Europe & Mediterranean Highlights: Tehran to Venice, San Marino, Malta, and Beyond

Day 1: Venice Arrival & Exploration

Venice, Italy on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start your Venetian experience with espresso and fresh pastries at this popular local café, open from 7:00am to 7:00pm, known for its authentic Venetian sweets.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore this iconic church known for its Byzantine architecture, mosaics and history, open from 9:30am to 5:00pm. A must-see for first-timers.
EUR5, 1h30m

11:00am

Tour Doge’s Palace

Discover the former seat of Venetian government, its stunning Gothic architecture, and the Bridge of Sighs. Open 8:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and Venetian specialties at this intimate and exceptional eatery, typically open 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Gondola Ride through Venice Canals

Experience Venice via its famous canals for 30-40 minutes, capturing the charming waterways and historic bridges.
EUR80, 0h45m

4:00pm

Relax at Piazza San Marco

Unwind with a coffee or gelato at one of the cafés lining the square and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Open all day.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Taste traditional Venetian cuisine with emphasis on fresh seafood and seasonal produce. Open from 7:00pm to 10:30pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 2: Venice Art & Islands

Venice, Italy on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Farini

Begin with coffee and freshly baked croissants at this popular Venetian bakery, open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR12, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art masterpieces in this unique museum housed in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:30am

Murano Island Excursion

Take a vaporetto to Murano and witness famous glassblowing demonstrations in several artisan factories. Vaporetto runs regularly from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR20, 3h30m

3:30pm

Return and Coffee Break

Stop by a canal-side café near Rialto Bridge for an espresso or afternoon snack.
EUR10, 0h45m

4:30pm

Explore Rialto Market

Walk through the historic market with fresh produce and local goods. The market is open until about 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Alle Corone

Dine on contemporary Venetian dishes with creative twists, open from 7:00pm to 10:30pm.
EUR55, 1h30m

Day 3: San Marino Day Trip

San Marino on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up early before your journey with a simple café breakfast.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel from Venice to San Marino

Drive or take a train plus bus shuttle (approx. 3.5-4 hours) from Venice to reach San Marino in the morning.
EUR45, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Fratta

Enjoy traditional Sammarinese cuisine featuring homemade pasta and local wines, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore San Marino Historic Centre

Visit the Three Towers of San Marino, Piazza della Libertà, and the Basilica, enjoying spectacular views. Most sites are accessible until 6:00pm.
EUR10, 3h0m

5:00pm

Coffee Break at Caffè Peler

Relax with a coffee or gelato in the town square before departure.
EUR10, 0h30m

5:30pm

Travel to Bologna for overnight

Travel about 1 hour by car or bus from San Marino to Bologna for your flight connection to Malta the next day.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Gianni

Taste classic Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù in this cozy restaurant open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Fly Bologna to Malta

Malta on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Bologna

Light breakfast in hotel or nearby bakery before heading to the airport.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight Bologna to Malta

Take a direct flight, approx 1h45m, arriving late morning at Malta International Airport.
EUR80, 1h45m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Café Jubilee, Valletta

Enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine including pastizzi and ftira in this centrally located café open from 8am to 5pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Valletta City

Walk through the historic capital, visit St. John's Co-Cathedral (open 9:30am-5:00pm), and enjoy views of the Grand Harbour.
EUR15, 3h0m

4:30pm

Coffee & Rest at Strait Street

Relax at a trendy café on the famous Strait Street, open daily until late.
EUR10, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nenu the Artisan Baker

Sample traditional Maltese dishes including homemade ftira bread in a cozy setting, open from 7pm to 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 5: Malta Sightseeing & Beaches

Malta on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mint

Enjoy a fresh and healthy breakfast in the heart of Valletta, open from 7:30am to 3:00pm.
EUR15, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Mdina, the Silent City

Take a short trip to Mdina, an ancient fortified city with narrow streets and stunning architecture, open all day.
EUR5, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fontanella Tea Garden

Famous for cakes and panoramic views of Malta, this spot near Mdina is open until 6:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax at Golden Bay Beach

Spend the afternoon at one of Malta’s best sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Valletta and rest

Head back to your accommodation in Valletta to relax after the beach.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rubino

Enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine in a warm, family-run restaurant open 7pm-10:30pm.
EUR45, 1h30m