Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
You'll fly into Paris and get settled at your accommodation. After dropping off your bags, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Walking through the streets around your hotel gives you a feel for the neighborhood, and you can stop by the Eiffel Tower whenever you like. There's no rush here - pop into a local café, grab a coffee, and just soak in that Parisian energy.
Optional Activities
- Explore Paris streets and neighborhoods
- Visit cafés and local establishments
- Photography around the Eiffel Tower
Landmarks Eiffel Tower 
- Day 2
Paris
Today's about doing what interests you most in Paris. Galeries Lafayette has that famous glass dome if shopping appeals to you, or you could spend time in the museums instead. The Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe are great for walking around, and there are gardens throughout the city if you want a quieter afternoon. By evening, you have the option to catch a show at Moulin Rouge if that sounds fun.
Optional Activities
- Window shopping at Galeries Lafayette
- Visit the Louvre Museum (payable on site)
- Relax at Jardin de Tuileries
- Walk the Champs-Élysées
- Visit Arc de Triomphe
- View Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Evening show at Moulin Rouge with champagne (payable on site)
Landmarks Galeries Lafayette Louvre Jardin de Tuileries Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe Notre-Dame Cathedral Moulin Rouge - Day 3
Paris
This day takes you beyond the main tourist spots. The Château de Fontainebleau is worth the trip out, and from Montparnasse you'll get views across the whole city. Canal St. Martin is where locals actually hang out, different from the crowded areas. There's a mini Statue of Liberty tucked away here too. You'll also check out the Cimetière du Père Lachaise, which is historic and quiet - a different side of Paris.
Optional Activities
- Visit Château de Fontainebleau (extra cost)
- Ascend Montparnasse Viewing Deck for 360-degree views (payable on site)
- Explore Canal St. Martin
- Find mini Statue of Liberty at Seine
- Walk through Cimetière du Père Lachaise
Landmarks Château de Fontainebleau Montparnasse Viewing Deck Canal St. Martin Statue of Liberty (Paris) Cimetière du Père Lachaise - Day 4
Paris to Marseille
You're leaving Paris by train today and heading to Marseille. After arriving in this Mediterranean port city, the atmosphere shifts right away. You'll notice the sea breezes and energy of the fish markets. Notre-Dame de la Garde sits up on a hill and gives you views over everything. The neighborhoods here have their own character, and it's worth just walking around to get a sense of how different it feels from Paris.
Optional Activities
- Visit Notre-Dame de la Garde
- Boat trip to Château d'If
- Relax at Parc Borély
- Explore Le Panier neighborhood and street art
- Sample local panisse (fried chickpeas) at lunch
Landmarks Notre-Dame de la Garde Château d'If Parc Borély Le Panier - Day 5
Marseille
Marseille has a creative side that's pretty vibrant. Cours Julien is colorful and full of street art and local energy. The Marché des Capucins brings together spices, local foods, and people - it's chaotic in the best way. Over at Vieux-Port, you can relax by the water and watch the boats. If you time it right, heading up the steps at Gare Saint-Charles near sunset gives you those warm evening views.
Optional Activities
- Explore Cours Julien's street art and murals
- Browse Marché des Capucins market
- Relax at Vieux-Port
- Climb Gare Saint-Charles steps for city views at sunset
Landmarks Cours Julien Marché des Capucins Vieux-Port Gare Saint-Charles - Day 6
Marseille to Barcelona
The train ride from Marseille to Barcelona crosses into Spain, and you'll feel the shift as you go. Once you arrive in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter is where you'll spend time - the medieval streets are narrow and the plazas feel old. Wandering through here, you'll find restaurants serving real Catalan food, which tastes different from what you might have had elsewhere.
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Gothic Quarter narrow streets
- Visit Cathedral and Plaça del Rei
- Relax at Plaça Reial among palm trees and street cafés
- Dine on Catalan cuisine at local restaurants
Landmarks Gothic Quarter Barcelona Cathedral Plaça del Rei Plaça Reial 
- Day 7
Barcelona
Today's all about Gaudí's architectural creations. Park Güell has those colorful mosaics and quirky structures that feel almost like a fairytale. Casa Batlló is another one of his buildings with fantastical design details everywhere. The Sagrada Familia is the big one - the cathedral is still under construction but it's impressive to see. For dinner, find a local bar and try some authentic tapas.
Optional Activities
- Explore Park Güell with colorful mosaics (tickets available online)
- Visit Casa Batlló with flowery façade and sparkling roof (tickets available online)
- Admire Sagrada Família cathedral
- Dine on tapas at local bars
Landmarks Park Güell Casa Batlló Sagrada Família - Day 8
Barcelona to Madrid
You're heading to Madrid by train now. This is Spain's capital and it has real energy to it. Gran Vía is the main street running through the city, lined with stately buildings and history. The whole area buzzes with activity. Later, the Malasaña neighborhood has trendy bars and restaurants where locals actually eat, not just tourists.
Optional Activities
- Explore Gran Vía street
- Visit historical monuments and gardens
- Browse colorful markets
- Dine at trendy restaurants and bars in Malasaña
Landmarks Gran Vía Malasaña - Day 9
Madrid
Madrid's main attractions start at Plaza de Cibeles with its famous fountain. The Palacio Real is nearby - it's the royal palace and the architecture and interiors are quite something. Puerta del Sol is considered the heart of the city and it's always busy. There are historic markets where you can sample regional food. If you're interested in football, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium tour is an option.
Optional Activities
- Visit Plaza de Cibeles and Fuente de Cibeles fountain
- Tour Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (payable on site)
- Explore Puerta del Sol
- Visit Palacio Real interior (payable on site)
- Sample regional delicacies at Mercado de San Miguel or Mercado de San Antón
Landmarks Plaza de Cibeles Fuente de Cibeles Estadio Santiago Bernabéu Puerta del Sol Palacio Real Mercado de San Miguel Mercado de San Antón - Day 10
Madrid to Málaga
You'll travel from Madrid down to Málaga on the coast. When you arrive, the Alcazaba fortress is a good place to start - it's imposing and you get views from up there. The old town has narrow streets, churches, and cathedrals mixed in. Walking around gives you that Mediterranean Spanish feeling, and it's quite different from the inland cities you've been visiting.
Optional Activities
- Visit Alcazaba fortress with views over the city (payable on site)
- Explore old town with cathedrals and narrow streets
- Experience Mediterranean vibe and Spanish culture
Landmarks Alcazaba - Day 11
Málaga
Start your morning the way locals do with a traditional breakfast. After that, Málaga's art scene is worth exploring since Picasso was born here. There are beautiful beaches with golden sand if you want to spend time by the water. Beachside restaurants serve fresh seafood, and if you climb up Gibralfaro at sunset, you get magical views of the city lights coming on.
Optional Activities
- Enjoy traditional breakfast - churros con chocolate or Andalusian tostada
- Visit Picasso Museum (payable locally)
- Relax at Playa de la Malagueta beach
- Snack on freshly grilled espetos at beach chiringuito
- Climb Gibralfaro viewpoint at sunset
Landmarks Picasso Museum Playa de la Malagueta Gibralfaro - Day 12
Málaga to Seville
The train takes you to Seville, and this city feels like the heart of Andalusia. Plaza de España is the big draw here - it's semicircular with bridges and architecture that makes people think of Venice. The Alcázar of Seville has Moorish arches and gardens, and it's impressive to walk through with all that history around.
Optional Activities
- Explore Plaza de España with 200-meter semi-circular architecture
- Visit Alcázar of Seville with Moorish arches and gardens
Landmarks Plaza de España Alcázar of Seville - Day 13
Seville
Seville's cathedral is remarkable, and you can climb the Giralda bell tower for city views. Barrio Santa Cruz is the charming neighborhood with hidden courtyards and small tapas bars where you can eat. The Metropol Parasol is more modern and futuristic, but from the top you see across the whole city. As evening comes, heading down to the Guadalquivir River is nice for a walk.
Optional Activities
- Visit the Cathedral - one of the largest in the world
- Climb Giralda bell tower for best city views (payable on site)
- Explore Barrio Santa Cruz with narrow streets and colorful houses
- Sample tapas at local restaurants
- Visit Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) with skywalk views (payable on site)
- Relax by the Guadalquivir River at sunset
Landmarks Seville Cathedral Giralda Barrio Santa Cruz Metropol Parasol Guadalquivir River - Day 14
Lisbon
Today's about reflecting on the whole trip through France, Spain, and Portugal. You've seen a lot and experienced different cities and cultures. Your memory card is full of photos and you'll have stories to tell. Before you head to the airport, take some time to organize your photos and think back on what made this journey special for you.
- Day 15
Lagos
Today you're exploring Lagos's nature and character. Praia do Camilo has a wooden staircase leading down to golden rocks and turquoise water - it's like a postcard. Paddleboarding through grottos is an activity here if that interests you. The old town's cobblestone streets have boutiques and shops. Forte da Ponta da Bandeira is a historic fort by the water with good views.
Optional Activities
- Visit Praia do Camilo via wooden staircase
- Paddleboard (SUP) through grottos and rock arches (payable on site)
- Explore old town with cobblestones and small stores
- Walk Avenida dos Descobrimentos
- Visit Forte da Ponta da Bandeira with historic walls
Landmarks Praia do Camilo Forte da Ponta da Bandeira - Day 16
Lagos
You've got a beach day here in Lagos. Praia da Batata is easy to get to and has good energy. If you want quieter spots, Praia dos Estudantes has that famous arched bridge, and Praia do Pinhão is tiny. Praia Dona Ana has dramatic cliffs. If you wake up early for sunrise, you'll beat the crowds and get the beaches mostly to yourself.
Optional Activities
- Visit Praia da Batata beach
- Explore Praia dos Estudantes with arched bridge
- Visit hidden Praia do Pinhão
- Experience Praia Dona Ana with steep cliffs and turquoise water
- Catch sunrise for crowd-free beach experience
Landmarks Praia da Batata Praia dos Estudantes Praia do Pinhão Praia Dona Ana - Day 17
Lagos to Lisbon
A bus ride gets you to Lisbon, Portugal's capital. Walking along the Tagus River gives you scenes worth photographing. The Arco da Rua Augusta is iconic, and there's an equestrian statue nearby. Bairro Alto is the vibrant neighborhood - street art covers walls, you can climb to rooftops, and the bars get lively in the evenings.
Optional Activities
- Stroll along Tagus River promenade
- Visit Praça do Comércio with Arco da Rua Augusta
- Explore Bairro Alto neighborhood
- Experience rooftop bars and sunset drinks
- Discover street art and creative spots
Landmarks Praça do Comércio Arco da Rua Augusta Bairro Alto - Day 18
Lisbon
You'll ride the famous yellow Tram 28 through old Lisbon's streets. The Palácio Nacional in the Ajuda district is opulent and worth seeing. Pastéis de Belém are the famous local pastries, and you should try them. By the water, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém are both historic and impressive. End the afternoon with sunset views somewhere quiet.
Optional Activities
- Ride iconic Tram 28 through old town
- Visit Palácio Nacional in Ajuda district
- Sample Pastéis de Belem pastries
- Explore Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
- Visit Torre de Belem
- Sunset viewing by the water
Landmarks Tram 28 Palácio Nacional de Ajuda Pastéis de Belem Mosteiro dos Jerónimos Torre de Belem - Day 19
Departure
Your last morning in Lisbon gives you time to reflect on everything you've seen over the past few days. Take a slow walk through a neighborhood you missed or grab coffee at a café you liked. Then head to the airport for your flight home. The timing depends on your departure, but plan to leave your accommodation a few hours before takeoff.
