8 day itinerary for Barcelona, Paris, Nice, Florence

Itinerary

That sounds like an amazing trip! Let’s dive into an 8-day itinerary that takes you through the vibrant streets of Barcelona, the romantic ambiance of Paris, the stunning coastline of Nice, and the artistic charm of Florence. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown:

## Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona

• Morning: Arrive in Barcelona from Detroit. Depending on your flight, you might want to check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Start your adventure with a leisurely stroll down La Rambla, the famous tree-lined street. Stop by the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria for some delicious tapas and fresh juices.
• Evening: Head to Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) to explore its narrow streets and stunning architecture. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some paella or seafood.

## Day 2: Barcelona

• Morning: Visit Sagrada Família. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines! The architecture is breathtaking.
• Afternoon: Head to Park Güell for some colorful mosaics and panoramic views of the city. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Gràcia neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe and great eateries. Try some local Catalan dishes.

## Day 3: Barcelona to Paris

• Morning: Take a morning flight or train to Paris (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Start your Parisian adventure with a visit to the Louvre Museum. Even if you don’t see everything, make sure to catch the Mona Lisa!
• Evening: Stroll along the Seine River and enjoy dinner at a bistro in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area. Try some classic French cuisine like coq au vin or duck confit.

## Day 4: Paris

• Morning: Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower. You can either go up for stunning views or enjoy a picnic in the nearby Champ de Mars park.
• Afternoon: Explore Montmartre. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and wander through the charming streets, stopping by local shops and cafés.
• Evening: Consider a Seine River cruise for a magical view of the city at night. Dinner can be enjoyed on the cruise or at a nearby restaurant.

## Day 5: Paris to Nice

• Morning: Take a morning flight or train to Nice (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Spend your afternoon relaxing on the Promenade des Anglais. Enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean views and maybe dip your toes in the sea!
• Evening: Explore the old town, Vieux Nice, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try the famous socca (chickpea pancake) or salade niçoise.

## Day 6: Nice

• Morning: Take a day trip to Monaco or Eze. Both are stunning and easily accessible. In Monaco, visit the Palace and the Casino; in Eze, explore the charming village and the exotic garden.
• Afternoon: Return to Nice and relax at the beach or visit the Marc Chagall National Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner in Nice, perhaps at a seaside restaurant with fresh seafood.

## Day 7: Nice to Florence

• Morning: Take a morning flight or train to Florence (about 4-5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Start your exploration with a visit to the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city.
• Evening: Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and enjoy dinner in the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan shops and authentic Tuscan cuisine.

## Day 8: Florence

• Morning: Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Again, booking in advance is a good idea!
• Afternoon: Explore the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the Boboli Gardens.
• Evening: For your last night, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional trattoria. Savor some gelato for dessert as you reflect on your incredible journey!

Departure

• Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading back to Detroit.

Tips:

• Make sure to check the local COVID-19 guidelines and travel restrictions.
• Book your accommodations and major attractions in advance to save time.
• Consider getting a rail pass if you plan to travel by train between cities.

Enjoy your trip! Each city has its own unique charm, and you’re in for a treat! 🌍✈️🍷