10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Madrid, Pamplona, Barcelona, Paris

  1. Day 1: Madrid - Explore the City Center
    Estimated time from the airport: 25 minutes
    Estimated distance from the airport: 9 miles

    Visit the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol for a taste of the city's history and architecture. Have a traditional Spanish breakfast at El Brillante, known for their churros and chocolate.

  2. Day 2: Pamplona - Running of the Bulls
    Estimated time from Madrid: 4 hours
    Estimated distance from Madrid: 250 miles

    Experience the thrill of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Enjoy drinks and pintxos in the lively streets of the city center.

  3. Day 3: Pamplona - Visit the Citadel and Cathedral
    Estimated time from the city center: 20 minutes
    Estimated distance from the city center: 1.5 miles

    Take a tour of the impressive Citadel of Pamplona and visit the beautiful Pamplona Cathedral, a Gothic-style church with stunning artwork and stained glass.

  4. Day 4: Barcelona - Gothic Quarter and Park Guell
    Estimated time from Pamplona: 4 hours
    Estimated distance from Pamplona: 240 miles

    Explore the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter and visit the famous Park Guell for spectacular views of the city.

  5. Day 5: Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia and Beach
    Estimated time from the Gothic Quarter: 20 minutes
    Estimated distance from the Gothic Quarter: 3 miles

    Admire the stunning architecture of La Sagrada Familia, an unfinished masterpiece by Gaudi. Relax on the beach at Barceloneta and enjoy some seafood.

  6. Day 6: Paris - Montmartre and Moulin Rouge
    Estimated time from Barcelona: 6.5 hours
    Estimated distance from Barcelona: 625 miles

    Take a stroll through the charming artist enclave of Montmartre and enjoy a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge.

  7. Day 7: Paris - Eiffel Tower and River Seine Cruise
    Estimated time from Montmartre: 30 minutes
    Estimated distance from Montmartre: 3 miles

    Take in the spectacular view from the top of the Eiffel Tower and then see the city from a different perspective on a River Seine Cruise.

  8. Day 8: Paris - The Louvre and Notre Dame
    Estimated time from the Eiffel Tower: 15 minutes
    Estimated distance from the Eiffel Tower: 2 miles

    Visit the world-famous Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa. Admire the stunning architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral.

  9. Day 9: Paris - Palace of Versailles and Champs-Elysees
    Estimated time from the Notre Dame Cathedral: 45 minutes
    Estimated distance from the Notre Dame Cathedral: 13 miles

    Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, one of the most opulent palaces in the world. Stroll down the famous Champs-Elysees and do some shopping.

  10. Day 10: Paris - Montparnasse Tower and Jardin du Luxembourg
    Estimated time from the Palace of Versailles: 45 minutes
    Estimated distance from the Palace of Versailles: 13 miles

    Enjoy a panoramic view of Paris from the top of the Montparnasse Tower. Relax in the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • El Brillante (breakfast): (30 minutes, $8)
  • Drinks and pintxos in Pamplona: (2 hours, $15)
  • Park Guell: (2 hours, $12)
  • La Sagrada Familia: (1.5 hours, $15)
  • Seafood lunch at Barceloneta: (1 hour, $20)
  • Cabaret show at Moulin Rouge: (2 hours, $60)
  • Eiffel Tower: (2 hours, $20)
  • River Seine Cruise: (1.5 hours, $25)
  • Louvre Museum: (3 hours, $17)
  • Palace of Versailles: (4 hours, $25)
  • Jardin du Luxembourg: (1.5 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $217

Useful Tips

If you have more time, spend an extra day in each city to fully immerse yourself in the culture. If you have less time, skip the Palace of Versailles or Montmartre. Remember to check for seasonal events and closures before planning your itinerary.

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