Three-Week Scenic and Cultural Exploration of Italy, France, and Madeira

Day 1: Historic Rome

Rome, Italy on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy a classic Italian espresso and fresh pastries at this popular Roman café located near Campo de' Fiori.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Explore Rome’s iconic Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum to immerse yourself in ancient history and architecture.
EUR16, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Savor traditional Roman dishes like carbonara and amatriciana in a warm, authentic setting close to the ancient city center.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Discover priceless art collections culminating in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes; book tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Open from 9am to 6pm.
EUR30, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Enjoy rustic Roman cuisine with homemade pasta in the atmospheric Trastevere neighborhood.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Florence Art & Architecture

Florence, Italy on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Florence by train

Early morning high-speed train from Rome to Florence, approximately 1.5 hours travel time.
EUR45, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start with a delicious cappuccino and Florentine pastries at this historic cafe in Piazza della Repubblica.
EUR12, 0h45m

10:30am

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world’s great art museums housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Open 8:15am to 6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Taste traditional Tuscan dishes in a lively and authentic local setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk across Ponte Vecchio and visit Palazzo Vecchio

Enjoy views of the Arno River and explore Florence’s historic town hall and museum.
EUR12, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Dine on exquisite Tuscan and Italian fusion dishes in an intimate ambiance.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 3: Venice Canals

Venice, Italy on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Venice by train

Morning train from Florence to Venice with scenic views, approximately 2 hours.
EUR35, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Rosa Salva

Brighten your morning with Venetian pastries and espresso at a historic café near San Marco.
EUR15, 0h45m

10:30am

Visit Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica

Admire Venetian Gothic architecture and learn about the Republic of Venice's history. Doge’s Palace open 9am-7pm, St. Mark’s Basilica from 9:30am.
EUR25, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Relish fresh seafood and Venetian specialties in this cozy renowned trattoria.
EUR45, 1h30m

4:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience the unique waterways of Venice by a 30-40 minute gondola ride through the canals.
EUR80 (per gondola up to 6 people), 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Enjoy classic Venetian cuisine away from tourist crowds in the San Polo district.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel & Leisure in Paris

Paris, France on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Venice to Paris

Early morning direct flight to Paris, approx. 2 hours flight time; book early for best fares.
EUR80, 2h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a quintessential Parisian café experience with croissants and coffee in Saint-Germain.
EUR15, 0h45m

11:00am

Visit Louvre Museum

Explore the world’s largest art museum housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. It's open 9am-6pm except Tuesdays.
EUR17, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais

Savor classic French bistro dishes in a lively atmosphere near Luxembourg Gardens.
EUR35, 1h15m

4:00pm

Stroll Luxembourg Gardens

Relax with a scenic walk through manicured gardens and fountains.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Dine in one of Paris’s oldest cafés with traditional French cuisine and charming ambiance.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 5: Château Tour & Vineyards

Loire Valley, France on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Paris to Loire Valley by train

Early train to Tours, the gateway city to Loire Valley chateaux, about 1.5 hours.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at local café in Tours

Light breakfast of café au lait and a croissant before château visits.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:30am

Visit Château de Chenonceau

Tour the stunning Renaissance château spanning the Cher River with beautifully preserved interiors. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Cave à 100m

Enjoy farm-to-table French cuisine with expertly paired Loire Valley wines.
EUR40, 1h15m

3:00pm

Visit Château de Villandry Gardens

Explore renowned ornamental gardens including water, flower, and vegetable gardens. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR11, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Tours and Dinner at L'Adresse

A modern French restaurant with a creative menu to end the day on a gourmet note.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 6: French Riviera Relaxation

Nice, France on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Paris to Nice

Travel early to the Mediterranean coast by a short 1.5-hour flight.
EUR60, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies

Start with fresh French pastries and excellent coffee by the seafront.
EUR12, 0h45m

10:00am

Promenade des Anglais

Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along this famous Mediterranean waterfront promenade.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café de Turin

Taste some of the best seafood and oysters in Nice, a local favorite since 1908.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Explore narrow cobblestone streets filled with markets, quaint shops, and vibrant architecture.
Free, 2h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Castle Hill Park (Colline du Château)

Climb or take the elevator for panoramic views of Nice and the coastline.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Petite Maison

Dine on Provençal specialties in an elegant setting famed for fresh ingredients and local charm.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 7: Travel to Madeira

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Nice to Funchal (via Lisbon)

Transfer through Lisbon to reach Funchal, the capital of Madeira island; total travel time approximately 6 hours including layover.
EUR150, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante dos Combatentes

Warm up with traditional Madeiran cuisine such as espada (black scabbardfish) with banana.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk around Funchal’s Old Town

Explore colorful streets, local markets, and charming waterfront with a relaxed vibe.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Cable car ride to Monte

Take the scenic cable car from Funchal to Monte for fantastic views and access to gardens. Open until 7pm.
EUR16, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante do Forte

Enjoy a refined dining experience inside an old fort with sea views and international-Madeiran fusion dishes.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 8: Nature & Views in Madeira

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Concerto

Start with freshly brewed coffee and pastries in a cozy, modern setting downtown.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Levada Walk – Levada dos 25 Fontes

Venture on one of Madeira’s famous irrigation channel trails with lush landscapes and waterfalls. Best started early to avoid crowds; duration approx 3-4 hours. Open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante O Alambique

A traditional farmhouse restaurant offering hearty local dishes and regional wines.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Cabo Girão Skywalk

Walk on Europe’s highest sea cliff skywalk and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic and terraced fields.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Funchal; Relax at hotel or explore town

Unwind after an active day, perhaps visiting the marina or sampling local artisan shops.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Armazém do Sal

Enjoy a fusion of traditional Madeiran ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques in a stylish setting.
EUR55, 1h30m

Day 9: Coastal Adventures

Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before taking the scenic drive to Porto Moniz in northwest Madeira.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

Swim in volcanic black lava rock pools naturally filled with crystal-clear Atlantic water. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Madeira Aquarium (nearby)

Explore local marine life including the native Garajau marine reserve species.
EUR8, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Orca

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with ocean views in Porto Moniz.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Scenic drive along the north coast

Drive back to Funchal stopping at viewpoints such as Miradouro da Fajã do Rodrigues for photo opportunities.
Free, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Funchal at Casa Velha

A charming restaurant offering authentic Madeiran recipes emphasizing fresh local ingredients.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 10: Exploring Santana

Santana, Madeira, Portugal on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day trip to Santana.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Santana Traditional Houses

Visit the iconic colorful triangular thatched houses unique to this area, steeped in Madeiran culture and history.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Hiking in Queimadas Forest Park

Enjoy serene nature trails through Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trail open daylight hours.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Cantinho da Serra

Sample regional mountain specialties in a cozy local setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Funchal – Afternoon at leisure

Relax or explore Funchal's botanical garden and historic sites.
EUR10 (botanical garden), 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante Gavião Novo

End your trip with superb Madeiran cuisine featuring fresh fish and local wine in a sophisticated atmosphere.
EUR60, 2h0m