Budget-Friendly European Adventure: Istanbul to Croatia via Portugal and Spain

Day 1: Arrival and Intro

Istanbul, Turkey on July 21, 2025

2:00PM

Check-in at Cheers Hostel

Stay at Cheers Hostel in Sultanahmet, a budget-friendly, social spot perfect for first-time visitors with great access to main attractions.
EUR20, Ongoing

3:30PM

Explore Sultanahmet Square

Walk around the historic Sultanahmet district to see the outside of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque for free, getting a feel of Istanbul's rich history.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy budget-friendly traditional Turkish meatballs in a historic local eatery known for authentic flavours at affordable prices.
EUR5, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on July 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with an affordable, delicious traditional Turkish breakfast packed with cheeses and olives.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia with its stunning architecture and rich history. Tickets are inexpensive and well worth it.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Head to Çiya on the Asian side for affordable and diverse Anatolian dishes, perfect for trying new flavours on a budget.
EUR7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Grand Bazaar

Spend the afternoon exploring the famous Grand Bazaar. It's free to wander and offers cultural immersion and cheap souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dürümzade

Enjoy delicious, cheap Turkish wraps (dürüm) at this famous spot preferred by locals and travellers on a budget.
EUR4, 1 hour
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Day 3: Fly to Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on July 23, 2025

7:00AM

Fly Istanbul to Lisbon

Catch a budget flight early morning to Lisbon. Approximate flight time is 4.5 hours with budget airlines.
EUR40, 4.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Home Lisbon Hostel

Book a bed at Home Lisbon Hostel, famous for being budget-friendly and social, situated in central Lisbon.
EUR18, Ongoing

1:00PM

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample a variety of affordable Portuguese dishes at the food market with budget stalls and tasty local flavours.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Alfama District

Wander through the narrow streets of historic Alfama on foot, enjoy free panoramic views at Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Zé dos Cornos

Try traditional Portuguese grilled meat at this local budget eatery in Alfama known for its affordable prices.
EUR7, 1 hour
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Day 4: Lisbon Culture

Lisbon, Portugal on July 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at A Padaria Portuguesa

Grab an affordable Portuguese pastry and coffee at this popular bakery chain.
EUR3, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Belém

Take tram or bus to Belém to visit Jerónimos Monastery (free on Sundays before 2 PM) and see the Tower of Belém (pretty from outside).
EUR0-5, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pastéis de Belém

Sample the famous Pastel de Nata custard tarts at their original spot; very affordable treats.
EUR3, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore LX Factory

Discover this creative hub full of street art, bookshops, and affordable cafes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro (budget tip: share seafood dishes)

A Lisbon favourite for fresh seafood. Order small plates and share to keep costs low.
EUR12, 1 hour
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Day 5: Lisbon to Porto

Porto, Portugal on July 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Have a simple hostel breakfast to save money before your travel.
Included, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Travel Lisbon to Porto by bus

Take an affordable Flixbus or Rede Expressos bus to Porto; approx 3 hours journey.
EUR15, 3 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Gallery Hostel

Stay at Gallery Hostel in Porto’s artsy district – affordable with great local vibe and facilities.
EUR20, Ongoing

1:30PM

Lunch at Casa Guedes

Try renowned Portuguese pork and cheese sandwich at this wallet-friendly eatery.
EUR5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk along Ribeira

Enjoy a free scenic riverside stroll on Porto’s waterfront with colourful buildings and lively atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Adega São Nicolau

Local spot serving traditional affordable Portuguese dishes with a welcoming atmosphere.
EUR8, 1 hour
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Day 6: Explore Porto

Porto, Portugal on July 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Padaria Ribeiro

Start the day with affordable Portuguese pastries and coffee from this popular bakery.
EUR3, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Livraria Lello

Explore one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Entrance is EUR5 but redeemable against any book purchase.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Port Wine Cellar Walking Tour

Free to walk around Vila Nova de Gaia and view port cellars. Tours are extra but walking and tasting from some cellars can be cheap and fun.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Enjoy an inexpensive meal and shop for local fresh products in this vibrant market.
EUR6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Free Walking Tour Porto

Join a budget-friendly free walking tour to learn the city’s history and hidden gems. Usually lasts about 2 hours.
Tip based, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Casa d'Oro

Affordable pizza with beautiful river views, perfect for budget travellers.
EUR7, 1 hour
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Day 7: Porto to Faro

Faro, Portugal on July 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Keep it light and budget-friendly before traveling.
Included, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Fly Porto to Faro

Book a low-cost flight from Porto to Faro, around 1 hour, to save time for your 5-day stay in the Algarve.
EUR30, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-in at Rising Cock Hostel

Faro’s popular budget hostel with a social vibe and close to beaches and town centre.
EUR15, Ongoing

11:00AM

Explore Faro Old Town

Walk freely through the walled Old Town with sights like Faro Cathedral and Arco da Vila.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vila Adentro

Budget-friendly local Portuguese eatery in the Old Town serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
EUR7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Praia de Faro

Relax on the beach for free, enjoying Algarve’s famous golden sands and sea.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at A Venda

Affordable meals with authentic Algarvian dishes, perfect for budget conscious travellers.
EUR8, 1 hour
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Day 8: Faro Relaxation

Faro, Portugal on July 28, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa Faro

Enjoy Portuguese pastries and coffee on a budget in a local bakery chain.
EUR3, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Boat Tour to Ria Formosa Islands

Take an affordable public boat trip to the islands within the Ria Formosa Natural Park for stunning beaches and birdwatching.
EUR10, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at O Murta

Family-run restaurant serving inexpensive traditional Portuguese meals.
EUR6, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Faro Municipal Museum

Discover Faro’s history in a small, affordable museum located in a 16th-century convent.
EUR3, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Artista Bistro

Enjoy budget-friendly dishes with a creative twist in a casual environment.
EUR8, 1 hour
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Day 9: Beach Day Faro

Faro, Portugal on July 29, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Simple hostel breakfast to start your beach day.
Included, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Beach Day at Praia de Faro

Relax on the sandy beaches, swim in the ocean, and soak up the sun.
Free, Full day

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Buy groceries from a local supermarket and have a budget-friendly picnic on the beach.
EUR5, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Snack Bar O Castelo

Casual budget spot popular for seafood snacks and local dishes.
EUR7, 1 hour
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Day 10: Explore Nearby Villages

Faro, Portugal on July 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Keep it easy with your hostel breakfast before a day-trip.
Included, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Day trip to Tavira by Bus

Catch a cheap regional bus to Tavira, a charming Algarve town known for history and affordable eateries.
EUR4, 1 hour each way

12:30PM

Lunch in Tavira at Brisa do Rio

Enjoy low-cost traditional Algarvean dishes by the riverfront.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Tavira Castle and Town

Walk through Tavira’s old town and castle ruins with minimal entry fees and stunning views.
EUR2, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Faro

Catch bus back to Faro for the night.
Included, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Praca

Budget-friendly international and Portuguese menu at this friendly casual spot in Faro.
EUR8, 1 hour
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Day 11: Faro to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on July 31, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy your hostel breakfast or pick up a budget pastry for the flight.
Included, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Fly Faro to Barcelona

Take an early budget flight from Faro to Barcelona, approx 1 hour 45 minutes.
EUR40, 1.75 hours

11:15AM

Check-in at Hostel One Ramblas

Stay in a budget-friendly, social hostel in central Barcelona close to major attractions.
EUR25, Ongoing

12:00PM

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Pick budget-friendly tapas and fresh produce in this world-famous market and eat on the go.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Gothic Quarter

Free walking around Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with charming streets, plazas, and historical buildings.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Affordable tapas bar popular with locals and travellers, great budget tastes of Catalonia.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 12: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on August 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy affordable continental-style breakfast with good coffee in a hip café.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Parc Güell

Book in advance for cheap entrance tickets to Gaudí’s famous colourful park with excellent views of Barcelona.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vega

Budget-friendly vegan and vegetarian dishes in the city centre, high quality and affordable.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit La Sagrada Família exterior and Park

Enjoy free views of Gaudí’s iconic basilica and explore nearby parks without paying large entrance fees.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Free beach access to relax, swim and people watch near the sea.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at El Rey de la Gamba

Small local eatery offering fresh seafood tapas at budget prices.
EUR9, 1 hour
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Day 13: Travel Croatia

Split, Croatia on August 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Simple hostel breakfast to start your journey.
Included, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Fly Barcelona to Split

Book a budget flight to Split, Croatia with approx 2-hour duration.
EUR50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Hostel Split

Choose a budget-friendly hostel such as Hostel Split with good reviews and central location.
EUR18, Ongoing

1:00PM

Lunch at Kantun Paulina

Try affordable authentic Croatian local fast food including cevapi and freshly baked bread rolls.
EUR5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Diocletian's Palace

Free to roam the ancient Roman palace ruins and maze of streets in Split’s old town for as long as you like.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Konoba Matejuska

Budget-friendly seafood and Dalmatian dishes in a casual setting near the harbour.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 14: Croatia Coastal Day

Split, Croatia on August 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lokal Makarska

Affordable Croatian breakfast in a friendly, casual spot.
EUR5, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Marjan Hill

Free hike around the green space overlooking Split and its beaches, perfect panoramic photo opportunity.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Fife Restaurant

Popular budget-friendly eatery offering local specialties in a casual environment.
EUR7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax on Bacvice Beach

Enjoy the central sandy beach, swimming and sunbathing with free access.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Galija

Taste budget-friendly Croatian-style pizzas and satisfy your appetite affordably.
EUR7, 1 hour
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Day 15: Travel to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Hostel breakfast to fuel the day’s travel.
Included, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Bus from Split to Dubrovnik

Take an affordable 4.5-hour bus ride along the coast to Dubrovnik, enjoying beautiful scenery.
EUR15, 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Check-in at Hostel Angelina Old Town

Budget hostel well located inside Dubrovnik’s old town walls, perfect for exploring on foot.
EUR25, Ongoing

3:00PM

Stroll Dubrovnik Old Town

Enjoy walking the free parts of the historic old town streets and soaking in the atmosphere.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Lady Pi-Pi

Affordable grilled meat platters with great atmosphere near old town.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 16: Dubrovnik Adventure

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal

Affordable coffee and pastry in a café with sea views.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Walk Dubrovnik City Walls

Must-do budget-friendly activity to walk the city walls with stunning views over the Adriatic and old town (Entrance EUR35; consider early morning for fewer crowds).
EUR35, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Barba

Affordable spot serving fresh seafood and fast bites near the old town.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Banje Beach

Free access beach just outside city walls for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Taj Mahal

Budget Balkan cuisine with generous portions and local flavours.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 17: Island Day Trip

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Have hostel breakfast to prepare for day trip.
Included, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Island Ferry to Lokrum

Catch an affordable ferry (approx EUR10 round trip) to peaceful Lokrum island for hiking, swimming and gardens.
EUR10, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch on Lokrum

Bring snacks or buy small treats before departure for a budget picnic.
EUR5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Dubrovnik

Ferry back to city for final evening.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Tabasco

Affordable pizzas and casual dining close to hostel to end your day well.
EUR7, 1 hour
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Day 18: Final Croatia Days

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 7, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel or local bakery

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast to start your last days relaxed.
EUR3, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Relax and explore local markets

Spend your day slow, browsing local markets and casually exploring Dubrovnik’s less touristy parts for free.
Free, Half a day

1:00PM

Lunch at Bar Toni

Simple local tavern with very affordable meals and friendly vibe.
EUR7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit St. Blaise Church

Free to enter and an important cultural site in Dubrovnik’s old town.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kamenice

Budget-friendly fresh shellfish near old town for your last dinner in Croatia.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 19: Leisure & Departure Prep

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 8, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Festival

Affordable breakfast close to hostel for a slow morning.
EUR4, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Pack and final local stroll

Use your last day to pack leisurely, visit favourite spots one last time or relax at a park/free beach.
Free, Half a day

1:00PM

Light lunch from local bakeries

Pick up some fresh, budget-friendly pastries for a light meal.
EUR4, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Buffet Skaradari

Affordable and hearty Croatian buffet option perfect for a last meal.
EUR8, 1 hour
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Day 20: Relaxation in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 9, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy your final breakfasts in the hostel to save money.
Included, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Day at Lapad Beach

Free beach with less crowds to enjoy swimming and relaxing outdoors.
Free, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch picnic

Pack your own picnic from supermarket items for an affordable meal on the beach.
EUR5, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Nishta

Budget vegan/vegetarian dishes in a cosy setting to round out your trip.
EUR9, 1 hour
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Day 21: Last Day & Departure

Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy your last hostel breakfast before departure.
Included, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Final souvenir shopping

Visit inexpensive souvenir shops within old town for last-minute gifts and memories.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local bakery

Quick and cheap bakery meal before heading to airport.
EUR4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Travel to Dubrovnik Airport

Take shuttle or local bus to the airport preparing for your flight back home.
EUR5, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Fly Dubrovnik to Cape Town

Your flight departs Dubrovnik for Cape Town via connecting airports with budget airlines as booked.
Variable, Overnight
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