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20-Day Mediterranean Adventure: From Newark to Athens, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Barcelona, and Madrid

Viewed by 146 travelers

Day 1: Travel and Arrival

Newark, NJ to Athens, Greece on September 1, 2025

10:00am

Flight Newark to Athens

Depart Newark Liberty International Airport for Athens International Airport. Prepare for an overnight flight with meals served onboard.
USD800, 9h0m

12:00pm

Arrival in Athens

Land in Athens, check into your hotel, rest and recover from the flight.
N/A, 2h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Settle into your central Athens hotel to prepare for sightseeing starting tomorrow.
N/A, Rest
Find Hotels in Newark

Day 2: Ancient Athens

Athens, Greece on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Start your day with Greek pastries and coffee at this popular local bakery, open from 7am to 7pm.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Acropolis Visit

Explore the Acropolis and its surrounding archaeological sites, including the Parthenon, open from 8am to 7:30pm in September.
EUR20, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Strofi

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with Acropolis views at this rooftop restaurant open 12pm-12am.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Ancient Agora

Visit the Ancient Agora, a marketplace and gathering spot in ancient Athens, open 8am-7:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Try traditional Greek meze and cured meats at this highly-rated eatery, open until midnight.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Culture & Museums

Athens, Greece on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Six d.o.g.s

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee in this trendy all-day cafe, open 8am-11pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

National Archaeological Museum

Discover Greece's rich history with artifacts ranging from prehistoric to Roman times, open 8am-8pm.
EUR12, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Oineas

Savor modern Greek dishes at this cozy restaurant in Psiri district, open 12pm-12am.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Benaki Museum

Explore Greek culture and art from antiquity to modern times, open 10am-6pm.
EUR9, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Klimataria

Enjoy traditional live music with your meal in this authentic Greek tavern, open 6pm-midnight.
EUR25, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Athens

Day 4: Historic Sites

Athens, Greece on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tailor Made

Try tasty coffee and breakfast sandwiches at this artsy cafe, open 7am-8pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Temple of Poseidon, Sounion

Take a 1.5-hour drive to Cape Sounion to see the stunning Temple of Poseidon, open 8am-7pm.
EUR8, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at nearby seaside tavern

Enjoy fresh seafood with panoramic sea views near Cape Sounion, many open until 6pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Athens & free time

Relax or explore nearby neighborhoods like Plaka on your own.
N/A, Rest

8:00pm

Dinner at Mani Mani

Sample contemporary Greek dishes with a creative twist in this popular restaurant open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Athens

Day 5: Athens to Kefalonia

Athens to Kefalonia, Greece on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your travel day. Most hotels serve breakfast from 7am.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Kefalonia

Fly from Athens to Kefalonia International Airport; flight duration approximately 45 minutes.
EUR50, 1h0m

11:00am

Check-in to hotel in Kefalonia

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy some rest or beach time.
N/A, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Melissani Restaurant

Enjoy fresh local seafood dishes near Melissani Cave, open 12pm-9pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Melissani Cave

Explore the famous underground lake and stunning cave formations, open 8am-7pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Taverna To Perasma

Try classic Greek island fare with sea views in Fiskardo, open 6pm-midnight.
EUR28, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Athens to Kefalonia

Day 6: Kefalonia Beaches & Villages

Kefalonia, Greece on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with hotel breakfast options, typically available from 7am-10am.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Myrtos Beach

Spend the morning at the iconic Myrtos Beach known for its turquoise waters and scenic cliffs.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Captain Vassilis in Assos

Enjoy traditional dishes in the charming village of Assos, open 12pm-9pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Assos Village

Stroll through the picturesque village and enjoy waterfront cafes.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Avithos Restaurant

Dine seaside with local ingredients and relaxed atmosphere, open 6pm-midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kefalonia

Day 7: Kefalonia Outdoor Adventures

Kefalonia, Greece on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before an active day, hotel breakfast available till 10am.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Hiking the Mount Ainos Trail

Embark on a scenic hike at Mount Ainos National Park with panoramic views, open daylight hours.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kivotos Restaurant

Replenish energy with hearty meals in a cozy setting in Sami village, open 12pm-10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Drogarati Cave

Tour the spectacular limestone cave nearby Sami, open 9:30am-5:30pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pelican Restaurant

Enjoy Greek and Mediterranean cuisine right by the sea in Argostoli, open 6pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Relax & Explore Kefalonia

Kefalonia, Greece on September 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring local culture.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Argostoli Town

Explore the capital town with shops, cafes, and the scenic harbor.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Samis Psarotaverna

Enjoy fresh catch of the day near the port, open 12pm-9pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Koutavos Lagoon and Turtle Spotting

Relax at the lagoon area, where you might spot local turtles.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistro 17

Casual dining with fusion dishes in Argostoli, open 6pm-11pm.
EUR22, 1h30m
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Day 9: Kefalonia Leisure Day

Kefalonia, Greece on September 9, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with breakfast to prepare for a beach day.
Included, 1h0m

10:30am

Xi Beach Visit

Relax at Xi Beach, known for its unique colorful sand and shallow waters.
Free, 5h0m

4:00pm

Coffee and Snack Break at Beach Bar

Enjoy refreshments at one of the beach bars.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Nostos Restaurant

Wrap up the day with authentic Greek meals in Lixouri, open until 11pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kefalonia

Day 10: Travel to Lefkada

Kefalonia to Lefkada, Greece on September 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kefalonia before traveling.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Ferry & Transfer to Lefkada

Take ferry or drive and ferry combo to Lefkada island; about 3-4 hours total travel time.
EUR35, 4h0m

1:30pm

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at your accommodation in Lefkada and relax.
N/A, Rest

2:30pm

Lunch at Taverna Vasilis

Savor local specialties in Lefkada town, open 12pm-10pm.
EUR22, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Lefkada Town

Stroll through the charming town with cafes, shops, and waterfront views.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Captain's House

Enjoy seafood dishes in a cozy setting by the sea, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kefalonia to Lefkada

Day 11: Beaches of Lefkada

Lefkada, Greece on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fresh breakfast at your lodging.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Egremni Beach

Visit Egremni Beach known for white sand and crystal clear waters, open access during daylight hours.
EUR5 parking, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sunset Restaurant

Relax with fresh seafood and views near Egremni, open 12pm-11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Kathisma Beach

Spend afternoon at this long sandy beach with beach bars and crystal waters.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Taverna Denis

Enjoy local cuisine in a family-run tavern near Kathisma, open 6pm-11pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lefkada

Day 12: Explore Lefkada & Surroundings

Lefkada, Greece on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before an active day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Nidri Waterfalls

Short hike to small waterfalls nestled in hillside greenery with swimming options.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Harvest

A casual spot serving fresh Greek dishes in Nidri, open 12pm-10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Boat Trip to Meganisi

Enjoy an afternoon boat tour to nearby Meganisi island with swimming stops.
EUR35, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner back in Lefkada Town - Taverna Sousouras

Savor classic Greek dishes in town, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lefkada

Day 13: Lefkada Leisure

Lefkada, Greece on September 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at leisure.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Windsurfing or Relax at Vasiliki Beach

Try water sports or relax on the beach, popular for windsurfing and kite surfing.
EUR30 for rental, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Bakaliko Restaurant

Traditional Greek dishes in Vasiliki village, open midday to evening.
EUR22, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore local villages

Visit small villages nearby for quaint streets and local crafts.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Med Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful dinner with Mediterranean cuisine in Lefkada town.
EUR25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lefkada

Day 14: Travel to Barcelona

Lefkada, Greece to Barcelona, Spain on September 14, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Have a quick breakfast before your travel day, hotels typically start early for departures.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Aktion Airport

Transfer to Aktion Airport (approx. 1.5h drive).
EUR40 taxi, 1h30m

11:00am

Flight to Barcelona

Fly from Aktion Airport to Barcelona El Prat Airport with connecting flights; approx. total 5-6 hours travel including layover.
EUR150, 6h0m

5:00pm

Arrival & Hotel Check-in Barcelona

Check into your accommodation and rest after travel.
N/A, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Enjoy popular tapas dishes in lively atmosphere, open till midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lefkada

Day 15: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on September 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Start with delicious breakfast and specialty coffee in a stylish café, open 9am-5pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Sagrada Familia

Visit Gaudí's iconic basilica; pre-book tickets for 9:30am entry, open 9am-8pm.
EUR26, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Sample diverse local treats and fresh meals inside this famous market, open 8am-8:30pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Park Güell

Explore Gaudí's colorful park with panoramic city views, open 9:30am-7:30pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

4:00pm

Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Batlló

Walk this boulevard to see modernist buildings including Casa Batlló, open 9am-8pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at El Nacional

Dine at this multi-restaurant venue offering various Spanish cuisine, open late.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Barcelona

Day 16: Barcelona Art & History

Barcelona, Spain on September 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy coffee and pastries in a historic café, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Picasso Museum

Discover works from Picasso’s early years, open 10am-7pm, closed Mondays.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bormuth

Cozy tavern with excellent tapas in El Born district, open 1pm-11pm.
EUR22, 1h30m

2:00pm

Montjuïc Hill and Magic Fountain

Visit the hill's castle, gardens, and catch Magic Fountain show in evening (showtimes vary).
Castle EUR5, Fountain Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Experience innovative tapas by famous chefs; book in advance, open until midnight.
EUR50, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Barcelona

Day 17: Day Trip to Montserrat

Barcelona, Spain on September 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast in preparation for day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Montserrat Monastery Visit

Travel 1 hour to Montserrat; explore monastery, hiking trails, and museum, open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR25 including funicular and museum, 6h0m

3:30pm

Return to Barcelona & Relax

Travel back to Barcelona for rest or casual walking.
N/A, Rest

8:00pm

Dinner at Bar Cañete

Traditional Catalan dishes in elegant atmosphere, open until midnight.
EUR40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Barcelona

Day 18: Barcelona Free Day & Travel to Madrid

Barcelona, Spain to Madrid, Spain on September 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Balmes Café

Modern café with a great variety, open early from 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Free time in Barcelona

Optional shopping, beach visit or museums before departure.
Varies, 3h0m

2:00pm

High-Speed Train to Madrid

Take AVE train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha, approx. 3h travel.
EUR60, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check-in hotel in Madrid

Settle into your Madrid accommodation for the final leg of your trip.
N/A, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world with classic Spanish cuisine, open till midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Barcelona

Day 19: Madrid Museums & Parks

Madrid, Spain on September 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Try churros and hot chocolate in this famous spot available 24/7.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Prado Museum

Visit Spain’s premier art museum featuring Old Masters, open 10am-8pm.
EUR15, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Sample a variety of gourmet tapas in a lively market setting, open 10am-midnight.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Retiro Park stroll

Relax in Madrid’s famous park with lake, monuments, and gardens.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Try their famous huevos rotos and traditional Spanish dishes, open 1pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 20: Madrid & Departure

Madrid, Spain on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Spain at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Royal Palace Madrid

Tour the grand Royal Palace and its beautiful gardens, open 10am-8pm.
EUR14, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lhardy

Historic restaurant famous for cocido madrileño and traditional fare, open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Airport Transfer and Flight Home

Head to Madrid-Barajas Airport for your return flight home.
EUR30 taxi, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Madrid
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