Epic 20-Day European Tour Itinerary: Madrid to Paris with Iconic Cities & Scenic Stops

Day 1: Madrid Arrival

Madrid, Spain on November 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your Madrid adventure with traditional churros and hot chocolate at this famous 24/7 spot.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid

Visit the impressive official residence, admire stunning architecture and regal interiors.
EUR14, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Sample a variety of Spanish tapas and fresh seafood in this bustling historic market.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll Retiro Park

Relax in this expansive park featuring a lake, rose garden, and peaceful walking paths.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, savor classic roast suckling pig or lamb dishes.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 2: Madrid Museums

Madrid, Spain on November 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with views of the Royal Palace and traditional Spanish pastries.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Museo del Prado

Explore one of Europe’s best art museums, home to masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya.
EUR15, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Botánico

Enjoy Mediterranean dishes with local ingredients near Retiro Park.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Discover an extensive private collection of paintings spanning several centuries.
EUR13, 2h0m

6:00pm

Tapas dinner at El Tigre

Sample authentic, budget-friendly tapas with lively atmosphere in the Chueca neighborhood.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 3: Madrid to Barcelona

Travel: Madrid to Barcelona, Spain on November 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for train travel to Barcelona.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

High-speed train to Barcelona

Take the AVE train, a 2.5 to 3-hour scenic trip from Madrid to Barcelona.
EUR60, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Nacional Barcelona

Enjoy diverse Spanish food stations in a stylish food hall setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Sagrada Familia

Tour Gaudí’s world-famous basilica under stunning architectural design; pre-book tickets.
EUR26, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Enjoy classic tapas and local Catalan dishes in a bustling atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Barcelona Architecture

Barcelona, Spain on November 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Start with healthy and delicious brunch options with local and international flavors.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Park Güell

Explore Gaudí’s colorful mosaic park with panoramic views of Barcelona.
EUR13, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Sample fresh Catalan produce and enjoy a quick meal at one of many stalls.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Casa Batlló

Visit another Gaudí masterpiece famous for its organic shapes and interior design.
EUR25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Leisure walk on La Rambla

Experience the vibrant street filled with shops, street performers, and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Treat yourselves to innovative tapas by famous chef Ferran Adrià; reservation required.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 5: Barcelona to Rome

Travel: Barcelona to Rome, Italy on November 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before your flight.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight to Rome

Morning flight of approximately 2 hours to Rome Fiumicino Airport.
EUR70, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch near Piazza Navona

Have authentic Roman pasta dishes in a charming outdoor trattoria.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Pantheon & Piazza Navona walk

Visit the ancient Pantheon and explore the picturesque surrounding square.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Trevi Fountain visit

Throw a coin and immerse yourself in this iconic landmark’s beauty.
Free, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Savor traditional Roman cuisine in a cozy, popular neighborhood spot.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 6: Rome Ancient Sites

Rome, Italy on November 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy Italian espresso and pastries at a renowned spot.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Explore these iconic ancient ruins with a guided tour for full historical context.
EUR25, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Try some of Rome's best thin-crust pizzas in a lively setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Pre-book tickets to explore world-famous art collections including Michelangelo's ceiling.
EUR30, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Indulge in modern Roman dishes with a excellent wine selection in the city center.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 7: Rome to Florence

Travel: Rome to Florence, Italy on November 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the train station.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Train to Florence

High-speed train takes about 1h30m from Rome to Florence.
EUR30, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Diverse food stalls offering Tuscan specialties under one roof.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Duomo and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome

Enjoy breathtaking views of Florence from the top of the cathedral dome.
EUR25, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk Ponte Vecchio & riverside

Explore the iconic medieval bridge filled with artisan shops and watch the sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Try hearty Florentine dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina in a lively atmosphere.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 8: Florence Museums

Florence, Italy on November 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Coffee lovers' spot with great artisanal pastries.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Uffizi Gallery

Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Pre-book tickets.
EUR25, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Fettunta

Enjoy fresh seasonal Tuscan dishes and antipasti.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Accademia Gallery

Home of Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures worldwide.
EUR16, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Cozy restaurant known for authentic Tuscan cuisine and good wines.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 9: Florence to Venice

Travel: Florence to Venice, Italy on November 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before boarding the train to Venice.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Train to Venice

High-speed train ride lasting about 2 hours.
EUR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Al Portego

Traditional Venetian cicchetti and seafood plates near Rialto Bridge.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

St. Mark’s Basilica & Square

Explore iconic basilica, mosaics, and the bustling historic square.
Free entry; EUR5 for museum, 2h0m

4:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice canals from a classic gondola for about 30-40 minutes.
EUR80 per gondola (up to 6 people), 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Alla Madonna

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in an authentic Venetian setting.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 10: Venice to Amsterdam

Travel: Venice to Amsterdam, Netherlands on November 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before the early flight.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight to Amsterdam

Fly from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (~2.5 hours).
EUR80, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Foodhallen Amsterdam

Enjoy various international street food options in a lively indoor market.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Anne Frank House

Pre-book tickets to visit this deeply moving historic house and museum.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Canal Cruise

Relax on a scenic boat tour through Amsterdam’s famous canals.
EUR20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Moeders

Taste traditional Dutch home-cooked meals in a cozy environment.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 11: Amsterdam Museums

Amsterdam, Netherlands on November 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Enjoy Dutch pancakes with a variety of sweet and savory toppings.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Rijksmuseum

Discover Dutch Golden Age masterpieces including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
EUR20, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Loetje

Famous for its Dutch steak and traditional dishes in a casual setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Van Gogh Museum

Explore the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and letters.
EUR19, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at De Kas

Farm-to-table restaurant located in a greenhouse focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 12: Amsterdam to Bruges

Travel: Amsterdam to Bruges, Belgium on November 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light meal before train travel.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Train to Bruges

Train journey lasting about 3 hours with one transfer in Brussels.
EUR40, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bierbrasserie Cambrinus

Sample Belgian beers paired with traditional meals in a historic setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Historic Center & Belfry of Bruges

Climb the Belfry tower for panoramic city views and explore medieval streets.
EUR12, 2h0m

4:00pm

Canal Boat Tour

Relaxing 30-minute boat ride through Bruges' picturesque canals.
EUR10, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at De Stove

Cozy restaurant known for Flemish specialties and warm atmosphere.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 13: Brujas to Switzerland

Travel: Bruges to Zurich, Switzerland on November 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for long travel day with a hearty breakfast.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Train to Zurich

Approximately 7-8 hour train journey with changes through Brussels and Basel.
EUR80, 8h0m

4:30pm

Check-in and relax

Settle into accommodation in Zurich and relax after the journey.
Varies, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine like sausages and rösti in a historic venue.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 14: Zurich & Lucerne

Zurich & Lucerne, Switzerland on November 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Try Swiss chocolates and pastries at this famous café before exploring.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:30am

Walking tour of Zurich Old Town

Explore charming streets, Bahnhofstrasse shopping, and historic churches.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Train to Lucerne

Short 1-hour train ride to picturesque Lucerne.
CHF15, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker in Lucerne

Traditional Swiss fare including cheese fondue and bratwurst.
CHF30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Chapel Bridge & Lake Lucerne

See the iconic covered wooden bridge and stroll along the beautiful lakeside.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Zurich

Train back to Zurich to rest for evening plans.
CHF15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl Zurich

Dine at the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with a wide variety of options.
CHF35, 2h0m

Day 15: Zurich to Paris

Travel: Zurich to Paris, France on November 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat breakfast before departure to Paris.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

High-speed train to Paris

TGV Lyria train about 4 hours to Paris Gare de Lyon.
EUR80, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Le Bouillon Chartier

Classic Parisian brasserie known for affordable traditional dishes.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Notre-Dame and Latin Quarter

Walk around historic cathedral and lively Latin Quarter streets.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Famous for steak frites, served with special sauce in a classic setting.
EUR45, 2h0m

Day 16: Paris Landmarks

Paris, France on November 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Historic café known for rich coffee and Parisian atmosphere.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Louvre Museum

Spend the morning exploring world-famous art, including the Mona Lisa.
EUR17, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Angelina Paris

Elegant tearoom serving classic French pastries and light meals.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Eiffel Tower visit

Pre-book tickets to ascend and enjoy panoramic city views at sunset.
EUR25, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner cruise on the Seine

Romantic evening dining while cruising past illuminated landmarks.
EUR70, 2h0m

Day 17: Paris Day Trip

Versailles, France on November 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare early for the Versailles day trip.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Train to Versailles Palace

Short train ride to the magnificent Château de Versailles.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:00am

Tour Palace of Versailles

Explore the opulent palace and extensive gardens; open 9am-6:30pm (Nov).
EUR20, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Enjoy Italian cuisine inside Versailles park.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Paris and free time

Relax or explore nearby neighborhoods.
Free, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistrot Paul Bert

Classic French bistro with excellent steak and desserts.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 18: Paris Leisure Day

Paris, France on November 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Holybelly 5

Popular spot for excellent brunch and relaxing start.
EUR20, 1h0m

10:30am

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Wander bohemian Montmartre, visit Basilica with great city views.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Consulat

Charming café in Montmartre offering classic French dishes.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shopping at Champs-Élysées

Explore luxury stores, flagship boutiques, and lively street atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Le Cinq

Gourmet 3-Michelin star dining experience to conclude your trip (reserve early).
EUR150, 3h0m

Day 19: Departure Day

Paris, France on November 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Europe at the hotel.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Pack and check-out

Prepare for your journey home or next destination.
Free, Varies