Relaxing 10-Day Itinerary for Venice, Florence, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, and Nice

• Day 1: Venice

Begin your Italian adventure in Venice, the charming city built on a lagoon with picturesque canals and magnificent architecture. Stroll around Piazza San Marco, sip a Bellini at Harry’s Bar, and indulge in fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the scenic views.

• Day 2: Florence

Continue your journey to Florence, the city of the Renaissance, where the world’s art treasures are kept. Admire the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, climb Giotto's Campanile, and explore the Galleria degli Uffizi, one of Europe’s best museums!

• Day 3-4: Rome

Travel to Rome, the Eternal City, and discover the impressive Colosseum, the historic Pantheon, and the Vatican Museums, home to priceless art collections, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. Also, indulge in homemade pasta and refreshing gelato!

• Day 5-6: Barcelona

Head to Barcelona, the vibrant city of Gaudi's masterpieces. Marvel at the iconic Sagrada Familia and the artistic Park Guell, stroll along La Rambla, and taste traditional churros dipped in hot chocolate.

• Day 7-8: Madrid

Travel to Madrid, the lively capital of Spain. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Prado Museum, and the Buen Retiro Park. Also, try authentic tapas, drink sangria, and dance Flamenco!

• Day 9-10: Paris and Nice

Conclude your trip by exploring Paris, the City of Light, and Nice, the Pearl of the French Riviera. Admire the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and stroll around the cozy Montmartre area in Paris, and relax on the beaches, enjoy the Mediterranean food, and visit the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Venice (2 days): St. Mark’s Basilica (2 hrs, $4), Doge’s Palace (2 hrs, $21), Gondola ride (1 hr, $79)
• Florence (1 day): Uffizi Gallery (3 hrs, $33), Palazzo Pitti (2 hrs, $20), Piazza del Duomo (1 hr, free)
• Rome (2 days): Colosseum (2 hrs, $20), Vatican Museums (4 hrs, $28), Roman Forum (2 hrs, $20)
• Barcelona (2 days): Sagrada Familia (2 hrs, $35), Park Guell (2 hrs, $14), Gothic Quarter (2 hrs, free)
• Madrid (2 days): Prado Museum (3 hrs, $17), Buen Retiro Park (2 hrs, free), Royal Palace (2 hrs, $16)
• Paris and Nice (2 days): Eiffel Tower (2 hrs, $20), Louvre Museum (4 hrs, $24), Nice Beaches (2 hrs, free)

Total Estimated Costs: $457

Transportation

Travel between cities by train for convenience and comfort. The average cost can range from $25-$150 per trip, depending on the speed and class. Flight options are also available, but it may cost more and take longer due to airport checks and transfers. Consider purchasing a Eurail Pass to travel flexibly and economically in multiple countries.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a day trip from Rome to Capri or visit Monaco from Nice to enhance your experience. If you have less time, prioritize the highlights and skip the less important sights. Pack comfortable shoes for walking and dress modestly when visiting churches and holy places. Finally, learn some basic Italian, Spanish, and French phrases to interact with the locals and enhance your cultural immersion.