Three-Day Scenic Journey from Madrid to Lyon with Culinary Highlights

Day 1: Madrid Exploration

Madrid, Spain on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with iconic churros dipped in rich hot chocolate at this historic Madrid establishment open from 6am, perfect for an authentic Spanish breakfast.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the grand official residence of the Spanish Royal Family with its stunning architecture and art collections. The palace opens at 10am.
EUR13, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Discover a variety of gourmet Spanish tapas and fresh foods at this vibrant market. Open until midnight, ideal for sampling local flavors before departure.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Travel from Madrid to Zaragoza

Take a high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Zaragoza Delicias, approximately 1.5 hours.
EUR40, 1.5h

4:00pm

Check-in and rest

Check into your hotel in Zaragoza and relax after your journey.
EUR0, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along the Ebro River and visit Basilica del Pilar

Explore one of Zaragoza's most iconic baroque churches located along the scenic Ebro River bank. Open until 7pm.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Miguería

Enjoy traditional Aragonese dishes with a modern twist in this cozy and highly rated restaurant near the Basilica. Open until 10:30pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 2: Zaragoza to Lyon

Zaragoza, Spain on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Botánico

Enjoy a fresh coffee and a light breakfast in this charming café open from 7am, a local favorite.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Aljafería Palace

Explore this stunning fortified Islamic palace from the 11th century, now a UNESCO site open from 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm.
EUR5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at El Tubo

Sample a variety of tapas at El Tubo, a lively street known for its quality food and vibrant atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Travel from Zaragoza to Lyon

Travel by train with a transfer in Barcelona; total journey approximately 5.5 hours to Lyon Part-Dieu station.
EUR80, 5.5h

7:30pm

Check-in and quick rest

Arrive in Lyon and check into your hotel to refresh before dinner.
EUR0, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Café Comptoir Abel

Dine at one of Lyon’s oldest bouchons offering classic Lyonnaise cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Open daily until late.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 3: Lyon Cultural Day

Lyon, France on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Kitchen Café

Start your day with fresh, homemade pastries and coffee in this charming café open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Take a funicular up to this stunning basilica overlooking Lyon, open from 7am to 7pm. Enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Explore this famous indoor food market featuring top local producers and enjoy gourmet Lyon specialties.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Walking tour of Vieux Lyon

Discover Lyon’s Renaissance district with its narrow streets, traboules (hidden passageways), and historic architecture.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Musée des Confluences

Explore this innovative science and anthropology museum at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, open until 6pm.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles

Enjoy traditional Lyonnaise hearty specialties served in a friendly, intimate setting. Open daily until 10pm.
EUR30, 1.5h