12-Day Mediterranean Journey: Exploring Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Malta

Day 1: Arrival and Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 17, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast of fresh pastries and espresso at this popular local spot, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 0h30m

10:00am

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Explore Rome's iconic Colosseum and nearby Roman Forum with a guided tour to understand ancient imperial history. Open 8:30am-7:00pm.
EUR16, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Savor traditional Roman dishes like carbonara in this cozy trattoria known for its authentic flavors.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Walk to the Pantheon, a Roman temple turned church, then relax at the vibrant Piazza Navona nearby.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Enjoy a refined Italian dinner at Roscioli, famous for its cured meats and extensive wine list. Reservations recommended.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican & Historic Sights

Rome, Italy on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Greco

Start your day at Rome’s oldest cafe, enjoying coffee and pastries since 1760. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR12, 0h30m

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Tour the expansive Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Open from 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Grab some of Rome’s best gourmet pizza al taglio at Pizzarium, serving creative toppings.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica Visit

Enter the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica and optionally climb to the dome for city views. Basilica open 7:00am-7:00pm.
EUR10 (Dome climb), 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Enjoy modern Roman cuisine in a stylish setting near the Pantheon. Open until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Tivoli

Rome, Italy (Day Trip to Tivoli) on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have a quick breakfast before heading out to Tivoli.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Tivoli (by car/bus, ~1h)

Head east to Tivoli to explore its famous villas and gardens.
EUR15 (transport), 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Villa d’Este

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Renaissance fountains and gardens. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sibilla Restaurant

Dine at this historic restaurant offering delicious Italian cuisine and scenic views of Tivoli.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa)

Tour the impressive ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s expansive Roman villa. Open 9:00am-7:30pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Rome

Head back to Rome for a relaxed evening.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Finish the day with classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe in Trastevere’s beloved eatery.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Dubrovnik Arrival & Old Town

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your Rome hotel

Enjoy a hearty Italian breakfast before your flight to Dubrovnik.
Included, 0h30m

10:00am

Flight from Rome to Dubrovnik

Fly approximately 1.5 hours; early booking recommended for best fares.
EUR80, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and quick lunch at Peppers Eatery

Sample creative Croatian dishes served in a modern bistro in Old Town.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Dubrovnik City Walls

Stroll the famous 2-km ancient city walls with panoramic views of the Adriatic. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
HRK200 (~EUR27), 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Old Town

Visit landmarks like Stradun, Rector’s Palace, and Fort Lovrijenac by foot.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nautika Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood overlooking the Adriatic; famous for fine dining and sunset views.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Island Excursion

Dubrovnik, Croatia on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal

Enjoy coffee and light breakfast by the harbor before your island trip.
EUR15, 0h30m

8:30am

Boat trip to Lokrum Island

Take a 15-minute ferry to Lokrum to explore botanical gardens, medieval ruins, and swim spots. Ferries run 9:00am-6:00pm.
HRK100 (~EUR13), 4h0m

1:00pm

Picnic or light lunch on Lokrum

Carry a packed lunch or dine at the island’s café with scenic views.
EUR10, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Dubrovnik and relax

Enjoy some downtime or stroll along the Lapad promenade.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taj Mahal Dubrovnik

Taste Bosnian-Croatian fusion dishes including grilled meats in Old Town.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Athens Historic Highlights

Athens, Greece on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Dubrovnik hotel

Early breakfast before your flight to Athens.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight Dubrovnik to Athens

Approximate 1.5-hour flight; book early for best prices.
EUR90, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Sample Greek meze and cured meats in a traditional deli setting central Athens.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Acropolis and Parthenon

Explore the UNESCO-listed Acropolis with spectacular views and ancient temples. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR25, 3h0m

4:30pm

Acropolis Museum Visit

Visit the nearby Acropolis Museum showcasing artifacts from the site. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Enjoy contemporary Greek cuisine with views of the Acropolis lit up at night.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Historic Athens & Plaka

Athens, Greece on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Try authentic Greek pastries and coffee in Plaka. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR12, 0h30m

9:00am

Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian

Visit these iconic ruins near the city center. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

10:30am

National Archaeological Museum

Discover Greece’s largest collection of ancient artifacts. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at O Thanasis

Taste legendary Greek souvlaki in the Monastiraki area. Open 12:00pm-12:00am.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll Plaka neighborhood

Wander through the charming historic district with shops and cafes.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Lycabettus Hill

Take the funicular up Lycabettus for panoramic sunset views over Athens.
EUR7, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Dine with Acropolis views and enjoy classic Greek dishes. Reservations advised.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Day Trip to Delphi

Athens, Greece (Day Trip to Delphi) on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before the Delphi excursion.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Delphi

Travel approx 2.5 hours to Delphi archaeological site and museum.
EUR40 (bus or rental), 2h30m

10:30am

Explore Delphi Archaeological Site

Visit the Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins atop Mount Parnassus. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna To Patriko Mas

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes near the archaeological site.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Delphi Museum

See important artifacts and sculptures collected from the site. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Athens

Head back to Athens to relax in the evening.
EUR40, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mani Mani

Dine on innovative Greek cuisine in a cozy neighborhood setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Arrival & Valletta Exploration

Valletta, Malta on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Athens hotel

Fuel up before your flight to Malta.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight Athens to Malta

Fly approximately 2.5 hours to Malta; early booking is advised.
EUR120, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nenu the Artisan Baker

Enjoy traditional Maltese ftira (a local style flatbread) in a rustic setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk around Valletta Historic Center

Explore the UNESCO-listed city with highlights like St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
EUR15 (cathedral entry), 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Upper Barrakka Gardens

Enjoy stunning harbor views and the traditional gun salute at noon or 4pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rampila

Experience Maltese dishes inside historic city walls with charming ambiance.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Mdina & Maltese Countryside

Valletta/Mdina, Malta on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Cordina

Enjoy pastries and coffee in a beautiful historic café in Valletta. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR12, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Mdina

Short 30-minute drive to Malta’s silent city known for medieval architecture.
EUR10 (taxi/bus), 0h30m

9:30am

Tour of Mdina

Wander the narrow streets and visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. City walls open daylight hours.
EUR10 (cathedral), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fontanella Tea Garden

Famous for its cakes and views over the island, offering light meals and snacks.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Dingli Cliffs

Head to Malta’s highest point for spectacular sea views and peaceful nature walks.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Valletta

Relax at your hotel or explore more local shops.
EUR10, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Palazzo Preca

Dine on refined Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine in a historic palazzo.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 11: Malta Beach Day

Malta on May 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out for the day.
Included, 0h30m

9:30am

Day at Golden Bay Beach

Relax on one of Malta’s most popular sandy beaches with clear waters and amenities.
Free, 5h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Beachside Café

Casual lunch with fresh seafood and beach views at Golden Bay.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore nearby Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

Discover a quieter beach spot with beautiful cliffs and turquoise water.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Harbour Club

Dine in a chic waterfront setting in Valletta with Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure Day

Valletta, Malta on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final morning with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Morning stroll through Valletta

Take a last walk in the charming streets to pick up souvenirs or photos.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Check-out and transfer to Malta International Airport

Allow sufficient time to reach the airport for your departure flight.
EUR20, 0h30m
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