Scenic and Cultural Journey from Porto to Siena: 8-Day Italy Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Porto

Porto, Portugal on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese breakfast in this historic Belle Époque cafe, renowned for its elegant decor and delicious pastries.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Ribeira District Walk

Stroll along the riverside UNESCO World Heritage district, admiring colourful facades, the Douro River views, and lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Livraria Lello

Discover this stunning historic bookstore famous for its neo-Gothic facade and intricate wooden interior, a must-see for literary and architecture lovers.
EUR6, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taberna dos Mercadores

Taste authentic Portuguese seafood and petiscos in this cosy tavern near the Ribeira waterfront, offering fresh local ingredients.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Clérigos Tower and Church

Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic city views and admire the baroque church, an iconic landmark of Porto.
EUR6, 1h

3:30pm

Port Wine Cellar Tour

Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and tour a famous port wine cellar to learn about production and enjoy tasting.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at DOP

Dine in style at this modern restaurant by celebrated chef Rui Paula, offering innovative Portuguese cuisine in a refined setting.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 2: Lisbon Highlights

Lisbon, Portugal on August 31, 2025

7:00am

Travel Porto to Lisbon

Take an early high-speed train from Porto’s Campanhã station to Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia, about 3 hours.
EUR30, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Indulge in iconic custard tarts at this famed bakery, opening from 8am, best enjoyed fresh and warm.
EUR6, 45m

11:30am

Belém Tower

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, an emblematic 16th century fortress by the Tagus River, open until 6pm.
EUR6, 1h

12:45pm

Jerónimos Monastery

Explore one of Portugal’s most beautiful monuments reflecting Manueline architecture, close to Belém Tower.
EUR10, 1h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample a range of Portuguese food and international dishes from top Lisbon chefs in this popular food hall.
EUR20, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Alfama District

Wander Lisbon’s oldest quarter with narrow streets, historic sites, and viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at A Cevicheria

Enjoy fresh Peruvian-inspired dishes and ceviches from chef Kiko Martins in a trendy Lisbon setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Madrid Cultural Tour

Madrid, Spain on September 1, 2025

6:00am

Travel Lisbon to Madrid

Fly early morning from Lisbon to Madrid Barajas (approx 1h15m flight), allowing full day in Madrid.
EUR60, 2h

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy traditional Spanish breakfast overlooking the Royal Palace in a classy atmosphere.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Prado Museum

Visit the world-renowned art museum featuring masterpieces from Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, open 10am-8pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Discover a gourmet market with diverse tapas and fresh foods near Plaza Mayor, perfect to try many dishes.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour Europe’s largest palace by floor area, with elegant rooms and gardens, open until 6pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

4:30pm

Retiro Park

Relax in Madrid’s famous park with boating lake, sculptures, and beautiful gardens, open until sunset.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine in the world’s oldest restaurant, famed for traditional Spanish roast lamb and historic ambiance.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 4: Barcelona City Sights

Barcelona, Spain on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel Madrid to Barcelona

Take a high-speed AVE train to Barcelona (about 3h), arriving mid-morning to begin sightseeing.
EUR70, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Try traditional Catalan pastries and hot chocolate in this historic cafe, open from 8am.
EUR10, 45m

11:30am

Sagrada Família

Visit Gaudí’s iconic basilica, a masterpiece of architecture and art, with tickets pre-booked for entry, open until 7pm.
EUR30, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Enjoy a variety of Spanish regional dishes in a stylish multi-restaurant space on Passeig de Gràcia.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:15pm

Park Güell

Explore Gaudí’s colorful park full of mosaic tiles, sculptures and views over Barcelona, open until 8:30pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk La Rambla & Gothic Quarter

Stroll the vibrant street and atmospheric old town alleys with historic landmarks and shops.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine in Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, authentic dishes with friendly service.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 5: French Riviera Stop

Nice, France on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel Barcelona to Nice

Take a morning flight or train to Nice, the gateway to the French Riviera, approx 1.5h flight or 6h train.
EUR60, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Le Safari

Savour a Mediterranean breakfast on Place Rossetti in the Old Town, known for its lively atmosphere.
EUR15, 1h

11:30am

Promenade des Anglais

Walk along the famous seaside promenade lined with palms and Belle Époque buildings, for relaxing views.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Merenda

Experience authentic Niçoise cuisine featuring local ingredients in an intimate setting (closed Mon/Tues - check ahead).
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Climb or take the lift to scenic viewpoints overlooking Nice’s bay and old town, great for photos.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Old Town (Vieux Nice) Exploration

Wander the narrow streets, colourful markets, and quaint shops of the historic centre.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Acchiardo

Family-run restaurant serving classic Provençal dishes with local ingredients, highly recommended.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Milan Art & Style

Milan, Italy on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Travel Nice to Milan

Take an early train or flight to Milan, Italy’s design and fashion capital, approx 4-5h by train or 1h flight.
EUR80, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Start with a luxurious Italian pastry and cappuccino in historic Milanese pastry shop, open from 7am.
EUR12, 45m

12:00pm

Duomo di Milano

Visit and climb onto Milan’s spectacular Gothic cathedral roof for stunning city views, open until 7pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Try famous panzerotti, a delicious fried or baked turnover, perfect grab-and-go Italian snack near Duomo.
EUR10, 30m

3:00pm

Pinacoteca di Brera

Explore Milan’s foremost art gallery with Renaissance masterpieces, open Tue-Sun until 7:30pm.
EUR12, 2h

6:00pm

Stroll Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Browse luxury shops and elegant cafes in this historic 19th-century arcaded shopping gallery.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ratanà

Enjoy modern Milanese cuisine emphasizing traditional flavours in stylish setting with garden terrace.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 7: Florence Art & History

Florence, Italy on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Travel Milan to Florence

High speed train from Milan to Florence takes about 1h40m, providing more time for sightseeing.
EUR35, 1h40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Historic café in Piazza della Repubblica serving Italian pastries and espresso, open early for breakfast.
EUR12, 45m

10:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Visit one of the world’s most famous art museums featuring renaissance art by Botticelli and Michelangelo, open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Eat traditional Tuscan dishes in this popular, casual eatery with authentic, hearty flavours near the market.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Climb the dome or bell tower for captivating views of Florence’s skyline, open until 7pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

5:00pm

Ponte Vecchio Walk

Wander the famous medieval bridge with its jeweller shops and scenic river views, especially beautiful at sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Cozy restaurant with classic Tuscan cuisine offering a warm ambiance and seasonal ingredients.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 8: Siena and Countryside

Siena, Italy on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Travel Florence to Siena

Take a morning bus or train to Siena, approximately 1h30m journey, arriving early to explore the city.
EUR15, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nannini

Start your day with delicious traditional pastries and coffee at a renowned Siena bakery.
EUR10, 45m

10:30am

Piazza del Campo

Visit Siena’s stunning main square, famous for its shell shape and the horse race Palio, surrounded by medieval buildings.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)

Explore this magnificent Gothic cathedral with its intricate marble floors and Piccolomini Library, open until 6pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria La Chiacchera

Enjoy authentic Tuscan dishes and local wines in an intimate setting within the historic centre.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk city walls and explore local shops

Leisurely walk along parts of Siena’s preserved medieval city walls and browse artisan shops and boutiques.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Antica Trattoria Papei

Conclude your trip with a meal of traditional Sienese dishes including pici pasta, in a centuries-old trattoria.
EUR40, 2h
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