16-Day Western Europe Tour: Portugal to Frankfurt via Spain, France & Switzerland

Day 1: Lisbon Exploration

Lisbon, Portugal on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Start your day with the iconic custard tarts and coffee at this famous bakery, open from 8am, a perfect introduction to Portuguese flavors.
EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Visit Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery

Explore these UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing Manueline architecture, open 10am-5:30pm. A must-see historical area in Lisbon.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market)

Enjoy varied Portuguese dishes in a bustling food market with budget-friendly options and wide choices.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Alfama district on foot

Wander the narrow streets of Lisbon’s oldest district, enjoying local atmosphere and Fado music shops.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check in to budget hotel: My Story Hotel Rossio

Centrally located with easy metro access, offering excellent value for money.
EUR70, —

7:00pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Famous for fresh seafood and affordable prices, open till 11pm; ideal for a relaxed dinner.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 2: Porto & Douro Valley

Porto, Portugal on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Beautiful Belle Époque cafe serving Portuguese pastries, open from 8am—start early to avoid crowds.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Train to Porto from Lisbon

Take the Alfa Pendular high-speed train (~3h, EUR30) for comfortable and efficient travel.
EUR30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ribeira Square

Try Francesinha or local grilled fish at riverside restaurants with views of the Douro River.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Dom Luís I Bridge and Port Wine Cellars

Cross the famous bridge and join a guided Port wine tasting tour, open 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Check in at Moov Hotel Porto Centro

Budget-friendly, centrally located hotel with easy public transport access.
EUR60, —

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Guedes

Enjoy affordable sandwiches with Serra cheese and pork near downtown, open till 10pm.
EUR12, 1h
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Day 3: Madrid Arrival & Sightseeing

Madrid, Spain on June 29, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel or La Mallorquina bakery

Savour classic Spanish pastries before the train journey, open from 8am; alternatively, have hotel breakfast.
EUR7, 1h

8:00am

Flight from Porto to Madrid

Take a direct 1h15m flight with budget airlines like Ryanair or Iberia, booking in advance for best rates (~EUR40).
EUR40, 2h (include airport transfers)

11:00am

Check in to Hotel Regina Madrid

Centrally located budget hotel near Puerta del Sol, ideal for walking tours.
EUR80, —

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Try tapas and Spanish dishes in this lively market, open 10am-12am.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral

Explore Madrid’s historic royal buildings, open 10am-8pm.
EUR13, 2h

5:00pm

Walk Retiro Park

Relax in Madrid’s vast green park; entry is free and park closes around 10pm.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Tigre

Popular for large free tapas portions with drinks, open till late; great value for budget diners.
EUR20, 1.5h
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Day 4: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Brunch & Cake

Enjoy hearty breakfast before travel; Brunch & Cake offers great all-day options.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Train to Barcelona

Take a morning high-speed AVE train (~3h, EUR40) for comfort and efficiency.
EUR40, 3h

12:00pm

Check in at Chic & Basic Born Boutique Hotel

Budget-chic hotel with a central location in trendy El Born neighborhood.
EUR70, —

1:00pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Explore this iconic market for fresh, affordable Catalan dishes and seafood.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Sagrada Familia & Park Güell

Visit Gaudí’s masterpieces; Sagrada Familia tickets are around EUR26, park open 8am-8pm. Pre-book tickets online.
EUR26, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Xampanyet

Traditional tapas bar with lively atmosphere, convenient for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal till 11pm.
EUR20, 1.5h
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Day 5: Nice & Coastal Relaxation

Nice, France on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel or Café de Flore

Fuel up for day with French pastries and coffee, café opens at 7am.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Flight to Nice

Catch a direct flight from Barcelona to Nice (1h30m) with airlines like Vueling or EasyJet, advance booking advised (~EUR60).
EUR60, 2.5h (including transit)

11:00am

Check in at Hotel Ozz by HappyCulture

Youthful budget option in Nice, walking distance from beaches and Promenade des Anglais.
EUR70, —

12:30pm

Lunch at Cours Saleya Market

Sample local delicacies and fresh produce in the vibrant open market, open till late afternoon.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Old Town & Promenade des Anglais

Discover Nice’s historic quarter with its narrow streets and stroll along the scenic seafront promenade.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lou Pilha Leva

Informal, affordable restaurant serving traditional Niçoise food.
EUR20, 1.5h
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Day 6: Paris Culture

Paris, France on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby boulangerie

Enjoy croissants and café au lait to energize for travel and sightseeing.
EUR8, 1h

8:00am

Flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle

Fly from Nice to Paris in about 1h30m with Air France or EasyJet for time efficiency (~EUR70).
EUR70, 2.5h (including transit)

11:00am

Check in at Hotel ibis Paris Montmartre 18ème

Budget hotel near Montmartre, excellent metro connections.
EUR80, —

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Bouillon Pigalle

Affordable French bistro offering classic dishes in a lively setting, open till late afternoon.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre district

Explore artistic Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica with panoramic city views; open daily, free entry.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Louvre Museum

Visit world-famous art museum, open 9am-6pm (closed Tuesdays). Advanced booking recommended, ticket EUR17.
EUR17, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bistro des Dames

Cozy neighborhood bistro serving well-priced French fare, open till 10:30pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 7: Lyon’s Charm

Lyon, France on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Paul Bakery

Grab French pastries and coffee at Paul, open early, before traveling.
EUR7, 1h

8:00am

Train to Lyon

Take TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu station, approximately 2h, ~EUR40 with advance booking.
EUR40, 2h

10:30am

Check in at Ibis Lyon Centre Perrache

Centrally located budget hotel near the train station with easy access to old town.
EUR70, —

11:30am

Explore Vieux Lyon and Fourvière Hill

Wander the UNESCO-listed Renaissance old town and visit Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, open 8am-7pm.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Sample local Lyon specialties in this bustling indoor market, open till 6pm.
EUR20, 1h

4:00pm

Walk along Saône River & Parc de la Tête d'Or

Enjoy leisurely strolls in park and riverbanks, great for relaxation and people watching.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Comptoir Abel

Traditional bouchon restaurant offering affordable Lyonnaise cuisine, reservation recommended.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 8: Zurich Arrival & Exploration

Zurich, Switzerland on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Enjoy Swiss pastries with coffee before departure.
CHF10, 1h

8:00am

Flight to Zurich from Lyon

Take a direct flight (~1h15m) with Swiss Airlines or EasyJet for time efficiency, costing ~CHF80 booked early.
CHF80, 2.5h (including transfers)

11:00am

Check in at easyHotel Zurich

Affordable centrally located hotel with clean and simple rooms, near the main train station.
CHF90, —

12:30pm

Lunch at Sternen Grill

Famous for Zurich sausages and affordable local fare, a great quick lunch spot.
CHF20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Old Town and Lake Zurich promenade

Walk through historic streets and enjoy scenic lake views; open area free for exploring.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl Restaurant

Oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world with budget-friendly options, open till 10pm.
CHF30, 1.5h
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Day 9: Lucerne and Lake Views

Lucerne, Switzerland on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy local pastries and fresh coffee before starting day.
CHF10, 1h

9:00am

Train to Lucerne

Short scenic train ride (~1h, CHF25) from Zurich to Lucerne.
CHF25, 1h

10:30am

Visit Chapel Bridge & Old Town

Stroll the picturesque wooden bridge and explore charming cobblestone streets; open area, free.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss dishes in cozy setting at reasonable prices.
CHF25, 1h

2:00pm

Boat cruise on Lake Lucerne

Enjoy scenic 1.5hr boat ride on the beautiful lake, operating between 9am-5pm, ticket CHF25.
CHF25, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Zurich by train

Travel back to Zurich to overnight at easyHotel, train timetable similar to arrival.
CHF25, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Swiss Chuchi

Try traditional fondue and Swiss fare in a friendly, budget-friendly locale in Zurich.
CHF30, 1.5h
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Day 10: Interlaken Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Basic Swiss breakfast before travel.
CHF10, 1h

8:00am

Train to Interlaken

Take a scenic train journey (~2h, CHF40) that passes through beautiful landscapes.
CHF40, 2h

10:30am

Check in at Hotel Interlaken

Comfortable, budget-friendly hotel with easy access to attractions and nature.
CHF100, —

11:30am

Lake Thun or Lake Brienz Boat Tour

1.5h boat ride exploring stunning Swiss lakes, boats operate 9am-5pm, fare CHF30.
CHF30, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bebbis Restaurant

Relaxed lakeside dining spot with typical Swiss dishes at moderate prices.
CHF30, 1h

3:00pm

Harder Kulm Viewpoint

Take funicular open 8am-6pm (return CHF38) for panoramic views of Interlaken and Alps.
CHF38, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ox Restaurant & Grill

Cozy spot offering local and international fare at reasonable prices.
CHF35, 1.5h
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Day 11: Geneva Sights & Travel

Geneva, Switzerland on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or patisserie

Enjoy coffee and pastries to start your day.
CHF10, 1h

8:00am

Train to Geneva

Scenic 3h train to Geneva (CHF60) with comfortable seating and views.
CHF60, 3h

11:30am

Check in at Hotel Carmen

Budget-friendly hotel close to the train station and lake.
CHF90, —

12:30pm

Lunch at Buvette des Bains

Casual lakeside eatery offering snacks and light meals with beautiful lake views.
CHF20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Jet d’Eau & English Garden

Visit the iconic lakeside fountain and nearby parklands with floral clocks, ideal for photography.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit International Red Cross Museum

Insightful museum about humanitarian work, open 10am-6pm, ticket CHF15.
CHF15, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café du Soleil

Known for excellent fondue, this venue is great for affordable Swiss dining experience.
CHF35, 1.5h
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Day 12: Final Travel to Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before departure.
CHF10, 1h

8:30am

Train to Frankfurt

Take a direct train from Geneva to Frankfurt, approximately 4h30m, price ~EUR80; book early for best fares.
EUR80, 4.5h

1:00pm

Check in at MEININGER Hotel Frankfurt Main Messe

Affordable and modern hotel with excellent transport links.
EUR70, —

2:00pm

Lunch at Kleinmarkthalle

Visit this vibrant market hall offering a variety of affordable food options, local and international.
EUR15, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Römerberg & Old Town

Wander Frankfurt’s picturesque historic square and surrounding areas, free to roam and enjoy local culture.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Apfelwein Wagner

Experience traditional Frankfurt cuisine including apple wine, a local speciality, at reasonable prices.
EUR25, 1.5h
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