally open in the morning and closes in the early afternoon, so do not leave this stop too late. Then walk or drive a few minutes to O Camilo for the planned seafood lunch overlooking the coast; reserve ahead if possible, especially for an outside table. Allow about €30–50 per person, and keep lunch to roughly 1½ hours because the airport transfer is time-sensitive.

After lunch, drive from Lagos to Faro Airport via the A22, allowing about an hour plus time for the toll system and fuel. Leave Lagos at least 2½–3 hours before the flight: return the rental car, photograph its condition and fuel level, and allow extra time if the rental depot is off-site. At Faro Airport, aim to be inside the terminal at least two hours before departure; the airport is compact, but summer queues for bag drop, security and passport control can be lengthy.

Arrival & Old Town

After the flight from Faro, allow around 30–40 minutes from Dubrovnik Airport to the Pile Gate by taxi or the airport shuttle. The shuttle is usually the better-value option—roughly €10–15—while a taxi is commonly €35–45, depending on traffic and luggage. Ask your hotel about luggage storage, as vehicles cannot enter the historic centre; from Pile Gate, the walk over polished stone and steps is short but awkward with large bags. Once settled, spend about 45 minutes strolling Stradun, the Old Town’s broad limestone main street. Go slowly and look into the small side lanes, where the crowds thin almost immediately; late afternoon is much more pleasant than midday.

Continue toward Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector’s Palace, allowing about 1½ hours together. The cathedral’s treasury and ornate Baroque interior are worth seeing, while the palace’s courtyards and former government rooms give a clearer sense of the old republic than simply walking the walls. Combined tickets are often around €10–15, though opening hours vary by season and religious services can restrict cathedral access, so check at the entrance. Keep some time for a coffee or cold drink around Gundulić Square before heading south through the narrow lanes toward the sea.

Evening

For sunset, walk out through the southern side of the walls to Buza Bar, following the signs for “cold drinks” through a small opening in the masonry. It is rustic rather than polished, with uneven rocks and limited seating, but the Adriatic view is superb. Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset for a table; drinks are roughly €5–8, and swimming from the rocks is tempting but only sensible in calm conditions. Return through the Old Town for dinner at Proto, one of the more established seafood restaurants in Široka Street. Expect approximately €50–80 per person before wine; reserve ahead, especially in August, and ask for the catch of the day or a Dalmatian shellfish dish rather than defaulting to the tourist-menu options.

Morning: Dubrovnik to Kotor

Leave Dubrovnik around 7:00am for the coastal drive to Kotor, allowing 2½–4 hours rather than relying on the nominal driving time. The Debeli Brijeg–Karasovići border crossing can be slow in August, so carry passports, check that the rental agreement permits travel into Montenegro, and keep some euros for roadside cafés or parking. The most scenic stretch is around Herceg Novi and the inner Bay of Kotor, but avoid stopping too often if you need to reach Kotor Old Town before the midday heat.

Spend about 1½ hours wandering Kotor Old Town, entering through the Sea Gate and following the lanes around Square of the Arms, St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and St. Luke’s Church. The compact centre is best explored on foot; shaded cafés along Trg od Oružja are useful for a cold drink, although prices are higher than in the surrounding streets. Skip the demanding fortress climb today—the schedule is tight and the afternoon airport transfer matters more.

Afternoon: Perast and onward flight

Drive roughly 20 minutes along the bay to Perast, where a short boat trip takes you across to Our Lady of the Rocks. Allow around 1½ hours including the boat ride, the small island church and a little time beside the waterfront. Boats generally depart when there are enough passengers, so confirm the return arrangement before boarding; bring sun protection, as there is very little shade on the water. Have a quick lunch at Conte Restaurant on the Perast waterfront if timing allows, or keep it simple with a bakery snack before continuing to Tivat Airport.

Allow at least 45 minutes for the drive from Perast to Tivat Airport, plus car return and summer airport queues. Your onward Kotor–Bucharest flight and connection will consume most of the afternoon, so verify the departure airport carefully—Tivat Airport is the practical choice for this itinerary—and retain a buffer for traffic around Tivat. On arrival in Bucharest, take an official taxi or pre-booked transfer to the centre; the airport journey commonly takes 30–50 minutes depending on traffic.

Evening: Historic Bucharest dinner

Settle into Bucharest Old Town and walk to Caru’ cu Bere, a grand, wood-panelled beer hall dating from the nineteenth century. Reserve ahead, particularly for a Saturday evening, and ask for a table inside to enjoy the ornate interior; dinner is roughly €20–35 per person. Romanian classics such as sarmale, mămăligă and grilled meats are the natural choice, with local beer or house wine. After dinner, take an unhurried stroll around Strada Lipscani and Strada Stavropoleos, but keep the night modest—the day combines an international border crossing, a boat trip and a flight.

Morning

Start at the Palace of Parliament, arriving for the first available guided tour—usually from around 9:00am, although entry times and identification requirements can change, so reserve ahead and bring your passport. Allow about two hours for the interiors, vast staircases and ceremonial rooms; tickets are commonly around 60–100 lei, with security checks and no casual walk-in access. From central Bucharest, take a Bolt or taxi, as the building is awkward to reach quickly by public transport. Afterwards, walk or take a short ride to Cişmigiu Gardens, entering from Regina Elisabeta Boulevard for a relaxed, shaded hour among the lake, bridges and mature trees. The garden is free and open throughout the day, making it a good pause before the heat builds.

Afternoon

Continue toward Revolution Square and visit the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the city’s most elegant buildings. If it is open between rehearsals or events, allow around 45 minutes to see the ornate foyer and frescoed concert hall; opening access can be irregular, so treat this as a flexible stop and check the day’s schedule at the entrance. For lunch, grab something simple nearby before heading by metro or Bolt to Obor Market—the M2/M1 connection via Piaţa Victoriei is practical, but a ride is easier with luggage. Spend about 90 minutes browsing the stalls and food counters: try mici with mustard, grilled sausages, covrigi or a slice of placintă, and look for the upper-floor food hall if the open-air section feels too hot.

Evening & Departure

Leave Obor Market with plenty of time for Henri Coandă International Airport. A Bolt or taxi usually takes 35–60 minutes depending on traffic; the airport train from Bucharest North is predictable but requires getting across town first. For an international evening flight, aim to be at the airport three hours before departure, allowing time for check-in, passport control and a possible terminal queue. Keep your passport and any checked-baggage documents accessible, and avoid a late sit-down meal in the city—eat at Obor or use the airport after security before boarding for Bangkok.

Arrival & Check-in

After landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport, follow the signs to the Airport Rail Link in the basement. Trains run roughly every 10–15 minutes to Phaya Thai, taking about 30 minutes; from there, use the BTS Skytrain or a short taxi ride to your hotel. The rail link is usually the quickest option in daytime traffic and costs approximately ฿15–45. Check in, shower and take a proper rest before heading out—Bangkok’s heat and humidity are much easier once you have cooled down.

Afternoon: Jim Thompson House Museum

In the afternoon, take the BTS to National Stadium and walk through the quieter lanes of Wang Mai to Jim Thompson House Museum. The traditional teak houses, shaded gardens and Southeast Asian art collection make this an excellent gentle introduction to Bangkok; allow about 1½ hours. Guided tours are generally included with admission, commonly around ฿200, and the museum typically operates from late morning until early evening, but confirm the 2027 timetable before travelling. Wear shoes that are easy to remove, as some interiors require visitors to go barefoot.

Late Afternoon & Evening

Walk or take one BTS stop to Siam Paragon, where the air-conditioning is welcome and the lower-level food hall is particularly useful if jet lag has reduced your appetite. Spend around 1½ hours browsing the shops and dining options, then take a taxi or BTS-and-taxi combination toward Samran Rat; allow 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Finish at Thip Samai, one of the city’s best-known pad Thai restaurants, for a straightforward dinner of noodles, prawns or the restaurant’s famous egg-wrapped version. Budget approximately ฿150–300 per person, and expect a queue at peak dinner time—arriving around 6:00pm is usually more comfortable than later in the evening.

Morning

Start early at the Grand Palace, ideally arriving around 8:00am before the heat and tour groups build. The complex generally opens from 8:30am, with admission around ฿500; modest clothing is essential—shoulders and knees covered, no see-through fabric, and hats removed inside the temple buildings. Allow about two hours for the royal courtyards and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok’s most important temple. A taxi or Grab is easiest from most central hotels, though the MRT Sanam Chai station is useful if you are staying near the riverside.

Walk south for roughly 10 minutes to Wat Pho, entering through the quieter side streets around Thai Wang Road. Spend about 1½ hours seeing the enormous Reclining Buddha, the tiled courtyards and the traditional massage school. Entry is usually around ฿300, and the temple is generally open from 8:00am to 6:30pm. This is a good place to pause with a cold drink, but keep lunch light—the exposed courtyards become very hot by midday.

Afternoon & Evening

From Wat Pho, walk to the nearby Tha Tien Pier and take the cross-river ferry to Wat Arun; the ride is only a few minutes and usually costs a few baht. Allow about 1½ hours for the temple grounds and the steep central prang, whose porcelain detail is especially striking in the afternoon light. Dress respectfully and take care on the steps. Afterwards, return by ferry to Tha Tien and settle in for dinner at Supanniga Eating Room by Khun Yai, a short walk from the pier. Reserve ahead if possible; the restaurant’s refined northeastern and eastern Thai dishes suit a relaxed final evening, with dinner typically around ฿800–1,500 per person. Book a Grab back to your hotel after eating, as riverside traffic can be slow even over short distances.

Morning

Start at Chatuchak Weekend Market around 9:00am, before the heat and the busiest crowds. Take the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet for the most convenient entrance, or the BTS to Mo Chit; allow about 30–45 minutes from central Bangkok. Give yourself roughly 2½ hours to browse the labyrinth of stalls selling ceramics, textiles, artwork, clothing and small souvenirs. Carry cash, keep valuables secure, and bring a foldable bag—many smaller vendors do not accept cards. The market is generally open from around 9:00am, though individual stalls vary, and it is best to avoid buying anything heat-sensitive early if you still have sightseeing ahead.

Afternoon Exploring

Have a light lunch near Ari or at the market, then take the MRT from Chatuchak Park to Sukhumvit, changing to the BTS for National Stadium; the trip takes about 35–45 minutes. Spend around 1½ hours at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, a useful air-conditioned pause with rotating contemporary Thai exhibitions, photography and design displays. It is usually open Tuesday–Sunday from late morning until around 8:00pm and is commonly free, although special exhibitions may charge. From there, walk or take a short taxi to Lumphini Park for an easy late-afternoon stroll around the lakes and gardens. Aim for about 4:30pm, when the light softens and Bangkok residents come out for exercise; allow an hour and keep water with you.

Evening & Departure Preparation

Continue by BTS from Sala Daeng or Ratchadamri toward Thong Lo, then walk or take a short motorbike taxi to the Soi 38 street-food area. It is a relaxed final meal rather than a destination for a long evening—budget approximately ฿200–500 per person for noodles, grilled dishes, mango sticky rice or fresh fruit. Stalls and opening days can change, so have a nearby Sukhumvit restaurant as a backup. Return to the hotel for your final packing and airport check: keep passports, boarding details, medicines and valuables in your hand luggage, confirm baggage allowances, and arrange an early transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport. For a morning international flight, leave central Bangkok roughly 3½ hours before departure; the Airport Rail Link is inexpensive but a pre-booked car is more practical with luggage or an early start.

Early Morning: Hotel to Suvarnabhumi Airport

Have breakfast near your hotel or arrange a takeaway the night before, then leave central Bangkok roughly three hours before your international departure—four hours if travelling during heavy rain or the weekday morning rush. A pre-booked taxi or Grab is simplest with luggage; allow around 40–75 minutes from central neighbourhoods, depending on traffic. The Airport Rail Link is useful from Phaya Thai when operating and when you are travelling light, but a car is more practical for an early flight and multiple bags.

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, allow time for airline check-in, baggage drop, immigration and security. International counters and queues can vary considerably, so do not cut it close. Once airside, use the airport’s cafés and shops rather than making a separate city stop; keep Thai baht available for snacks, and check your gate carefully because some concourses require a lengthy walk or an automated train transfer.

Flight to Sydney

Take the first suitable Bangkok–Sydney service, usually a direct flight of about 9–10 hours depending on the schedule. Keep your passport, boarding pass and any Australian arrival documents accessible, and expect Sydney arrival procedures to include immigration, baggage collection and biosecurity screening. If you have fresh food, plants or other restricted items, declare them—Australia’s checks are strict, and declaring is far easier than risking a fine.

On landing at Sydney Airport, follow signs to the Airport Link train, taxi rank or your pre-arranged pickup. The train is fastest into the city but carries an airport access surcharge; taxis and rideshares are more convenient with substantial luggage. With the flight crossing time zones and the International Terminal often busy, treat the arrival day as a recovery day rather than planning anything time-sensitive.