Affordable European Adventure: Santo Domingo to Spain, Portugal, and Italy

Day 1: Travel to Spain

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on September 21, 2025

8:00 AM

Depart Santo Domingo

Catch your flight from Santo Domingo to Madrid, which should be pre-booked for the best rates.
$300, Approx. 5 hours flying time

Day 2: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain on September 22, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy traditional Spanish breakfast with stunning views of the Royal Palace.
$15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Explore the opulent rooms and beautiful gardens of this historical site.
$12, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Sample various Spanish tapas and relax in this vibrant market atmosphere.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Retiro Park

Stroll through this beautiful park, enjoy greenery, and rent a paddleboat on the lake.
$0, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Savor their famous huevos rotos, a popular local dish.
$30, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Family Time

Madrid, Spain on September 23, 2025

10:00 AM

Visit Family

Spend quality time with family, enjoy a homemade breakfast together.
$0, All Day

1:00 PM

Lunch with Family

Enjoy a family-cooked meal, which is a great opportunity to catch up.
$0, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Walk in the Neighborhood

Explore the family favorite local area or nearby parks.
$0, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Experience a local restaurant your family recommends.
$20, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Travel to Lisbon

Madrid, Spain to Lisbon, Portugal on September 24, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Start your day with coffee and pastries at a local café.
$10, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Train to Lisbon

Take a comfortable train from Madrid to Lisbon, booking tickets in advance for savings.
$50, Approx. 3 hours

3:00 PM

Check-in to Hotel

Find budget accommodation in central Lisbon.
$70, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit Belém Tower

Explore this iconic landmark and learn about its historical significance.
$8, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Time Out Market

Enjoy diverse food from various vendors in this popular food market.
$25, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Explore Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on September 25, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Drink some of the best coffee in Lisbon along with delicious pastries.
$10, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Alfama District

Wander the winding streets of Lisbon’s oldest district filled with charm and history.
$0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at A Cevicheria

Taste the unique ceviche menu from this highly rated restaurant.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore the Lisbon Oceanarium

Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world, great for all ages.
$25, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at O Prego da Peixaria

Indulge in amazing seafood sandwiches and local dishes.
$15, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Travel to Porto

Lisbon, Portugal to Porto on September 26, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Start your day with iconic pasteis de nata, a delicious custard tart.
$5, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Train to Porto

Hop on an early train to Porto, known for its beautiful riverfront and port wine.
$35, Approx. 3 hours

2:00 PM

Check-in to Hotel

Get settled in affordable accommodation in Porto.
$60, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Livraria Lello

Explore one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
$5, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Mercado Bom Sucesso

Try a variety of local foods from different vendors in Porto's market.
$20, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Discover Porto

Porto, Portugal on September 27, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Enjoy breakfast in a beautiful art nouveau café that is an iconic part of Porto.
$12, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Wine Tasting at Sandeman

Tour the famous Sandeman wine cellars and taste various port wines.
$25, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Taberna da Ribeira

Savor traditional Portuguese dishes in this cozy tavern.
$15, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Ribeira District

Wander around the colorful district along the Douro River, full of life and ambiance.
$0, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurante O Rápido

Choose from a variety of local seafood options at this no-frills spot.
$20, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Travel to Florence

Porto, Portugal to Florence, Italy on September 28, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Cereal House

Start with a healthy breakfast of cereals and smoothies.
$8, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Flight to Florence

Book an affordable flight to Florence, ensuring it's a budget-friendly carrier.
$70, Approx. 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Check-in to Hotel

Find your budget stay in central Florence to ease your exploration.
$80, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Experience authentic Florentine cuisine in a no-frills setting.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the most important art museums in the world with works from Michelangelo and Da Vinci.
$20, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy local dishes in this charming small restaurant.
$30, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Tuscany Adventure

Tuscany, Italy on September 29, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a simple breakfast at the hotel.
$0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Tuscany Day Trip

Rent a car or book a tour to explore the beautiful landscapes and vineyards of Tuscany.
$100 (Car Rental), All Day

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Vineyard

Enjoy a meal with wine tasting at a picturesque vineyard while surrounded by nature.
$50, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Tuccio

Finish your day enjoying a cozy dinner that serves hearty local dishes.
$25, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Travel to Rome

Tuscany, Italy to Rome, Italy on September 30, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast and prepare for a journey to Rome.
$0, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Travel to Rome

Head to Rome by train or car, allowing for picturesque views on the way.
$50, Approx. 2 hours

12:00 PM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle into a budget hotel in central Rome.
$90, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Experience the best Roman pizza from a renowned local bakery.
$15, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Colosseum Tour

Take a guided tour of the ancient Colosseum with plenty of history to learn.
$25, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo

Enjoy authentic Roman pasta dishes in this quaint eatery.
$25, 1.5 hours

Day 11: Explore Rome

Rome, Italy on October 1, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a simple breakfast at the hotel to kickstart your busy day.
$0, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Vatican Museums

Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and marvel at the Sistine Chapel.
$30, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pizzarium

Try outstanding Roman-style pizza by the slice at this highly-rated pizzeria.
$10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Pantheon

Explore the ancient Pantheon, a well-preserved Roman temple.
$0, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at La Rouchette

Enjoy casual Italian dining with comforting homemade dishes.
$20, 1.5 hours

Day 12: Travel Home

Rome to Santo Domingo on October 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Italy before heading home.
$0, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Depart for Airport

Make your way to the airport for your return flight.
$10 for transport, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Flight to Santo Domingo

Catch your flight back to Santo Domingo.
$300, Approx. 5 hours